How Laser and Shockwave Work Together at SB Physio
Two accelerator tools that support smarter, faster rehab.
At SB Physio, technology never replaces physical therapy. It supports it.
Laser and shockwave are perfect examples of this. Neither one is a cure-all, neither “fixes” an injury on its own, and neither is meant to be used as a stand-alone solution.
What they do offer is simple:
Better tissue tolerance.
Less irritability.
A faster chance to move forward.
Laser calms tissue.
Shockwave restarts tissue.
PT builds capacity.
That’s the relationship.
Here’s how they complement each other in real-life rehab.
The Role of Each Tool
Laser → Calms Irritation
Class IV Laser helps:
reduce sensitivity
settle down reactive tissue
improve tolerance to movement
support early session productivity
Laser is the calmer.
It gets tissue out of panic mode.
Shockwave → Restarts Stubborn Tissue
Shockwave helps:
restart stalled healing
make stubborn tendons responsive again
improve circulation in slow-to-heal tissue
break through plateaus
Shockwave is the restarter.
It gives you a new window to make progress.
Why They Work Well Together
1. Laser improves tolerance → shockwave works better.
When tissue is highly irritated, shockwave can be too much.
Laser helps reduce reactivity so shockwave is better tolerated and more productive.
2. Shockwave restarts healing → laser supports the early response.
After shockwave stimulates a tissue, that area can feel temporarily reactive.
Laser helps calm it down and support the early part of the healing window.
3. They tackle different sides of the same issue.
laser = sensitivity
shockwave = stagnation
PT = strength + capacity
That combination is how you actually move out of injury.
4. They improve the effectiveness of PT loading.
Everything at SB Physio funnels into loading:
tendons adapt by loading
joints improve by loading
post-op recovery accelerates by loading
Laser and shockwave simply make that loading more doable.
Real Situations Where the Combo Helps
• Chronic Achilles tendon pain that’s plateaued
Shockwave restarts the tendon → laser calms irritation → loading progresses.
• Rotator cuff irritation with nighttime pain
Laser reduces daily and sleep-related irritability → shockwave boosts tendon responsiveness.
• Plantar fasciitis that’s stiff in the morning AND stubborn long-term
Laser helps with daily sensitivity → shockwave helps restart the chronic part.
• Hamstring tendinopathy
Shockwave stimulates the deep attachment → laser improves tolerance to early movement.
• Patellar tendon overload
Laser helps reduce immediate irritability → shockwave supports tendon remodeling.
None of these are guarantees.
They’re just situations where using both naturally accelerates the process.
How We Use Them at SB Physio
Always inside a PT session
Never as a stand-alone treatment
Only when your PT decides they’ll meaningfully support progress
Always tied directly into loading, mobility, or movement work
The goal is simple:
Make each PT session as productive as possible.
Want to See If Laser + Shockwave Fit Your Situation?
Your therapist can determine whether one, both, or neither makes sense for your condition.
Ask during your session or request an appointment to get started.
Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Individual results vary. Please consult your SB Physio physical therapist to determine what treatments are appropriate for you.
