--- title: Is Shockwave Therapy Painful? All You Should Know description: Is shockwave therapy painful? We answer all your questions with expert insights. Click to understand the process and set your mind at ease. image: https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/is%20shockwave%20therapy%20painful.jpg --- [![Spinal Problems, Sports Injuries, Joint Pains & Others! | London | CK Physiotherapy](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/CK%20physio%20-%202023/Images/CK%20LOGO%20main%20with%20wordmark%2032pt%20SVG%201.svg)](https://ckphysio.co.uk) - [About](https://ckphysio.co.uk/about-us) - [Testimonials](https://ckphysio.co.uk/testimonials) - [Links](https://ckphysio.co.uk/links) - [Infection prevention](https://ckphysio.co.uk/infection-prevention) - [Treatments](https://ckphysio.co.uk/treatments) - [Physiotherapy](https://ckphysio.co.uk/treatments/physiotherapy) - [Shockwave therapy](https://ckphysio.co.uk/treatments/shockwave-therapy) - [Shockwave Video](https://ckphysio.co.uk/treatments/shockwave-therapy/shockwave-video-hanwell) - [Electrotherapy](https://ckphysio.co.uk/treatments/electrotherapy) - [Conditions](https://ckphysio.co.uk/conditions) - [Bookings](https://ckphysio.co.uk/bookings) - [Resources](https://ckphysio.co.uk/resource) - [Blog List](https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog) - [Educational Videos](https://ckphysio.co.uk/in-depth-guide-video) [Contact us](https://ckphysio.co.uk/contact) ![is shockwave therapy painful](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/is%20shockwave%20therapy%20painful.jpg?width=1200&height=628&name=is%20shockwave%20therapy%20painful.jpg) ![calender](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/CK%20physio%20-%202023/Images/Group%20427324665.svg) 31\. July 2024 # Is Shockwave Therapy Painful? All You Should Know If you've been told that shockwave therapy — formally known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT — might help your injury, the first question you probably have is: "Will it hurt?" It's entirely reasonable to want an honest answer before you book, so this guide explains exactly what to expect at each stage of treatment, what the latest clinical research says about comfort and safety, and how our team at CK Physio approaches every session.  ## Shockwave Therapy: What to Expect Before, During and After Treatment Shockwave therapy is not painful for most people — though you should expect to feel something. During a session at CK Physio, patients typically describe a firm tapping or pulsating sensation, sometimes accompanied by a brief, dull ache in the treated area. Our Chartered Physiotherapists can adjust the intensity at any point to keep you comfortable throughout your treatment. Key Takeaway The name "shockwave" sounds alarming, but the reality is far gentler. Clinical evidence from [NHS Trust physiotherapy departments](https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/service/therapies/musculoskeletal-outpatient-physiotherapy/shockwave-therapy/) and peer-reviewed research consistently show that **most patients tolerate shockwave therapy well**, with any discomfort quickly fading after the session. The key is having a qualified Chartered Physiotherapist who tailors the intensity to you. ## What Is Shockwave Therapy? A Plain-English Explanation Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy uses a hand-held device to deliver low-energy acoustic pressure waves — not electrical shocks — directly through the skin to an injured or painful area of the body. The word "extracorporeal" simply means the treatment is delivered from outside the body, with no injections, incisions, or anaesthetic required. ![understanding shockwave therapy](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/understanding%20shockwave%20therapy.jpg?width=800&height=447&name=understanding%20shockwave%20therapy.jpg)The technique was first used in the 1980s in urology to break up kidney stones, and its application in musculoskeletal physiotherapy has grown significantly since the early 1990s. Today, a growing body of [peer-reviewed research](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12734210/) describes ESWT as a non-invasive, well-tolerated treatment option that can support tissue healing, reduce chronic pain, and improve function in a range of musculoskeletal conditions. There are two main types used in physiotherapy practice: **focused shockwave therapy** (fESWT) and **radial shockwave therapy** (rESWT). While both work on the same underlying principle — stimulating the body's natural repair mechanisms through mechanical energy — they differ in how they deliver that energy, and each has specific applications. Focused Shockwave Therapy (fESWT) Delivers high-energy waves to a precise, deep target point. Ideal for deep-tissue injuries such as calcific rotator cuff tendinitis, delayed bone healing, and chronic patellar tendinopathy. Produces a more concentrated, intense sensation during treatment but allows for highly specific targeting. Radial Shockwave Therapy (rESWT) Spreads lower-energy waves over a broader surface area. Better suited for conditions closer to the skin's surface, such as Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow. Generally considered more comfortable, and is the type most commonly used in physiotherapy clinics in the UK.   ## Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt? The Honest Answer This is the question patients ask most often, and the honest answer is: it depends on the individual, the body area being treated, and the intensity setting used. The majority of patients describe the sensation as a firm, rapid tapping — not pain in the conventional sense. According to patient information published by the [St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/service/therapies/musculoskeletal-outpatient-physiotherapy/shockwave-therapy/), patients may feel a tapping or pulsating sensation during treatment, with the intensity adjusted throughout to ensure comfort while still achieving therapeutic benefits. Some patients experience mild soreness in the treated area immediately afterwards, but this typically resolves within a few hours to a couple of days. Clinically, what is happening is worth understanding. The acoustic waves stimulate nociceptors — the nerve receptors responsible for detecting pain — in the injured tissue. This response is actually part of how the treatment works: the stimulation triggers a pro-inflammatory healing response, increases blood flow, and encourages tissue regeneration through a process called mechanotransduction. So while some degree of sensation is normal, and even therapeutic, our physiotherapists at CK Physio will always work within your personal comfort threshold. **Before your session begins**, you will be asked about your pain levels and any areas of concern. The device intensity starts low and is gradually increased only to the point that is therapeutically effective for you. You can signal to your physiotherapist at any time and the settings will be reduced immediately. ## What the Research Says About Shockwave Therapy Comfort and Safety 3 Sessions typical Most treatment courses, spaced 1–2 weeks apart 15–20 Minutes per session Short treatment time, no hospital stay required High Safety profile Consistently confirmed across systematic reviews 50–94% Success rate in plantar fasciitis Depending on technique and operator experience Sources: [PMC / Frontiers in Medicine — Recent Advances in Shockwave Therapy 2025](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12734210/), [Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital ESWT Patient Guide 2026](https://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-guides/radial-extracorporeal-shockwave-therapy-eswt)   The safety profile of shockwave therapy is well-established. A 2025 narrative review published in the journal *Healthcare* — examining evidence from PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and PEDro databases — concluded that ["ESWT is a safe treatment, with hardly any adverse effects reported"](https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/21/2830) across conditions including tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, myofascial pain, and osteoarthritis. The same review identified solid evidence (Level 1) for its use in managing pain from a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including Achilles tendinopathy, calcific shoulder tendinitis, lateral epicondylitis, and plantar fasciitis. A 2024 meta-analysis of 18 randomised controlled trials in *Frontiers in Medicine* — covering rotator cuff tendinitis, lateral epicondylitis, and other upper limb tendinopathies — found that ESWT was significantly more effective than placebo in relieving pain at both three- and six-month follow-up periods, with radial ESWT producing particularly strong results. From a patient comfort perspective, current clinical guidance from NHS physiotherapy departments notes that sensations during shockwave therapy range from mild tapping to short-lived discomfort in the treated zone — and that this is normal and expected. The [Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital](https://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-guides/radial-extracorporeal-shockwave-therapy-eswt), one of the UK's leading specialist orthopaedic centres, describes ESWT as non-invasive, performed on an outpatient basis with minimal reported side effects. At CK Physio in Hanwell, West London, our Chartered Physiotherapists follow evidence-based protocols and continuously monitor your comfort throughout every session. Because each patient's pain tolerance and tissue sensitivity differ, intensity is always personalised — never set at a fixed level and forgotten.   ## Conditions Commonly Managed with Shockwave Therapy Shockwave therapy is one of the more versatile tools available to a Chartered Physiotherapist. It is typically recommended for persistent musculoskeletal conditions where standard treatments alone haven't produced sufficient improvement — usually after a period of around three to six months. The following table summarises the conditions where clinical evidence is strongest. | Condition | Body Area | Evidence Level | | --- | --- | --- | | **Plantar fasciitis** | Heel / sole of foot | Level 1 (strong) | | **Achilles tendinopathy** | Back of ankle | Level 1 (strong) | | **Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)** | Outer elbow | Level 1 (strong) | | **Calcific rotator cuff tendinitis** | Shoulder | Level 1 (strong) | | **Greater trochanteric pain syndrome** | Outer hip | Level 1– (moderate) | | **Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)** | Front of knee | Level 1– (moderate) | | **Myofascial pain / trigger points** | Muscle tissue (varied) | Level 1– (moderate) | | **Delayed fracture healing / stress fractures** | Bone (varied) | Level 1– (moderate) | Source: [Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review, Healthcare 2023 (updated literature search August 2025)](https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/21/2830)   Not sure whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition? The right starting point is always an assessment with a Chartered Physiotherapist, who will review your history, examine the affected area, and recommend the most suitable treatment pathway — which may include shockwave therapy alongside exercise rehabilitation and manual therapy. Want to know if [shockwave therapy](https://ckphysio.co.uk/treatments/shockwave-therapy) is right for your specific condition? Book a consultation with our Chartered Physiotherapists in Hanwell, West London. [Book a Consultation at CK Physio](https://ckphysio.co.uk/bookings) ## What Happens During a Shockwave Therapy Session at CK Physio Understanding the process in detail can help reduce any pre-treatment anxiety. Here is a step-by-step overview of what your shockwave therapy appointment at CK Physio typically involves. 1 Assessment and positioning Your physiotherapist will review your condition, confirm the treatment area, and position you comfortably — usually lying down or seated. The target area will be exposed and assessed by palpation to identify the most painful point. 2 Gel application A small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to the skin to help the shockwave device make full contact and transmit waves efficiently. The gel is the same type used in ultrasound imaging and is entirely safe. 3 Treatment delivery The handheld probe is placed against the skin and the device is activated. You will hear clicking sounds and feel a rhythmic tapping or pulsing sensation. Intensity is increased gradually and adjusted to stay within your comfort range. A typical session delivers 1,500–3,000 impulses over 15–20 minutes. 4 Post-treatment review Once the session is complete, your physiotherapist will reassess the area, discuss your response, and advise you on activity levels. Most patients can return to normal daily activities straight away. You will also receive guidance on what to expect in the hours that follow and when your next appointment should be scheduled. 5 Course completion and review A full course of shockwave therapy typically involves three sessions spaced one to two weeks apart. Following the final session, your progress will be reviewed at a follow-up appointment to assess your response and plan any further treatment or rehabilitation steps. ## Side Effects and Risks: What Is Normal After Shockwave Therapy? Shockwave therapy has an excellent safety record when delivered by a qualified physiotherapist. That said, like any therapeutic procedure, it is not entirely free of side effects — and knowing what is normal helps you stay calm and prepared. **Common, temporary side effects** that may appear within the first 24–72 hours include mild tenderness or aching at the treatment site, slight redness or warmth of the skin, and occasional bruising. These reactions are a natural part of the induced healing response and generally resolve within a few days. The [Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust](https://digitalpatientinformationhub.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/leaflets/radial-shockwave-therapy/) advises that any of these symptoms normally settle themselves within a week. Rare complications — including persistent post-treatment pain, significant  swelling, altered skin sensation, or numbness — can occur in a small number of cases. These should be reported to your physiotherapist if they persist beyond one week. One important point: the NHS advises against taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen in the days surrounding shockwave therapy sessions. This is because the treatment works partly by triggering a controlled pro-inflammatory healing response, and anti-inflammatories may interfere with this mechanism. Paracetamol is a suitable alternative for post-session discomfort if needed.  Important: When Shockwave Therapy Is Not Suitable **Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone.** Your Chartered Physiotherapist will review your full medical history before proceeding. Treatment is generally not recommended if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic medical device, are taking blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin or heparin), or have had a corticosteroid (steroid) injection to the treatment area within the past three months. **Additional contraindications** include active infection in the treatment area, active cancer in or near the target site, blood clotting disorders, severe peripheral neuropathy (marked loss of sensation), unstable epilepsy, and open wounds at the treatment site. Always disclose your full medical history honestly — this allows us to plan the safest, most effective treatment for you. ## How Many Shockwave Therapy Sessions Will I Need? The standard course of shockwave therapy for most musculoskeletal conditions consists of **three sessions**, typically spaced one to two weeks apart. This spacing is important: it allows the initial healing response triggered by each session to progress before the next stimulus is applied. Some patients notice an improvement in symptoms after their first session. Others find the treated area feels temporarily more sensitive for a day or two before improvement begins — this is a normal part of the body's response to the treatment and should not be taken as a sign that the therapy is not working. Your physiotherapist will monitor your progress across the course and may recommend additional sessions if needed or adjust your exercise rehabilitation programme accordingly. Shockwave therapy at CK Physio is never delivered in isolation. It works best as part of a broader treatment plan that may include manual therapy, targeted exercise prescription, and lifestyle advice — all designed to address the root cause of your condition and support long-term recovery. ## Shockwave Therapy vs. Other Treatment Options One of the reasons patients are often referred for shockwave therapy is that it offers a non-surgical alternative for conditions that have not responded to conventional physiotherapy alone. This is worth putting in context alongside other options. | Treatment | Invasive? | Recovery time | When typically used | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Physiotherapy alone** | No | None | First-line treatment | | **Shockwave therapy (ESWT)** | No | None (resume same day) | Persistent/chronic conditions | | **Corticosteroid injection** | Yes (injection) | Minimal | Acute flares, short-term relief | | **Surgery** | Yes | Weeks to months | Where all conservative options have failed | This table is for general reference only. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a Chartered Physiotherapist or your GP, based on your individual diagnosis and history.   ## Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy Pain and Safety ### Is shockwave therapy painful? For most patients, shockwave therapy is not painful — though it does produce a noticeable sensation. You will typically feel a rapid tapping or pulsating during the treatment, which may be accompanied by mild discomfort in the treated area. Your physiotherapist can reduce the intensity at any point. Any post-treatment soreness usually fades within 24–72 hours. ### What does shockwave therapy feel like? Most patients describe shockwave therapy as feeling like a firm, repetitive tapping or vibration against the skin. The sensation varies depending on the area being treated and the type of shockwave used. Radial shockwave tends to feel broader and more diffuse; focused shockwave produces a more targeted, deeper sensation. Neither type should feel severe or unmanageable. ### Can I go back to normal activities after shockwave therapy? Yes. Shockwave therapy is an outpatient procedure with no recovery period. You can return to normal daily activities on the same day. High-impact activities or sport may need to be moderated for 24–48 hours after a session — your physiotherapist at CK Physio will advise you based on your specific condition and how you respond to treatment. ### How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need? A typical course of shockwave therapy consists of three sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart. Some patients respond after fewer sessions; others require additional treatment depending on the severity and chronicity of their condition. Your Chartered Physiotherapist will monitor your progress and adapt the plan accordingly. ### Can I take painkillers before or after shockwave therapy? Paracetamol is generally considered safe to take for comfort before or after a session. However, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen should be avoided for approximately two weeks surrounding your treatment course. NSAIDs can interfere with the pro-inflammatory healing response that shockwave therapy is designed to stimulate, potentially reducing its effectiveness. ### Is shockwave therapy available on the NHS? Shockwave therapy is available on NHS referral for certain conditions — usually where symptoms have persisted for three to six months or more and have not responded adequately to other treatments. If you do not meet NHS referral criteria, or prefer not to wait, shockwave therapy is also available privately at CK Physio. Contact our clinic for current pricing or visit our bookings page for details. ### Are there any long-term risks of shockwave therapy? The long-term safety record of ESWT is well-established in the clinical literature. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified physiotherapist. The most significant rare risk — tendon rupture — is most commonly associated with very recent corticosteroid injections to the same area, which is why this is a contraindication. Your physiotherapist will screen for all relevant risk factors before proceeding. Ready to find out if shockwave therapy is right for you? Our Chartered Physiotherapists at CK Physio in Hanwell, West London, offer personalised assessments to determine the most effective treatment plan for your condition — whether that includes shockwave therapy, manual therapy, or a combination of approaches. [Book Your Assessment](https://ckphysio.co.uk/bookings) [Learn more about shockwave therapy at CK Physio →](https://ckphysio.co.uk/treatments/shockwave-therapy) Bryan Kelly Chartered Physiotherapist, [CK Physiotherapy](https://ckphysio.co.uk) Bryan is a Chartered Physiotherapist at CK Physio and has been helping patients in Hanwell and Ealing overcome musculoskeletal conditions since the clinic was founded in 2003. He holds membership with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and is registered with the Health Professions Council. CK Physio is trusted by major insurers including BUPA and AXA PPP. Sources and further reading: [St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — Shockwave Therapy](https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/service/therapies/musculoskeletal-outpatient-physiotherapy/shockwave-therapy/) · [Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital — ESWT Patient Guide](https://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-guides/radial-extracorporeal-shockwave-therapy-eswt) · [Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust — Radial Shockwave Therapy](https://digitalpatientinformationhub.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/leaflets/radial-shockwave-therapy/) · [Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for MSK Pain — Healthcare (MDPI) 2023](https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/21/2830) · [Recent Advances in Shockwave Therapy for MSK Disorders — PMC/Frontiers 2025](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12734210/) · [ESWT Efficacy for Upper Limb Tendonitis Meta-Analysis — Frontiers in Medicine 2024](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1394268/full) ![CKphysio](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/CK%20physio%20-%202023/Images/CK%20LOGO%20main%20with%20wordmark%2032pt%20SVG%201.svg) ##### [BryanKelly](https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/author/bryankelly) ##### Popular Blog [Rotator Cuff Injury & Shoulder Impingement](https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/overcome-shoulder-tendinitis-help-physiotherapy-london) [Hip Bursitis & Gluteal Tendinopathy: A...](https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/gluteal-tendinopathy-hip-bursitis-physiotherapy-guide) [Restoring your Post-Pregnancy Body Shape](https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/restoring-your-post-pregnancy-body-shape) [Elderly Physiotherapy Rehabilitation: What You...](https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/what-you-need-know-about-ageing-rehabilitation-and-physiotherapy) ##### Share [![Share on Facebook](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/CK%20physio%20-%202023/Images/Vector.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fckphysio.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fis-shockwave-therapy-painful%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/CK%20physio%20-%202023/Images/Group.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fckphysio.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fis-shockwave-therapy-painful%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/CK%20physio%20-%202023/Images/layer1.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fckphysio.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fis-shockwave-therapy-painful%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fckphysio.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fis-shockwave-therapy-painful%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Is%20Shockwave%20Therapy%20Painful%3F%20All%20You%20Should%20Know)[![whatsapp](https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/CK%20physio%20-%202023/Images/Group%20427324659-1.svg)](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=:%20https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/is-shockwave-therapy-painful) ## Latest Blogs 52 min ##### Rotator Cuff Injury & Shoulder ... 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What to Expect Before, During and After Treatment", "url" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/is-shockwave-therapy-painful" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/is-shockwave-therapy-painful#breadcrumb", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog", "name" : "Blog", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/is-shockwave-therapy-painful", "name" : "Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?", "position" : 3 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "GB", "addressLocality" : "Hanwell", "addressRegion" : "London", "postalCode" : "W7 2JY", "streetAddress" : "57 Elthorne Avenue" }, "areaServed" : [ "Hanwell", "Ealing", "West London" ], "description" : "CK Physiotherapy is a West London physiotherapy clinic founded in 2003, serving Hanwell, Ealing, and surrounding areas. Our Chartered Physiotherapists provide holistic, personalised, evidence-based care including shockwave therapy, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and massage.", "email" : "info@ckphysio.co.uk", "foundingDate" : "2003", "legalName" : "CK Physiotherapy", "logo" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk/hubfs/CK%20physio%20-%202023/Images/CK%20LOGO%20main%20with%20wordmark%2032pt%20SVG%201.svg", "name" : "CK Physiotherapy", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.csp.org.uk", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/ck-physiotherapy" ], "telephone" : "02085664113", "url" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://ckphysio.co.uk/blog/is-shockwave-therapy-painful#faq", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "For most patients, shockwave therapy is not painful — though it does produce a noticeable sensation. You will typically feel a rapid tapping or pulsating during the treatment, which may be accompanied by mild discomfort in the treated area. Your physiotherapist can reduce the intensity at any point. Any post-treatment soreness usually fades within 24–72 hours." }, "name" : "Is shockwave therapy painful?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Most patients describe shockwave therapy as feeling like a firm, repetitive tapping or vibration against the skin. The sensation varies depending on the area being treated and the type of shockwave used. Radial shockwave tends to feel broader and more diffuse; focused shockwave produces a more targeted, deeper sensation. Neither type should feel severe or unmanageable." }, "name" : "What does shockwave therapy feel like?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Shockwave therapy is an outpatient procedure with no recovery period. You can return to normal daily activities on the same day. High-impact activities or sport may need to be moderated for 24–48 hours after a session — your physiotherapist at CK Physio will advise you based on your specific condition and how you respond to treatment." }, "name" : "Can I go back to normal activities after shockwave therapy?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "A typical course of shockwave therapy consists of three sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart. Some patients respond after fewer sessions; others require additional treatment depending on the severity and chronicity of their condition. Your Chartered Physiotherapist will monitor your progress and adapt the plan accordingly." }, "name" : "How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Paracetamol is generally considered safe to take for comfort before or after a session. However, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen should be avoided for approximately two weeks surrounding your treatment course. NSAIDs can interfere with the pro-inflammatory healing response that shockwave therapy is designed to stimulate, potentially reducing its effectiveness." }, "name" : "Can I take painkillers before or after shockwave therapy?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Shockwave therapy is available on NHS referral for certain conditions — usually where symptoms have persisted for three to six months or more and have not responded adequately to other treatments. If you do not meet NHS referral criteria, or prefer not to wait, shockwave therapy is also available privately at CK Physio." }, "name" : "Is shockwave therapy available on the NHS?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The long-term safety record of ESWT is well-established in the clinical literature. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified physiotherapist. The most significant rare risk — tendon rupture — is most commonly associated with very recent corticosteroid injections to the same area, which is why this is a contraindication. Your physiotherapist will screen for all relevant risk factors before proceeding." }, "name" : "Are there any long-term risks of shockwave therapy?" } ] } ```