PHYKS Sports Massage

Radial Shockwave Therapy. What is it and how does it work?

Shockwave FAQs

Is it an electrical shock?
No, it is low energy sound waves.

What is shockwave used for?
Pain relief and improve function for the following chronic MSK conditions and more:
•Plantar fasciitis
•Achilles tendinopathy
•Patella tendinopathy
•Lateral & medial epicondylitis
•Calcific / Chronic tendinopathy
•Shoulder pain
•Proximal hamstring tendinopathy

How does it work?
Shockwave therapy uses directed low energy sound waves, rather than electrical waves.
These waves radiate through the skin and into the affected muscle, joint or tendon, stimulating blood flow to the area.
The combined effect is to create a small amount of localised inflammation. Your body reacts naturally to the inflammation and in doing so, stimulates the repair and regeneration of cells around the injury, as well as reducing pain.
Shockwave therapy also helps to break down scar tissue, which can help increase mobility

Is shockwave therapy painful?
Sometimes treatment can be painful, however some pain during treatment illustrates that the shockwaves are having a positive effect. If pain occurs during treatment, adjustments can be made to reduce discomfort.
 
What should I do if I am in pain after the treatment?
Do not use anti-inflammatory medication and don’t use ice on the treated areas as both will interfere with the body’s self healing abilities.
 

Number of sessions advised? – 3-5 sessions.
•Chronic recalcitrant lesions (6-8 sessions).
•Optimal treatment spacing yet to be identified.
•Three sessions on a weekly basis (5-10days apart) then opt for more (increased time between)

Think of It Like This:
🔸Handstands = stable, vertical, externally rotated, controlled
🔹Push-ups = horizontal, internally rotated, unstable (especially with fatigue or form breakdown)
🔹Toes-to-bar = dynamic, yanking, high-speed loading through tight structures

Certain movements like push-ups and toes-to-bar irritate my shoulder because they:
▪️Pull the shoulder into internal rotation or extension under load
▪️Shift the shoulder joint forward, stressing the supporting muscles and other structures of the shoulder.
▪️Involve dynamic or repetitive motions that challenge shoulder stability (especially with fatigue)
▪️Often done with poor scapular control, increasing strain

On the other hand, movements like handstand walks, jerks, and overhead movements feel great because they:
▫️Put my shoulders in a stable, externally rotated, overhead position
▫️Encourage scapular upward rotation and joint centration - activation of stabilisers (eg rotator cuff etc)
▫️Load is more vertical and compressive, not shear-based, reducing stress on irritated structures

…….

Handstands feel good because they put your shoulder into a stable, externally rotated, overhead position where all the small stabilising muscles can co-contract and support the joint well. The joint is compressed into a strong position, and your body naturally aligns to protect it.

Meanwhile, push-ups and toes-to-bar feel bad because they pull the shoulder into positions that stress the front of the joint (especially if you have poor scapular control, tight lats/pecs, or anterior instability). These movements involve internal rotation and/or dynamic loading, which often cause the humeral head to shift forward.

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Want help figuring out what your shoulder needs?DM me or book an appointment