Shockwave therapy

Application of acoustic impulses to targeted tissues. Indications include certain tendon disorders and do not automatically extend to disc conditions.

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Understanding the approach

Extracorporeal shockwave treatment applies mechanical impulses from outside the body. Focused systems and radial pressure-wave devices are not identical. They are mainly studied for selected tendon or attachment disorders, rather than directly releasing a compressed spinal nerve root.

Indications and assessment

Selection requires locating the pain and distinguishing tendinopathy from rupture, nerve involvement or another disorder. Treatment may be discussed when symptoms persist despite load modification and appropriate rehabilitation. Buttock or leg pain is therefore not automatically a reason to use shockwaves.

Benefits, limitations and precautions

Effectiveness depends on the tendon, protocol and symptom duration; supporting evidence is uneven. NICE guidance for Achilles tendinopathy emphasizes this uncertainty. Pain during treatment, redness and bruising can occur. Vulnerable structures must not be exposed, and bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use require assessment.

Place in the care pathway

At TAGMED, radial shockwave treatment may be considered for a compatible indication together with progressive exercise. It does not replace evaluating sciatica or spinal stenosis. Benefit should be judged by improved load tolerance and return to relevant daily or sporting activities.

Goals should be practical: walking farther, returning to a chosen activity or reducing symptoms that interfere with sleep. Improvement immediately after a session does not establish lasting benefit. Follow-up compares function with the starting point, records adverse effects and considers progress between appointments. An inadequate response should prompt a review of the clinical explanation or proposed approach, rather than an automatic extension of the same treatment.

Before starting, describe the outcome you want, treatments already tried and difficulties encountered. Ask how the response will be measured and when another option would be preferable. Available reports complement the discussion without replacing your current experience, priorities or preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Is this spinal decompression?

No. Mechanical impulses are neither traction nor surgery.

Are devices interchangeable?

No. Focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves have different characteristics.

Is it always painful?

Sensitivity varies and intensity should be adapted to the patient.

Can it treat a ruptured tendon?

A suspected rupture requires a specific assessment first.

Why continue exercises?

The tendon needs to regain capacity for everyday loading, not only short-term symptom relief.

Educational information from The Spine Page. This entry does not replace an individual assessment. Documentary version: October 12, 2026. Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.O., N.D., osteopath and naturopath.