Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy in Faridabad
Shockwave therapy is the best-evidenced non-surgical intervention for chronic Achilles tendinopathy , particularly for insertional cases that respond poorly to eccentric exercises alone. At Realign Rehab Clinic , NIT-5, Faridabad, we use ESWT as a core component of our Achilles rehabilitation protocol.
Book: +91 9818185589 .
Mid-Portion vs Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
Mid-portion tendinopathy (2 to 7 cm above the heel bone): responds well to the Heavy Slow Resistance (HSR) protocol. ESWT is added when standard loading exercises produce insufficient improvement at 12 weeks.
Insertional tendinopathy (at the heel bone): does not respond well to eccentric exercises which compress the insertion point. Shockwave therapy is the first-line recommendation for insertional Achilles tendinopathy and is often the most effective conservative option alongside structured heavy slow resistance training.
How Shockwave Therapy Heals the Achilles Tendon
- Neovascularisation — restores blood flow to the hypovascular Achilles tendon mid-portion
- Tenocyte stimulation — activates tendon cells to produce organised type I collagen
- Calcium resorption — dissolves any calcific deposits at the tendon insertion
- Pain neuromodulation — reduces substance P-mediated pain at the tendon and peritendinous tissue
- Mechanical desensitisation — reduces abnormal nociceptor activity in the pathological tendon
Our Achilles Shockwave Protocol at Realign Rehab, Faridabad
- Assessment — Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA-A) questionnaire, palpation, load assessment, review of any imaging
- ESWT — radial or focused shockwave to the Achilles tendon; 2,000 to 3,000 pulses per session, weekly for 4 to 6 sessions
- Loading programme — concurrent Heavy Slow Resistance (HSR) calf training; modified for insertional cases to avoid compressive loading
- Return to activity plan — structured return-to-running programme with criteria-based progression
Frequently Asked Questions
Can shockwave therapy completely cure Achilles tendinopathy?
The tendon structure may remain altered on imaging, but patients become pain-free and fully functional.
How long does Achilles tendinopathy shockwave treatment take?
4 to 6 weekly sessions of shockwave, plus 8 to 16 weeks of progressive loading exercise. Most patients are pain-free for daily activities by week 6 to 8; return to full sport by week 12 to 16.
Can I run during shockwave therapy for Achilles?
Light running is generally permitted between sessions if pain is below 4/10 during and after. A structured return-to-running protocol is provided.
High-intensity running and sprint work should wait until after the ESWT course is complete.
Is shockwave better than PRP for Achilles tendinopathy?
Current evidence suggests ESWT and PRP produce comparable outcomes for Achilles tendinopathy. ESWT has a larger body of RCT evidence, is non-invasive, and is markedly more cost-effective.
We recommend ESWT as the first-line procedure before considering PRP injection.
Book Your Shockwave Therapy Session in Faridabad
Contact Realign Rehab Clinic today to book your shockwave therapy assessment:
- 📍 Ground Floor, 5E/9, B.P. Railway Rd, NIT-5, Faridabad, Haryana 121001
- 📞 +91 9818185589 (Call / WhatsApp)
- 🕑 Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- 🏠 Home visits available for mobility-limited patients