Question 1

What is shockwave therapy?

Accepted Answer

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment in which controlled acoustic or pressure waves are applied to a targeted musculoskeletal area using a handheld applicator and coupling gel. It is used in selected tendon, fascia and muscle pain conditions, usually alongside physiotherapy and progressive exercise.

Question 2

Is shockwave therapy an electric shock?

Accepted Answer

No. Despite the name, there is no electrical current passed into your body. The treatment delivers mechanical acoustic or pressure waves into tissue. It is not radiation, not a surgical procedure and not an injection.

Question 3

What conditions is it used for?

Accepted Answer

It is most commonly considered for plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis and golfer's elbow, calcific and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, patellar tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome and proximal hamstring tendinopathy — when a clinical assessment supports it.

Question 4

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Accepted Answer

Most people feel a repetitive tapping or pulsing sensation with pressure over the treated area, and sensitive areas can feel uncomfortable during application. Settings are adjusted with your feedback. We do not promise a painless experience for everyone.

Question 5

How long does a session take?

Accepted Answer

The shockwave application itself is usually a short part of a longer physiotherapy appointment, which also includes reassessment and exercise progression. Your therapist will tell you the appointment length when you book.

Question 6

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

There is no universal number. The number and spacing of sessions depend on the condition, clinical findings, technology used, your response to treatment and the wider rehabilitation plan. Your clinician will explain the expected plan after assessment.

Question 7

How soon might I notice a change?

Accepted Answer

Responses vary between conditions and individuals. Some people notice changes in symptoms over a few sessions, others take longer, and some do not respond — which is why progress is reviewed with objective measures rather than assumed.

Question 8

Can I exercise after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Many patients continue ordinary daily activity after treatment, but exercise and sports recommendations depend on your condition and treatment response. Your physiotherapist will give you specific loading guidance rather than a blanket rule.

Question 9

Is shockwave therapy safe?

Accepted Answer

It is a non-invasive treatment with a generally favourable safety profile when patients are appropriately selected, but it is not suitable for everyone and short-term effects such as soreness, redness or bruising can occur. Screening for contraindications is part of the assessment.

Question 10

Who should not receive shockwave therapy?

Accepted Answer

Precautions and contraindications may include pregnancy (especially near the uterus), active infection or open wounds over the area, suspected tumour in the region, significant clotting disorders or anticoagulant use requiring medical consideration, acute fracture, suspected deep-vein thrombosis and undiagnosed or rapidly worsening symptoms. Tell the clinical team about your medical conditions, medication, pregnancy status, recent injections, surgery and implanted devices.

Question 11

Does it work for plantar fasciitis?

Accepted Answer

Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain are among the more frequently studied indications, and shockwave is often considered when symptoms persist despite load management and exercise. Evidence varies with device, parameters, patient selection and the rehabilitation programme used alongside it.

Question 12

Does it work for tennis elbow?

Accepted Answer

Lateral elbow tendinopathy is a commonly considered indication. Research findings are mixed and generally support shockwave as an adjunct to progressive wrist extensor and grip loading rather than as a stand-alone treatment.

Question 13

Can it help Achilles tendon pain?

Accepted Answer

Shockwave is studied in both mid-portion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy, and these two presentations are not managed with one identical protocol. It is used alongside a graded calf and tendon loading programme.

Question 14

Is it used for shoulder calcification?

Accepted Answer

Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder is a recognised indication in the literature, but imaging and accurate diagnosis matter, and the type of technology used can be relevant. We do not claim that every calcium deposit can be broken up with radial treatment.

Question 15

What is the difference between radial and focused shockwave?

Accepted Answer

Radial devices generate pressure waves that spread outward from the applicator and are typically used for more superficial regions. Focused devices can concentrate energy at a defined focal region and may reach deeper targets. They are related but not physically identical technologies.

Question 16

Do I still need physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Shockwave may create a useful treatment stimulus, but long-term recovery usually depends on correcting the movement, strength, loading or training factors contributing to the problem.

Question 17

Can shockwave replace surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not as a general claim. For some patients, conservative care including shockwave and rehabilitation is an appropriate step before considering surgical options, and for others surgery or a medical opinion is the right pathway. That decision is made case by case with your treating team.

Question 18

Do I need an MRI or X-ray first?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many musculoskeletal conditions are diagnosed clinically. Imaging or a medical opinion may be recommended when the diagnosis is unclear, when bone-stress injury is suspected, or when symptoms do not behave as expected.

Question 19

Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Possible short-term effects include temporary soreness, local tenderness, redness, mild swelling, bruising, a temporary increase in symptoms and tingling or altered sensation. Contact the clinic if you experience an unexpected or concerning reaction.

Question 20

How much does shockwave therapy cost in Delhi?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the clinical assessment, treatment area and overall care plan. Call or WhatsApp Back2Health on +91 88005 05844 for current pricing.

Question 21

Is shockwave treatment available at Greater Kailash?

Accepted Answer

Back2Health's Greater Kailash Part 1 clinic (R-43, M Block Market Road) offers assessment-led physiotherapy and rehabilitation care. Call +91 88005 05844 to confirm availability of shockwave treatment for your appointment slot.

Question 22

Is it available at Maharani Bagh?

Accepted Answer

The Maharani Bagh clinic at Maharani Bagh Community Centre, 1 Central Avenue also runs assessment-led physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Call +91 88005 05844 to confirm availability for your preferred time.

Question 23

Can I book a same-day appointment?

Accepted Answer

Same-day appointments are sometimes available. Call +91 88005 05844 between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, for the fastest answer on availability.

Question 24

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable clothing that allows the painful area to be examined and treated — for example shorts for knee, hip or Achilles problems, and a loose top or vest for shoulder and elbow problems.

Question 25

What information should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring any imaging reports, referral letters, previous treatment notes, a list of your medications, and details of recent injections or surgery. Knowing what activity you want to return to also helps shape the plan.

Question 26

Is shockwave suitable for an acute injury?

Accepted Answer

Not usually as a first step. Acute injuries need diagnosis first, and conditions such as suspected fracture, bone-stress injury or acute tears require different management. Your clinician will decide whether and when shockwave is appropriate.

Question 27

Can older adults receive shockwave therapy?

Accepted Answer

Age alone is not a barrier. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, medical history, medication, skin and tissue condition and the treatment goals, which are all reviewed at assessment.

Question 28

Is shockwave appropriate after surgery?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the surgery, the time since surgery, the tissue involved and your surgeon's guidance. Tell us about any recent surgery or implanted hardware so the team can decide safely.

Question 29

Can athletes use it during a season?

Accepted Answer

In-season use is possible for some presentations, but treatment and training load must be planned together. Your therapist will coordinate treatment with your competition and training schedule.

Question 30

What happens if shockwave is not suitable for me?

Accepted Answer

You still leave with a plan. That may include physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation, manual therapy where indicated, load-management advice, or referral for imaging or a medical opinion.

Frequently asked questions

All questions

Find out whether shockwave is right for your condition

Frequently asked questions

All questions

What is shockwave therapy?–

Is shockwave therapy an electric shock?+

What conditions is it used for?+

Is shockwave therapy painful?+

How long does a session take?+

How many sessions will I need?+

How soon might I notice a change?+

Can I exercise after treatment?+

Is shockwave therapy safe?+

Who should not receive shockwave therapy?+

Does it work for plantar fasciitis?+

Does it work for tennis elbow?+

Can it help Achilles tendon pain?+

Is it used for shoulder calcification?+

What is the difference between radial and focused shockwave?+

Do I still need physiotherapy?+

Can shockwave replace surgery?+

Do I need an MRI or X-ray first?+

Are there side effects?+

How much does shockwave therapy cost in Delhi?+

Is shockwave treatment available at Greater Kailash?+

Is it available at Maharani Bagh?+

Can I book a same-day appointment?+

What should I wear?+

What information should I bring?+

Is shockwave suitable for an acute injury?+

Can older adults receive shockwave therapy?+

Is shockwave appropriate after surgery?+

Can athletes use it during a season?+

What happens if shockwave is not suitable for me?+

Find out whether shockwave is right for your condition