Back symptoms and discopathy
In back pain with discopathy, focused shockwave has been investigated in addition to exercises. A small study shows additional pain reduction immediately after the course, but no detectable additional effect after one and three months. For carefully selected facet joint symptoms, favourable results have also been published. That's a different diagnosis than a hernia. Read about back pain and discopathy.
Degenerative meniscus symptoms
In meniscus symptoms that have gradually developed, a small controlled study indicates pain reduction due to focused shockwave. The findings do not prove a cure for a meniscus rupture. This application is under development and requires a careful choice. Look at the possibilities for meniscus symptoms.
Ligaments and symptoms after tyre injury
ligament symptoms are also investigated, including around the knee, ankle and elbow. The studies are small and differ widely. Research after a cruciate ligament surgery is about supplementing rehabilitation, not reconnecting an untreated torn cruciate ligament. Read about ligaments and ligament symptoms.
Muscles and myofascial pain
Myofascial pain concerns muscles and the connective tissue around them. In some people, sensitive muscle points, also called trigger points, are part of the symptoms. Shockwave has been investigated, especially around neck and shoulders. That makes it a possible treatment option beyond the well-known symptoms of tendons. Read more about shockwave in muscle pain.
Nervous system disorders and radial shockwave
In case of selected nerve symptoms, we assess whether radial shockwave can fit. A researched example is mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve gets stuck in the wrist. Research focuses on symptoms and hand function; it does not show a general recovery of damaged nerves. Read about radial shockwave in case of nerve problems and the limits of evidence.
Research results on myofascial pain
A randomised study from 2025 compared focused shockwave, radial treatment and a dummy treatment in 57 people with myofascial pain in the upper monk's cap muscle. After three months, pain improved more with both active treatments than with the dummy treatment. After six months, that difference was undetectable. Focused and radically different in pain improvement. All groups also received stretching exercises. The limited research group and differences at the start limit what we can derive from this.
Peez and the plantar fascia
Plantar heel pain, Achilles tendon symptoms and certain shoulder conditions are common reasons to discuss shockwave. Each requires an individual assessment. The Dutch multidisciplinary guideline allows shockwave as an additional option for persistent plantar heel pain under certain conditions. Thuisarts advises against this treatment in primary care. The Dutch primary care guideline also recommends against shockwave for tennis elbow. Look at the explanation per symptom.
Bone healing: a separate specialist application
In case of a fracture that does not grow sufficiently solid, high-energy focused shockwave in specialised care can be a treatment option. A randomised study in 126 patients compared shockwave with surgery. The findings support the application especially in a certain type of non-healing fracture, with remaining bone formation. The study does not prove that shockwave is equivalent to surgery for each patient. The diagnosis, stability and nature of the fracture determine the possibilities.
Bone stress injuries and bone marrow oedema
International experts mention selected bone stress injuries and tibia symptoms as additional application areas. That is an expert recommendation, not proof of the same effect in any injury. Positive results have also been studied in a small study in primary bone marrow oedema syndrome of the knee. Bone marrow oedema is a finding with various possible causes. A doctor must first determine what is going on and what care is needed; these specialist applications are not a confirmed offer from our clinics.
What care is associated with bone problems?
Bone treatment requires physician assessment and appropriate imaging, equipment and positioning. This website explains this medical application; availability of bone treatment at Shockwave Clinics has not been confirmed. Discuss a fracture that doesn't heal well with your treating orthopedic or trauma surgeon.
Knee osteoarthritis: focused on pain and functioning
Also in knee osteoarthritis shockwave is investigated. A study in 42 people found more favourable pain and function results with focus than with radial shockwave after eight weeks. There was no false treatment to compare this. The US AAOS guideline calls shockwave as an option with a limited recommendation; NICE considers more and better research to be necessary. There's no evidence of shockwave repairing worn cartilage. The availability of this application at our clinics is assessed separately.
From possibilities to a personalised plan
Our intake is about your symptom, previous treatments and what you want to be able to do again. We discuss the expected benefit, alternatives and costs. With focused shockwave we choose the target area and the settings appropriate to the diagnosis; with radial treatment other physical properties apply. Find out how focused shockwave works.
The above-mentioned applications differ in support and care. Treatment availability is confirmed by location and indication prior to take-off.