- 2777 3377
- Unit A, 8/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley Street, Central
- Unit A, 8/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley Street, Central
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that is used in musculoskeletal care for certain tendon- and pain-related conditions. It uses acoustic pressure waves applied to targeted tissues and is intended to support pain reduction and tissue healing.
Shockwave therapy in Hong Kong (also called ESWT, or shock wave therapy) is offered by some chiropractic and rehabilitation clinics. This page explains how the treatment works, the conditions it may be considered for, what a shockwave therapy treatment session involves, side effects, how many sessions may be needed and what affects the cost, so you can decide whether to book an assessment. If your pain is linked to sport or activity, see our sports injuries page.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used in musculoskeletal care, particularly for persistent tendon-related pain. It involves the application of controlled acoustic pressure waves to a targeted area of tissue using an external device. These waves are mechanical in nature and are delivered directly through the skin without injections or surgery. In clinical practice, shockwave therapy is most often considered for conditions that have not responded sufficiently to exercise-based rehabilitation and other conservative treatments. It is typically used as part of a broader care plan rather than as a standalone treatment.
Yes. “Shockwave therapy”, “shock wave therapy” and “ESWT” are different names for the same type of treatment. In Hong Kong it is often called ESWT. “Extracorporeal” means the waves are produced outside the body. You may also see “extracorporeal shock wave therapy” or “shockwave treatment”. Despite the name, no electric current is passed through the body.
Shockwave therapy is commonly provided by trained healthcare professionals, including chiropractors. Treatment at our Central clinic uses Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT). FSWT applies acoustic pressure waves to a specific, targeted area of tissue using a handheld device placed on the skin. The purpose of shockwave therapy is to help reduce pain and support tissue recovery in selected musculoskeletal conditions. Focused shockwave therapy is intended to deliver energy to deeper structures, which is why it is considered for certain chronic tendon-related conditions. Treatment is adjusted based on clinical assessment and patient tolerance and is integrated into a broader, active care plan.
There are two main types of shockwave therapy. Which type is suitable depends on the condition being treated and on your assessment.
Shockwave therapy may be considered for the following types of pain, depending on the assessment:
May be considered for plantar fasciitis and other heel-related tendon conditions. Our foot orthosis page explains an additional way the feet can be supported alongside care.
May be considered for patellar tendinopathy and medial tibial stress symptoms.
May be considered for some rotator cuff–related shoulder pain and lateral elbow tendinopathy.
Can be considered for greater trochanteric pain syndrome and certain hamstring tendinopathies.
May be considered for selected chronic tendon or soft-tissue conditions as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, felt under the heel or along the arch of the foot. Shockwave therapy may be considered when symptoms continue despite exercise, load management and footwear changes. NICE guidance on shockwave therapy for refractory plantar fasciitis says the treatment does not appear to carry major safety concerns.
Tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendinopathy) causes pain on the outer side of the elbow and is often linked to repeated gripping or wrist movements. NICE guidance on shockwave therapy for refractory tennis elbow gives the same message: no major safety concerns, and mixed evidence on its use. Shockwave therapy is therefore considered a safe option, in combination with exercise and load management.
Shockwave therapy is typically considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative care such as exercise therapy, load management, and activity modification. It should be preceded by a thorough examination, and other possible unrelated causes of pain in the involved area should be considered. Where needed, imaging such as an MRI scan may be discussed, and you may be referred to an imaging lab.
Every course of care starts with an assessment. Your chiropractor takes your history, examines the painful area and explains the options, including the option of no treatment. Treatment only starts with your consent. A typical session may follow these steps:
Shockwave therapy is often described as rapid tapping or pulsing sensations at the treatment site. Some discomfort may be experienced, particularly in sensitive tissues, but treatment intensity can usually be adjusted. Sessions typically last 5–15 minutes.
The number of sessions varies with the condition, how long you have had it and how you respond. Your chiropractor will explain the likely number of sessions at the assessment and review your progress along the way. Sessions are spaced apart, and tissue responses may continue for several weeks after treatment. The plan also includes exercises and activity advice.
Shockwave therapy is generally described as having no major safety concerns, but it can have side effects. A systematic review of complications in plantar fasciitis (Roerdink et al., 2017) found that it is likely a safe treatment. Here are some possible side effects:
Tell your chiropractor if any effect is stronger than expected or does not settle. Seek medical help if you notice severe pain, marked swelling, or numbness that does not go away.
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. Your chiropractor will ask about your health history and screen for situations where it should be avoided or used with extra care. These commonly include pregnancy, a pacemaker, bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medicine, infection or an open wound over the area, cancer in the area, and open growth plates in children. If shockwave therapy is not suitable, other options, including referral to a medical practitioner, will be discussed.
Most people can resume normal daily activities immediately following treatment. However, it is generally recommended to avoid strenuous or pain-provoking activities for up to 48 hours. High-impact activities such as running may need to be temporarily limited if you are being treated for plantar fasciitis. Your chiropractor will provide individualized guidance based on your condition.
Shockwave therapy works by applying acoustic pressure waves that mechanically stimulate targeted tissues. It is not fully known how it works, but the stimulation is thought to influence pain signalling, local circulation and tissue adaptation. Shockwave therapy does not act as a passive cure and is usually combined with active rehabilitation strategies.
Shockwave therapy can be safely performed by appropriately trained and registered healthcare professionals, including chiropractors, physiotherapists and medical doctors, when used within their scope of practice.
At our clinic, shockwave therapy is fully included within the normal cost of a standard chiropractic visit, with no extra surcharges. Your personalized treatment plan will be decided after your initial assessment, and all standard consultation fees are explained clearly beforehand. If you have any questions regarding our general clinic fees, you can contact us at 2777 3377 or through our contact us page.
Shockwave therapy treatment is available at some rehabilitation and chiropractic clinics in Hong Kong. Our chiropractors offer ESWT at Unit A, 8/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley Street, Central, as part of a care plan focused on pain and function.
ESWT stands for extracorporeal shockwave therapy. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves applied through the skin, and it is also called shock wave therapy or shockwave therapy.
It is generally described as having no major safety concerns, and a review of complications in plantar fasciitis found it likely to be safe, with no known long-term complications. Side effects such as temporary soreness can occur, and it is not suitable for everyone. See the sections above for side effects and who may not be suitable.
Response varies. Some people notice a change after a few sessions, while others notice change more gradually, and some may not notice a change. Your chiropractor will review your progress at each visit and discuss your plan with you.
Temporary soreness, redness, or tenderness can occur and usually resolves within a few days.
Shockwave therapy may be used for plantar fasciitis that has not improved with exercise and load management alone. Treatment is combined with rehabilitation exercises, footwear advice, and activity modification.
The evidence is mixed. NICE guidance on conditions such as plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow describes inconsistent results, with no major safety concerns. Some people benefit from shockwave therapy and others do not, so it is used for selected conditions as part of a wider care plan.
The first session may provide some change in pain. However, the underlying tissue adaptation and remodeling processes take time. Following the recommended plan helps your chiropractor review progress over time, although the exact number of sessions may vary depending on your condition, response to treatment, and overall rehabilitation plan.
Some clinicians suggest avoiding anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen for a short time after shockwave therapy, as it is not known whether they affect the response to treatment. Choices about medicine are for you to make with your doctor or pharmacist, so please check with them, especially if you take regular medicine.
Radial shockwave therapy spreads energy outward and is generally used on surface tissue. Focused shockwave therapy directs energy to a set depth and point. The most suitable type depends on the condition being treated. See the section on focused and radial shockwave therapy above.
Some people find it uncomfortable, especially over sensitive tissue. Despite the name, no electricity is involved. The treatment uses acoustic waves. Treatment usually starts at a low intensity and is adjusted based on your feedback, and you can ask to stop at any time.
No. They are different treatments. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves, while ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves. You can read about the other on our ultrasound therapy page.
If you have ongoing heel, elbow, shoulder or other tendon-related pain and are not sure whether shockwave therapy may be suitable, an assessment can help. You can contact us on 2777 3377 or visit us at Unit A, 8/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley Street, Central. You can also read our FAQs.
Our chiropractors are registered chiropractors in Hong Kong. You can read about them on our Our Doctors page.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory plantar fasciitis. HealthTech guidance 200 (previously interventional procedures guidance 311). Last reviewed 26 August 2009.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for refractory tennis elbow. HealthTech guidance 201 (previously interventional procedures guidance 313). Last reviewed 26 August 2009.
Roerdink RL, Dietvorst M, van der Zwaard B, van der Worp H, Zwerver J. Complications of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in plantar fasciitis: systematic review. Int J Surg. 2017;46:133-145.
