How Shockwave Fits Into Real PT Care at SB Physio

Nov 26

We use it as a restarter—not a cure-all.

At SB Physio, we don’t believe in miracle treatments or quick fixes. Every tool we use has one job: support better, faster, more efficient physical therapy. Shockwave therapy is exactly that. It’s not magic, and it doesn’t fix a tendon on its own. What it can do is act as a restarter—giving stubborn, irritated, or stale tissues a chance to respond again when progress has stalled.

When something isn’t moving, shockwave often helps “reset the environment” so loading, mobility work, and strengthening become productive again.

Here are real scenarios where it fits naturally into PT.

Real Situations Where Shockwave Works as a Restarter

1. Plantar Fasciitis That Won’t Budge

Weeks of heel pain, no change.
Shockwave can help restart the tissue response, making mobility and loading tolerable again.

2. Chronic Achilles Tendon Pain

That thick, stubborn tendon that never seems different.
Shockwave can help re-open the healing window, so calf strength work actually sticks.

3. Patellar Tendon Irritation in Runners or Lifters

Pain with jumping, stairs, squatting.
Shockwave can break the plateau, letting quad and tendon loading progress.

4. Lateral Hip Pain / Gluteal Tendinopathy

Sore sleeping on it, pain with standing up, crossing legs.
Shockwave can help reset sensitivity so hip loading feels doable again.

5. Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow

Grip-heavy tasks keep flaring the tendon.
Shockwave can help restart tendon adaptability, supporting strengthening.

6. Proximal Hamstring Tendon Issues

Deep glute pain with sitting or bending.
Shockwave can help stimulate responsiveness in a region that often heals slowly.

7. Rotator Cuff Tendon Irritation (Chronic)

Painful arc, nighttime soreness, slow progress. Shockwave can help restart tissue turnover, improving tolerance to rotator cuff loading.

8. Shin Pain / Tibial Irritations

Chronic tightness along the tibia (non-fracture).
Shockwave can help reset tissue irritability, supporting gradual impact progression.

9. IT Band-Related Knee Pain

Persistent lateral knee irritation with running or cycling.
Shockwave can help loosen the irritated structures, making gait drills more effective.

10. Stubborn Soft-Tissue Tightness

Localized “hot spots” in calves, quads, or glutes that won’t change.
Shockwave can break the cycle, allowing stretching and strengthening to work better.

How Shockwave Is Used at SB Physio

Shockwave is added inside your PT visit when your therapist feels it can help reset the tissue response and make the session more productive.

We use it to:

restart the healing environment
calm persistent irritability
improve tissue tolerance
break through plateaus
make loading and manual work more effective

It’s never a stand-alone fix—just a restarter that helps PT move forward.

Interested in Trying Shockwave?

Ask your therapist—your provider will decide if shockwave fits your treatment plan and where it can help support the process.

Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary. Always consult your healthcare provider or your SB Physio physical therapist to determine what treatments are appropriate for you.

Art Van Leuven