Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to kick-start the body’s natural healing in stubborn tendon and soft-tissue injuries. Also called radial shockwave therapy or ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy), it is most often used for long-standing tendon problems that have not settled with other care. At Tensegrity Sports Clinics, shockwave is delivered by our chiropractors and physiotherapists as part of a wider treatment plan.

Important: shockwave at Tensegrity is for existing patients only. Every treatment is pre-tested and prescribed by your practitioner after an assessment — you cannot book a stand-alone shockwave session as a first visit. This makes sure shockwave is the right tool for your injury and is applied safely.

What does shockwave therapy help with?

Shockwave is commonly used to support recovery from persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Hamstring tendinopathy
• Calcific and rotator cuff shoulder tendinopathy
• Gluteal tendinopathy and greater trochanteric hip pain

How does shockwave therapy work?

Your practitioner applies a handpiece over the injured area for a few minutes per session. The pressure waves stimulate blood flow, cell activity and the body’s own repair process in tissue that has become slow to heal. Most people need a short course of treatments, usually about a week apart, and shockwave works best alongside the exercise rehabilitation your practitioner prescribes.

Is shockwave therapy right for me?

Because shockwave must be assessed and prescribed, we always start with an examination. If you are already a Tensegrity patient, raise it with your practitioner at your next visit. If you are not a patient yet, book an initial consultation first and your practitioner will let you know if shockwave suits your condition. Shockwave is not suitable for everyone or every condition — your practitioner will check this as part of your assessment.

Where can I get shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is available at all Tensegrity Sports Clinics except our Willoughby satellite — Macquarie Park, Wahroonga, St Leonards, Bella Vista, Brookvale and Sydney CBD.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an assessment before shockwave therapy?
Yes. Shockwave is for existing patients only and must be pre-tested and prescribed by your practitioner after an assessment — there are no walk-in shockwave sessions.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?
It can feel intense or briefly uncomfortable while the device is working, and that settles quickly afterwards. Your practitioner adjusts the intensity to what you can tolerate.

How many sessions will I need?
It varies by condition. Most people have a short course of treatments about a week apart — your practitioner will advise the right number for you.

Can I claim shockwave therapy on private health insurance?
As shockwave is delivered within a chiropractic or physiotherapy consultation, you may be able to claim on the spot with HICAPS if your extras cover includes that service.