Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Solution for Orthopaedic Pain

More and more patients are seeking non-surgical options to manage musculoskeletal injuries and chronic orthopaedic conditions — and for good reason. Orthopaedic pain refers to discomfort that arises from the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whether caused by arthritis, tendon injuries, or overuse, it can significantly limit your movement and quality of life.

At Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy, shockwave therapy has become essential to our treatment approach. This safe, effective, non-invasive technique helps patients recover faster by targeting the source of the pain and activating the body’s natural healing processes.

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What is shockwave therapy? 

Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. The high-energy sound waves promote blood flow, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the body’s natural repair processes — all without the need for invasive procedures.

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A brief history of shockwave therapy  

Shockwave therapy was first developed in the 1980s to treat kidney stones through a process called lithotripsy. Medical researchers soon noticed that patients who received this treatment also experienced improvements in nearby soft tissues. This discovery led to further research into how shockwaves could be used in orthopaedics and rehabilitation.

Today, shockwave therapy is widely used around the world to manage chronic tendinopathies, muscle injuries, and joint pain — offering a safe, effective alternative to surgery for many patients.

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How does it work?

During a shockwave treatment, a specialised device delivers controlled pulses of energy to the affected area. These pulses trigger:

• Increased circulation to support tissue regeneration
• Reduced pain
• Stimulation of collagen production, which strengthens healing tissues
• Breakdown of calcifications and scar tissue that can restrict movement

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How does one manage arthritis?

Managing arthritis involves a combination of therapies to minimise symptoms and maintain joint health. It often includes:

• Medication: To control pain and inflammation.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and staying active.
• Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery might be recommended.

Patients typically experience minimal discomfort during the session, and because it is non-invasive, there is little to no downtime afterwards.

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Conditions we treat with shockwave therapy

At Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy, we often recommend shockwave therapy as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for conditions such as:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
• Calcific tendonitis
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Hamstring and gluteal tendinopathy

It is especially effective for persistent injuries that have not responded fully to rest, exercise therapy, or other conservative treatments.

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What to expect during treatment

Shockwave therapy sessions are typically short, lasting around 10–15 minutes. To achieve optimal results, most patients require 3–6 treatments spaced a week apart.

While some patients report immediate pain relief, the real benefit often becomes more noticeable as the body’s healing mechanisms continue to work in the weeks following treatment.

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Why choose shockwave therapy?

• Study the elevation profile and train on similar terrain.
• The race starts in Newlands, offering a flat beginning before a steady climb up Edinburgh Drive.
• Be ready for the gradual ascent up Southern Cross Drive, the toughest climb of the route.
• Once past the highest point, enjoy the downhill stretch past Kirstenbosch before heading to the finish at the University of Cape Town.
• Pace yourself conservatively in the first half to have energy for the finish.

When combined with rehabilitation exercises, shockwave therapy offers an excellent pathway to recovery without the risks associated with surgery.

Our Cape Town physiotherapists can help you wave goodbye to chronic pain. Click here to make an appointment at Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy.