Shock wave therapy

Shockwave Therapy in Howick, Auckland

Fast and effective treatment for chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It is an evidence-based approach commonly used to treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions that have not responded to traditional physiotherapy or medication.

The treatment works by delivering focused shockwaves to the affected tissue, promoting blood flow, stimulating cellular repair, and reducing pain. No injections, medication, or surgery are required.

How does it work and what to expect?

During treatment, a handheld applicator delivers mechanical pressure waves into the injured area. These waves create controlled micro-trauma that triggers a cascade of biological responses, including:

Increased blood circulation to promote tissue repair
Stimulation of collagen production for tendon and ligament healing
Breakdown of calcified deposits or scar tissue
Pain modulation through nerve desensitisation

Over time, these effects help to restore function, reduce pain, and improve mobility.

Discover how Shockwave Therapy at Care Rehab Physio Howick East Auckland helps treat chronic pain, tendon injuries, and muscle tightness. Book your session today!

If you’re dealing with chronic pain or tendon injuries that haven’t improved with regular physiotherapy, Shockwave Therapy might be the solution. At Care Rehab Physio Howick East Auckland, we use state-of-the-art equipment to promote faster healing and long-term pain relief.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is particularly effective for persistent tendon and soft tissue injuries, including:

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Achilles tendinopathy
Tennis or golfer’s elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis)
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Shoulder tendinopathy or calcific tendonitis
Gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric pain syndrome
Hamstring tendinopathy
Shin splints and chronic muscular tightness

What to Expect During Treatment

Each session typically lasts 5–10 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
Patients may feel mild discomfort during the procedure, but intensity is adjusted to ensure comfort.
Some mild soreness or redness may occur afterward, which usually settles within 24–48 hours.
Most patients require three to five sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart, depending on the condition and response.
Clinical improvement is often noticed after a few treatments, with continued progress over the following weeks as tissue healing occurs.

Aftercare and Recovery

After your session, you can return to normal daily activities. However, it’s recommended to:

Avoid heavy exercise or loading the treated area for 24–48 hours
Continue your prescribed rehabilitation exercises to support long-term recovery
Avoid using anti-inflammatory medications immediately after treatment, as they may interfere with the natural healing process

Safety and Contraindications

Shockwave Therapy is generally safe when performed by a trained physiotherapist. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with:

Pregnancy (especially over the abdomen or pelvis)
Blood clotting disorders or use of anticoagulant medication
Acute infections or open wounds at the treatment site
Malignancy or tumour near the treatment area
Presence of a pacemaker (avoid treating near chest region)
Recent steroid injections in the target area (within six weeks)

Your physiotherapist will assess your medical history to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe for you.

How to be effective with shockwave therapy?

It is simple: The more energy delivered into the tissues, the better the therapeutic outcome.

It is important to realise that not all shockwave machines are the same and that your treatment with us is conducted with the best international practice. Our machine is able to deliver the most energy into the tissue for the best outcome as supported by robust clinical data

Why Choose Care Rehab Physio

At Care Rehab Physio, we use advanced shockwave therapy technology combined with expert clinical assessment and rehabilitation to deliver effective outcomes.
Our goal is to not only reduce pain but also address the underlying biomechanical causes to prevent recurrence.

Our physiotherapists are experienced in managing complex musculoskeletal injuries and follow evidence-based treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s condition and goals.

Book an Appointment

If you’re struggling with persistent tendon or soft tissue pain, Shockwave Therapy may help you recover faster and return to the activities you enjoy.

Book an appointment today with our physiotherapists at Care Rehab Physio, Howick, Auckland, to find out if Shockwave Therapy is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral?

Not necessarily.

However, it is important to ensure shock wave therapy is appropriate for your condition therefore we do recommend inquiry with us before arranging this procedure.

We also accept referrals from GPs, specialists and other allied health professionals.

How effective is it?

Shockwave has been shown to be more effective than traditional rehabilitation in some cases, for example with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy

Some patients reported an immediate improvement in their pain, however, according to the research, the best results achieved 12 weeks after the treatment

Contact

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