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How Shockwave Therapy Works and Its Benefits for Runners and Athletes

Shockwave therapy is quickly becoming one of the go-to treatments for helping runners and athletes heal faster from stubborn injuries, revolutionising sports recovery. We use this treatment to target deep tissue damage, reduce pain, and accelerate the healing process – especially in those frustrating injuries that just won’t go away with rest or stretching alone.

If you’ve ever had a tendon or muscle injury that’s lingered for months, you’ll know how draining it can be – not just physically, but mentally too. That’s where shockwave therapy comes in.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Despite the name, it doesn’t involve electricity or any shock. It’s a special machine that uses sound waves (high-energy pulses) to kickstart your body’s natural healing response. These waves are directed into the injured tissue, stimulating blood flow and helping the body break down scar tissue and sticky areas that slow recovery.

Imagine your injury is like a blocked road. Shockwave therapy works like a clean-up crew, clearing the blockage and helping traffic (in this case, blood and nutrients) flow again.

How It Speeds Up Recovery

When your body gets injured, it naturally starts to heal – but sometimes it gets stuck. Maybe the injury wasn’t rested, or scar tissue has built up. The body sort of “forgets” that area still needs help. Shockwave therapy reminds it.

Here’s how it helps:

  • Increases blood flow: New blood brings oxygen and nutrients, which are key for repairing damaged tissue.
  • Breaks down scar tissue: This helps the area become more flexible and less painful.
  • Reduces pain: It can “desensitise” nerve endings, which helps people move more easily without wincing.
  • Kickstarts repair: It triggers your body to produce collagen – essential for healing tendons and ligaments.

 

And the best part? There’s usually no downtime after treatment. Most people finish the session and get on with their day.

Common Injuries It Helps With

Shockwave therapy is especially useful for injuries that have hung around for more than 6 weeks – those you’ve tried to rest, stretch, ice, and maybe even ignore.

Some common examples we treat at the clinic include:

  • Achilles tendinopathy (pain in the back of your ankle)
  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain, especially first thing in the morning)
  • ITB syndrome (sharp pain on the outside of the knee, common in runners)
  • Runner’s knee (pain around the front of the knee)
  • Hamstring strains that won’t go away
  • Gluteal tendinopathy (pain around the side of the hip)

 

It’s not a magic wand, but when paired with the right rehab exercises and hands-on treatment, it can really shift the needle.

What to Expect in a Session

After a proper assessment to make sure shockwave is right for you, the treatment itself only takes about 5–10 minutes. A gel is applied to the skin, then the shockwave handpiece is moved over the injured area. You’ll feel a tapping sensation – some people find it intense, others just mildly uncomfortable – but it’s very tolerable.

It’s normal to feel a bit sore afterward, like the day after a tough workout. That usually settles within a day or two, and we guide you through adapting your training or activity as you recover.

Why We Use It at Suffolk Clinic

We offer shockwave therapy as part of our treatment plans because it helps people break through the healing plateaus. It means runners don’t have to keep stopping and starting their training, and sporty people can get back to doing what they enjoy without the constant fear of pain returning.

It’s not the only tool we use – but it can make a real difference, especially when progress has stalled.

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We offer a full assessment to see if shockwave therapy is the right fit for you. Just get in touch or book a free discovery visit, if you’ve been dealing with an injury that’s been hanging around too long. We’ll talk through your injury, goals, and the best path forward to help you heal stronger.