Radial Shockwave Therapy: How It Works, What It Treats, and What You Can Expect

Chronic Pain ReliefInjury RecoveryNon-Invasive Treatments
Written By Holistic Physiotherapy Wellness
A practitioner applying radial shockwave therapy to a patient’s lower back using a handheld device, with gel spread across the treatment area.

December 2025

TL;DR: Radial Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain that hasn’t fully improved with rest, stretching, or other care. It uses acoustic sound waves to increase blood flow, stimulate tissue repair, and break down scar tissue, helping the body heal rather than just masking symptoms.

Research shows strong results for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Most people benefit from 3–6 sessions, with noticeable improvements usually developing over 5–11 weeks. Treatments may feel strange but are tolerable, with mild soreness afterward being common for 12–48 hours. After sessions, we recommend gentle movement and avoiding heavy impact while tissues adapt.

At Holistic Physiotherapy & Wellness, Shockwave is part of a holistic treatment approach to help active people move with more comfort and confidence. If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, a free discovery call is a simple place to start.

How Effective is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

How It Works, What It Treats, and What You Can Expect

If you’re someone who likes to stay active walking regularly, going to the gym, playing rec sports, working a physical job, or simply keeping up with the demands of daily life, you know how frustrating it is when pain or stiffness gets in the way.

Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is a non-invasive treatment used to support tendon and soft-tissue injuries that have been around for a while or keep coming back. At Holistic Physiotherapy & Wellness, we use Shockwave Therapy to offer a targeted, research-supported approach for people who want to move comfortably and stay active and manage pain.

This guide explains how radial shockwave therapy works, what it’s commonly used for, how effective it is, potential side effects, and what to expect before and after your sessions.

What Is Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)?

Radial Shockwave Therapy uses acoustic (sound) waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. These waves travel through the surface of the skin into deeper tissues such as tendons, fascia, and muscle.

RSWT is:

  • Non-surgical

  • Drug-free

  • Needle-free

  • Quick to perform

  • Designed for long-standing or recurring issues

It can be especially helpful for people who stay active but feel limited by ongoing stiffness, tendon irritation, or soft-tissue pain.

How Radial Shockwave Therapy Works

Acoustic pulses are applied to the injured area to:

  • Increase blood flow
    Improved circulation helps bring oxygen and nutrients to tissues that need support.

  • Stimulate tissue regeneration
    It encourages the body’s natural repair processes in tendons and soft tissue.

  • Break down scar tissue and adhesions
    This may help restore mobility if the tissue feels thick, stiff, or restricted.

  • Reduce pain sensitivity
    The waves can calm irritated nerve endings, helping the area feel more comfortable as deeper healing occurs.

Shockwave therapy doesn’t mask symptoms — it aims to support long-term tissue health by stimulating healing.

Common Conditions Radial Shockwave Can Help With

Radial shockwave is often used for chronic or recurring issues, such as:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Patellar tendinopathy

  • Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow

  • Rotator cuff–related shoulder pain

  • Shin splints

  • Heel spurs

  • Chronic soft-tissue tightness

  • Myofascial trigger points

  • Bursitis (in select cases)

  • Scar tissue and adhesions

These conditions often develop gradually from repetitive loading, daily habits, or past injuries.

How Effective Is Radial Shockwave Therapy? Research at a Glance:

Shockwave therapy is supported by research for many chronic tendon and soft-tissue conditions. Improvement rates vary, but studies often report:

  • Plantar fasciitis: ~70–90%

  • Tennis elbow: ~70–80%

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy: ~70–85%

  • Achilles tendinopathy: ~70–85%

  • Patellar tendinopathy: ~70–85%

  • Calcific tendonitis: up to ~90% improvement (from focused shockwave data; included as general context)

Results depend on:

  • how long the condition has been present

  • tissue health

  • daily activity levels

  • movement patterns

  • training or work demands

  • lifestyle factors like sleep and stress

  • how well shockwave is paired with appropriate exercise

When will I notice results?

Many people feel early relief from decreased nerve sensitivity, but deeper improvements take time. Most noticeable changes appear 5–11 weeks into the healing process.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like and is it Painful?  

People often describe the sensation as “odd but tolerable”. You’ll feel:  

  • tapping

  • pulsing

  • deep pressure

Some areas may feel more sensitive than others. The intensity is always adjustable, and you can guide your practitioner based on comfort.

What Happens During a Session?

1.    Check-in and assessment
Your practitioner will ask how you’re feeling, look at how the area moves, and discuss your activity level.

2.    Gel application
A gel is applied to help the acoustic waves travel into the tissue.

3.    Customized settings
Intensity, frequency, and impulses are tailored to your comfort and condition.

4.    Shockwave treatment
The device is moved across the affected area.

5.    Recovery guidance
You’ll receive simple recommendations for movement, activity, and aftercare.

A session lasts 45 or 60 minutes, depending on your appointment type.

How Will I Feel After Treatment?

It’s normal to experience:

  • mild soreness

  • slight swelling

  • heaviness

  • temporary sensitivity

  • a feeling of looseness or lightness in the treated area

These effects usually last 12–48 hours, sometimes up to 72 hours for chronic issues.

Aftercare: How to Support Your Healing

For the first 48 hours, avoid:

  • high-impact exercise

  • running or jumping

  • heavy lifting

  • deep tissue massage on the area

  • icing (may interfere with healing)

Helpful options include:

  • light walking

  • gentle mobility

  • hydration

  • heat (unless the area feels irritated)

  • paying attention to how your body responds

This gives your tissues time to adapt to the treatment.

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

Most people benefit from 3–6 weekly sessions.

The number of sessions depends on:

  • the type of injury

  • how long it has been present

  • your activity level

  • tissue health

  • the amount of scar tissue

  • your recovery habits

Shockwave works best when combined with appropriate movement and gradual loading.

Who Should Avoid Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is not recommended for:

  • pregnancy

  • individuals with blood-clotting disorders

  • people on certain blood thinners

  • those with a pacemaker

  • local infection or tumor

  • anyone with an allergy to ultrasound gel

Your clinician will review your health history before treatment.

How much does Radial Shockwave Therapy cost?

2025 Prices for Shockwave Therapy in Saskatoon using the Storz MP-200 at Holistic Physiotherapy and Wellness:

  • $95 — 45-minute session

  • $130 — 60-minute session

Each appointment includes assessment, tailored treatment settings, shockwave application, and movement-based recovery guidance. Insurance coverage varies by plan.

Not sure if it’s right for you?

Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call to discuss your goals and next steps.


From all of us at,

Holistic Physiotherapy & Wellness

Cleveland Clinic Canada. (2025). Shockwave therapy. https://www.clevelandclinic.ca/services/shockwave-therapy

CBI Health. (2025). What is shockwave therapy? https://www.cbi.ca/services/shockwave-therapy

Arbutus Physiotherapy & Health Centre. (2025). Shockwave therapy (ESWT). https://arbutusphysiotherapy.ca/services/shockwave-therapy

Panther Sports Medicine. (2025). Shockwave therapy clinics. https://www.panthersportsmedicine.com

Center for Healthy Living Calgary. (2025). Shockwave therapy – Calgary. https://www.centerforhealthyliving.ca/shockwave-therapy

Radiant Physiotherapy Clinic. (2025). Shockwave therapy. https://radiantphysiotherapy.ca/services/shockwave

The Clinic YYC. (2025). Shockwave therapy. https://theclinicyyc.ca/shockwave-therapy

Shockwave Canada. (2025). Shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal care. https://shockwavecanada.com/shockwave-therapy-musculoskeletal-care

Woodside Clinic. (2025). Shockwave therapy: The benefits and risks. https://www.woodsideclinic.co.uk/shockwave-therapy-the-benefits-and-risks

Peng, J. (2024). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy: What you need to know [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com

Wikipedia. (2025). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extracorporeal_shockwave_therapy

HealingWave. (2025). Shockwave aftercare. https://www.healingwave.ca/aftercare

Holistic Physiotherapy & Wellness. (2025). Shockwave therapy Saskatoon. https://www.holisticphysiowellness.ca/shockwave-therapy-saskatoon



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