Three Kings, Auckland · Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy
Focused acoustic pulses that kick-start the body's own healing response in stubborn tendon and soft tissue pain, especially when rest alone hasn't been enough. We use it alongside hands-on osteopathic care, not as a stand-alone fix.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave (radial pressure wave) therapy delivers focused acoustic pulses through a handheld applicator, into tendon and soft tissue that hasn't healed on its own. The pulses increase blood flow to the area and stimulate the body's own repair response in tissue that's become stuck in a chronic, irritated state.
We use a Chattanooga Intelect RPW2, a clinical-grade radial pressure wave unit, applied by hand directly over the affected area.
What can shockwave therapy help with?
It's most useful for chronic, stubborn tendon and soft tissue pain that hasn't responded to rest, stretching or other conservative treatment over several weeks, the kind of niggle that just won't settle on its own.
Common examples include plantar fasciitis, Achilles and shoulder tendinopathy, tennis and golfer's elbow, and patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee).
How is shockwave therapy different at Form & Function?
We don't use shockwave as a stand-alone gadget. It's integrated with hands-on osteopathic assessment and treatment, and can be applied to muscles, tendons, fascia and chronic problem areas across the body, not just one hotspot.
Because everyone presents differently, treatment is tailored to what we actually find in your assessment rather than a fixed protocol. The aim is a more thorough result than shockwave alone would give.
What does a shockwave session actually feel like?
Most people describe it as a firm, rapid tapping sensation that can feel tender directly over the sore spot, but it's brief: a typical application takes only a few minutes per area. We start at a lower intensity and adjust up based on your comfort throughout.
It's usually delivered across a course of three to five sessions, spaced roughly a week apart, alongside hands-on treatment and home exercises, rather than as a one-off stand-alone treatment. Mild soreness for a day or two afterwards is normal.
Conditions we treat with shockwave therapy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Shoulder tendinopathy and rotator cuff pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Calcific tendinitis
- Other stubborn, chronic tendon and soft tissue pain
Curious about HEALITE II light therapy?
We also offer HEALITE II, medical-grade LED light therapy that supports healing and recovery, including after surgery or an acute injury. It's often used alongside shockwave and hands-on treatment.
Explore HEALITE IIFrequently asked questions
Ready to get started?
No referral is needed, and ACC covered injuries can be lodged with us at your first visit.
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