what to expect

Shockwave supports your body's own repair processes, so results build over a series of sessions rather than all at once. Most clients feel changes within the first few visits, and benefits often keep developing for weeks afterward. Results vary and are not guaranteed.

How many sessions?

  • Heel and foot (plantar fasciitis): 3 to 5 weekly sessions

  • Achilles, patellar tendon, hip and gluteal: 4 to 6, sometimes up to 8 weekly sessions

  • Shoulder (including calcific) and Elbow: 3 to 5 weekly sessions

  • Trigger points and muscle tightness: 3 to 5 sessions, once or twice per week

  • Low back: 5 to 8 sessions, once or twice per week

  • Joint stiffness linked to osteoarthritis (EMTT): 6 to 10 sessions 2 to 3 times per week

Your practitioner will adjust this as you respond. Sessions are 30 minutes.

What the process usually looks like

  • Sessions 1 and 2: Some clients feel better right away. Others notice a short-lived flare in soreness as the area responds. This is common.

  • Sessions 3 and 4: Many clients notice less pain and easier movement.

  • Sessions 5 and 6: Many clients report steadier gains in strength and activity tolerance.

  • 4 to 12 weeks after your last session: Many clients say this is when they feel their best.

Aftercare

First 24 hours

  • Do: drink plenty of water, walk lightly, move gently within comfort, ice for 10 to 15 minutes (with a cloth) if sore or swollen, elevate if swollen.

  • Avoid: heat, hot tubs, saunas and steam; ibuprofen, naproxen and anti-inflammatory gels (acetaminophen is fine); massage or manual therapy on the area; high-impact or heavy exercise on the area.

Days 2 to 7

  • Do: cycling, swimming, walking, light stretching, and lighter strength work if it does not cause sharp pain.

  • Avoid: heavy lifting on the area until soreness settles (about day 4 to 5); running, jumping and other high-impact activity for 5 to 7 days; long stretches of standing on a treated foot or leg; heavy alcohol.

Back to normal activity

Day 1 to 2: Everyday activities, light walking, desk work, driving

Day 2 to 4: Add gentle stretching and low-impact cardio

Day 5 to 7: Moderate activity as soreness allows

Week 2: Recreational sport at reduced intensity

Week 3 to 4: Gradual return to full training

Week 4 to 8: Full return to sport for most clients

Call us if pain keeps getting worse after 5 to 7 days, you see signs of infection (swelling, redness, warmth), numbness lasts more than 48 hours, or you start blood thinners or steroids between sessions.

Who should not have shockwave

Shockwave is not right for everyone. Tell us before your first visit if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or other implanted device, a clotting disorder or take blood thinners, have active cancer, an open wound or infection at the site, a recent steroid injection there, or are under 18. The full list is in the Client Guide.

Call to book