Shockwave Therapy in Johannesburg
Evidence-Based Treatment for Persistent Tendon, Muscle and Joint Pain
Ever had a stubborn, tight muscle or sore back that just doesn’t seem to be getting any better? Maybe your injury is just not making any headway after loads of therapy sessions.
You’ve tried it all- physio, chiro, Thai massage, medication, steroid injections, but it just doesn’t seem to improve?
At our practice, we are proud to offer advanced extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) using the EMS Swiss DolorClast® Smart 20 system (FDA-approved) — one of the most recognised shockwavetherapy technologies used internationally in sports medicine, orthopaedics and rehabilitation. It has been around for 20 odd years in the orthopaedic world, however, it also is used in surgical applications as well. Shockwave therapy facilitates the body’s natural healing process by breaking down scar tissue, increasing blood flow and initiating tissue repair more effectively and quicker than massage, dry needling and other modalities.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic (sound) waves to stimulate healing in chronically injured or painful tissues. It is commonly used for tendon injuries, muscular dysfunction, calcific conditions and persistent pain that has not responded fully to rest,
medication or conventional therapy.
Our goal is simple: help patients recover faster, improve function, reduce pain and return to normal activity safely and efficiently.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Shockwave therapy may be beneficial for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Shin splints
- Chronic muscular trigger points
- Myofascial pain syndromes
- Certain chronic soft tissue injuries
Shockwave therapy is particularly valuable in persistent or chronic conditions where tissue healing has stalled.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves into injured tissue to stimulate a biological healing response. Research suggests that shockwave therapy may help:
- Improve local blood flow
- Stimulate tissue regeneration
- Reduce pain sensitivity
- Promote tendon healing and remodelling
- Improve mobility and function
Treatment is non-surgical, drug-free and typically requires minimal downtime.
Most sessions take approximately 10–20 minutes, and many patients are able to continue with normal daily activities shortly afterwards.
What Does the Research Say?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been extensively studied in sports medicine and rehabilitation research.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have demonstrated positive outcomes for several chronic tendinopathies, particularly regarding pain reduction and functional improvement. Evidence is strongest for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder tendinopathy and certain lower-limb tendinopathies. (PubMed)
Clinical guidance from organisations such as NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, UK) has also evaluated the use of shockwave therapy for conditions including Achilles tendinopathy and calcific shoulder tendinopathy. (nice.org.uk)
As with all evidence-based treatments, outcomes depend on the condition being treated, the chronicity of the injury and the overall rehabilitation plan. Shockwave therapy is often most effective when integrated with appropriate exercise rehabilitation and load management strategies. (Reddit)
Why We Use the EMS Swiss DolorClast® Smart 20
The EMS Swiss DolorClast® system is widely recognised internationally in sports medicine and rehabilitation settings for delivering radial shockwave therapy with precision and consistency.
By combining advanced technology with detailed clinical assessment and rehabilitation principles, we aim to provide treatment that is:
- Evidence-informed
- Patient-centred
- Function-focused
- Integrated with broader rehabilitation goals
Every treatment plan is individualised based on the patient’s diagnosis, functional goals and response to care.
A Collaborative, Interprofessional Approach
We strongly believe that the best patient outcomes occur when healthcare professionals work together.
Our practice welcomes referrals from:
- General practitioners
- Physiotherapists
- Biokineticists
- Sports physicians
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Podiatrists
- Personal trainers and strength coaches
We aim to complement — not replace — the management strategies already in place for your patients.
Where appropriate, we provide:
- Detailed feedback and progress updates
- Shared management strategies
- Co-management with rehabilitation providers
- Clear communication regarding treatment response and outcomes
Our philosophy is built around ethical, collaborative and patient-first care. We value long-term professional relationships and believe strongly in maintaining trust between healthcare providers.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical consultation includes:
- A thorough assessment and diagnosis
- Determination of suitability for shockwave therapy
- Explanation of expected outcomes and treatment plan
- Shockwave treatment application
- Advice regarding exercise, loading and recovery
Most conditions require a series of treatments, commonly between 3–6 sessions depending on the condition and severity.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy may be an excellent option if:
- You have persistent tendon or soft tissue pain
- Traditional treatment has not fully resolved the issue
- You want a non-invasive treatment approach
- You are trying to avoid injections or surgery
- You want to improve recovery and function
If you are unsure whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition, we would be happy to assess your case and discuss your options.
Conditions Commonly Treated With ShockwaveTherapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is commonly used in the management of chronic tendon injuries, muscular dysfunction, myofascial pain syndromes and certain overuse injuries.
At our Johannesburg practice, we utilise the EMS Swiss DolorClast® Smart 20 system as part of a comprehensive and evidence-informed treatment approach.
Foot & Ankle Conditions
Plantar Fasciitis / Plantar Fasciopathy
One of the most researched applications of shockwave therapy.
Common symptoms include:
- Heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning
- Pain after prolonged standing
- Pain during running or walking
Shockwave therapy may help stimulate tissue healing, reduce chronic irritation and improve function in persistent plantar fascia pain. Evidence supports its use particularly in chronic or treatment-resistant cases. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Achilles Tendinopathy
Includes:
- Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
- Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
Common in:
- Runners
- Field sport athletes
- Active individuals
- Patients with long-standing calf tightness or overload patterns
Shockwave therapy is often combined with progressive loading and rehabilitation exercises.
Heel Spur Syndrome
Chronic traction and overload at the plantar fascia insertion may contribute to painful heel spur presentations.
Shockwave therapy may help reduce pain and improve tolerance to weight-bearing activity.
Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy
May present with:
- Medial ankle pain
- Foot fatigue
- Arch collapse symptoms
Often seen in runners and individuals with altered foot mechanics.
Peroneal Tendinopathy
Lateral ankle and foot pain associated with overload, instability or repetitive sporting activity.
Chronic Ankle Stiffness & Scar Tissue Dysfunction
Shockwave therapy may be used alongside rehabilitation to improve tissue mobility and pain modulation in chronic post-injury cases.
Knee Conditions
Patellar Tendinopathy (“Jumper’s Knee”)
Common in:
- Running athletes
- CrossFit athletes
- Volleyball and basketball players
- Gym-based athletes
Symptoms include:
- Pain below the kneecap
- Pain during jumping, squatting or stair climbing
- Reduced power and athletic performance
Research supports the use of shockwave therapy in chronic patellar tendinopathy management. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Quadriceps Tendinopathy
Pain above the kneecap typically associated with explosive sport, gym training or repetitive loading.
Pes Anserine Tendinopathy / Bursitis
Pain on the inner side of the knee commonly aggravated by running, stair climbing and repetitive activity.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB Syndrome)
Lateral knee pain often associated with running, cycling and load-management issues.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Shockwave therapy may be used adjunctively alongside rehabilitation and movement correction strategies in selected chronic presentations.
Hip & Pelvic Conditions
Gluteal Tendinopathy
A common cause of:
- Lateral hip pain
- Pain lying on the side
- Pain during walking or stair climbing
Frequently seen in:
- Runners
- Middle-aged active adults
- Patients with persistent greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Includes irritation of:
- Gluteal tendons
- Trochanteric bursa
- Associated lateral hip soft tissues
Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
Common in:
- Runners
- Sprinters
- Cyclists
- Field sport athletes
Symptoms may include:
- Deep buttock pain
- Pain during acceleration
- Pain while sitting
Hip Flexor Tendinopathy
Includes overload-related dysfunction involving the iliopsoas or rectus femoris tendons.
Adductor Tendinopathy / Groin Pain
Frequently seen in:
- Football players
- Hockey players
- Runners
- Rotational athletes
Shoulder Conditions
Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
One of the strongest evidence-based indications for shockwave therapy.
Shockwave therapy may assist with:
- Pain reduction
- Improved shoulder mobility
- Reduction of calcific deposits
NICE guidance supports the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in calcific shoulder tendinopathy. (nice.org.uk)
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Includes:
- Supraspinatus tendinopathy
- Infraspinatus tendinopathy
- Chronic overload-related shoulder pain
Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Pain associated with overhead activity, gym training or repetitive shoulder loading.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Shockwave therapy may help reduce muscular guarding and pain in selected cases as part of a broader rehabilitation programme.
Biceps Tendinopathy
Anterior shoulder pain often aggravated by lifting, pulling and gym activity.
Elbow & Forearm Conditions
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
A highly common condition treated with shockwave therapy.
Symptoms include:
- Pain gripping objects
- Pain during lifting
- Reduced grip strength
- Forearm tension
Often associated with:
- Racquet sports
- Gym training
- Manual labour
- Repetitive computer use
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Pain on the inner side of the elbow associated with gripping and wrist flexion activities.
Forearm Muscle Overload Syndromes
Chronic muscular tightness and overload patterns involving repetitive strain.
Neck, Upper Back & Spine-Related Muscle Conditions
Myofascial Trigger Points
Shockwave therapy may be used to address:
- Chronic muscular tightness
- Trigger points
- Pain referral patterns
- Reduced mobility
Commonly treated areas include:
- Upper trapezius
- Levator scapulae
- Thoracic paraspinals
- Gluteal musculature
- Calf muscles
Chronic Muscular Tension Syndromes
May benefit individuals with:
- Postural overload
- Desk-related tension
- Recurrent muscular tightness
- Sports-related overload
Cervicogenic & Thoracic Myofascial Pain
Shockwave therapy may be integrated with chiropractic care, rehabilitation and movement-based treatment approaches.
Sports Injuries & Athletic Recovery
Shockwave therapy is commonly used in sports medicine settings for:
- Chronic overload injuries
- Tendon rehabilitation
- Muscle tightness and trigger points
- Return-to-sport programmes
- Running injuries
- Persistent training-related pain
It is frequently incorporated alongside:
- Rehabilitation exercise
- Strength and conditioning
- Biokinetic rehabilitation
- Physiotherapy management
- Chiropractic care
Chronic Pain & Persistent Dysfunction
Shockwave therapy may be considered in selected chronic pain presentations where tissue healing and rehabilitation progression have plateaued.
This may include:
- Chronic tendinopathies
- Long-standing soft tissue pain
- Recurrent overload injuries
- Persistent myofascial dysfunction
Collaborative Care & Referrals
We welcome referrals from:
- General practitioners
- Physiotherapists
- Biokineticists
- Orthopaedic surgeons
- Sports physicians
- Podiatrists
- Personal trainers and coaches
Our goal is to complement existing management plans through collaborative, ethical and patient-centred care.
We believe strongly in:
- Interprofessional communication
- Shared rehabilitation strategies
- Clear clinical feedback
- Evidence-informed practice
- Patient-first decision making
We do not aim to replace the primary treating practitioner, but rather to contribute positively to the overall management and recovery process.
References
- Mani-Babu S, et al. “A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Stania M, et al. “The effectiveness of shockwave therapy on patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis.” (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- NICE Guidance: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for calcific tendinopathy in the shoulder. (nice.org.uk)
- NICE Evidence Review on Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy. (nice.org.uk)
- Liao CD, et al. “Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Lower-Limb Tendinopathy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2018. (PubMed)
- Majidi L, et al. “The effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on pain in patients with various tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2024. (Springer)
- Korakakis V, et al. “The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in common lower limb conditions.” British Journal of Sports Medicine. (bjsm.bmj.com)
- NICE Guidance: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for calcific tendinopathy in the shoulder. (nice.org.uk)
- NICE Guidance: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy. (nice.org.uk)
- Mayo Clinic Orthopedics & Sports Medicine: “A shocking treatment for tendinopathy provides unique therapy.” (sportsmedicine.mayoclinic.org)
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a replacement for assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
