Safety
Safety and contraindications
Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Screening is carried out at assessment, and treatment is declined where it is not clinically suitable.
Quick answer
Shockwave therapy may not be suitable during pregnancy, over tumours or active infection, where there is a bleeding disorder or anticoagulant use, over growth plates in children, near major nerves or blood vessels, or over implanted devices. Suitability is determined by a clinician after assessment, not by a website.
Situations requiring caution or exclusion
- Pregnancy
- Malignancy or treatment over a tumour site
- Active infection in or near the treatment area
- Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medication
- Treatment over growth plates in children and adolescents
- Treatment near major nerves, vessels or the spinal cord
- Implanted devices such as pacemakers, depending on the site
- Recent corticosteroid injection to the area
- Open wounds, broken skin or acute inflammatory flare
- Loss of skin sensation in the target area
- Suspected fracture or unexplained bone pain
Possible side effects
Most reported effects are temporary. Tell your clinician if anything persists or worsens.
- Discomfort during treatment
- Temporary soreness afterwards
- Redness over the treated area
- Mild swelling
- Bruising
- Short-term increase in symptoms
- Skin sensitivity
- Numbness or tingling, usually brief
Seek urgent medical care
Major trauma, sudden inability to bear weight, suspected fracture, severe swelling or redness, fever with joint pain, unexplained weight loss, progressive weakness, numbness in the saddle region, or loss of bladder or bowel control all require urgent medical assessment rather than physiotherapy booking.
No guarantees
Response to shockwave therapy varies between individuals and conditions. We do not promise cure, permanent pain relief, a fixed number of sessions or a guaranteed outcome. Where treatment is not helping, the plan is changed or you are referred on.
Medical disclaimer. Information on this website is provided for general education and does not replace an individual clinical diagnosis or medical advice. Shockwave therapy is not suitable for every person or every condition. A qualified clinician must assess suitability.
Written by the Back2Health physiotherapy and rehabilitation team · Clinically reviewed by the Back2Health clinical team · Last reviewed 3 August 2026
Find out whether shockwave is right for your condition
Start with a clinical assessment. The Back2Health team will evaluate the source of your symptoms, explain whether shockwave is appropriate and build a rehabilitation plan around your goals.