How We Treat Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Our Step-by-Step Approach
At Realign Rehab Clinic in Faridabad, Dr. Vaishali Suri (BPT) follows a structured, evidence-based protocol for each patient:
- Step 1: Break down calcifications — dissolves calcium deposits in tendons (shoulder, Ac
- Step 2: Stimulate neovascularisation — promotes new blood vessel growth, restoring nutr
- Step 3: Trigger collagen synthesis — accelerates production of new tendon and connectiv
- Step 4: Reduce substance P — the neuropeptide responsible for chronic pain signalling,
- Step 5: Break scar tissue adhesions — restores tissue mobility and reduces mechanical t
Shockwave Therapy in Faridabad: Advanced Non-Surgical Tendon & Pain Treatment
Shockwave therapy, formally known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic sound waves to accelerate healing in chronic soft tissue injuries, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal pain conditions. At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, our expert physiotherapists administer both focused and radial shockwave therapy for patients who have not responded to conventional treatment.
If you have been dealing with persistent heel pain, a stubborn tendon injury, or calcifications in the shoulder or Achilles, shockwave therapy may be the breakthrough your recovery needs without surgery, without injections, and without extended downtime.
Research Insight: A 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy confirmed that ESWT produces clinically severe pain reduction in 75 to 85% of patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, and calcific shoulder tendinitis, with effects maintained at 12-month follow-up.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
A handheld applicator delivers high-frequency acoustic pulses directly to the injured tissue. These pulses:
- Break down calcifications — dissolves calcium deposits in tendons (shoulder, Achilles, patellar)
- Stimulate neovascularisation — promotes new blood vessel growth, restoring nutrient supply to degenerative tissue
- Trigger collagen synthesis — accelerates production of new tendon and connective tissue fibres
- Reduce substance P — the neuropeptide responsible for chronic pain signalling, providing lasting pain relief
- Break scar tissue adhesions — restores tissue mobility and reduces mechanical tension
Sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes. Most patients notice improvement after 3 to 5 sessions, with real results at 6 to 8 sessions spaced one week apart.
Shockwave therapy changes the tissue environment at a cellular level. For conditions like calcific tendinitis or chronic plantar fasciitis, it provides the biological stimulus that the body needs to complete healing, a process that conventional therapy and rest alone cannot always achieve.
- ✦ 75–85% success rate in chronic tendinopathy (Cochrane systematic review, 2022) unresponsive to conventional physiotherapy
- ✦ Calcific shoulder tendinitis: partial or complete calcification resorption in 70–80% of patients after 6 sessions
- ✦ Plantar fasciitis: 80% functional recovery rate with ESWT combined with stretching at 12 weeks
- ✦ Return to sport achieved in 85% of athletes with patellar tendinopathy following ESWT
- ✦ Clearly better 12-month outcomes than corticosteroid injection for lateral epicondylitis
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy at Realign Rehab Clinic
Shockwave therapy is most effective for chronic musculoskeletal conditions (typically more than 6 weeks duration) that have not fully responded to rest, anti-inflammatories, or standard physiotherapy:
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain — the most researched indication; breaks down scar tissue and stimulates fascial healing
- Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis — dissolves calcium deposits causing impingement and shoulder pain
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) — restores tendon structure at the common extensor origin
- Achilles Tendinopathy — treats both mid-portion and insertional Achilles degeneration
- Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee) — allows return to sport for athletes with chronic anterior knee pain
- Trigger Points & Myofascial Pain — releases muscle knots and reduces referred pain patterns
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) — medial tendon degeneration in manual workers and racquet sport players
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome — hip abductor tendinopathy causing lateral hip pain
- Heel Spur (Calcaneal Spur) — calcaneal bone spur with associated fascial irritation
- Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) — chronic periosteal irritation in runners
What to Expect at Your Shockwave Session
Assessment (First visit, 45 min): Dr. Vaishali Suri performs a full musculoskeletal assessment to confirm diagnosis, identify the precise treatment zone, and determine appropriate shockwave parameters (frequency, energy level, number of pulses).
Treatment session (20 to 30 min): Ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area. The shockwave applicator is placed on the skin and moved systematically over the target zone. You will feel a tapping or pulsing sensation, and mild discomfort is normal during treatment especially over the most affected area.
Immediately after: Mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours is normal and indicates the biological response has been triggered. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) for 72 hours after treatment, as they suppress the inflammatory cascade that drives healing.
Course of treatment: Typically 3 to 6 sessions, one week apart. Many patients see meaningful improvement after session 2 or 3.
Who Is Suitable for Shockwave Therapy?
- Chronic tendinopathy or soft tissue injury lasting more than 6 weeks
- Conditions not responding to rest, NSAIDs, or standard physiotherapy
- Patients seeking a non-surgical, non-injection alternative
- Athletes needing to return to sport without surgical downtime
Contraindications (Who should not have shockwave)
- Pregnancy (treatment over the abdomen or pelvis)
- Blood clotting disorders or anticoagulant medication
- Active infection or open wound at the treatment site
- Malignancy in the treatment zone
- Pacemaker or implanted electronic device near the treatment area
- Treatment over growth plates in children
Why Choose Realign Rehab Clinic for Shockwave Therapy in Faridabad?
- Led by Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.), BPT Orthopedics & Sports, with over a decade of specialist physiotherapy experience
- Precise diagnosis before every shockwave course, no generic protocols
- Combined approach: shockwave plus targeted loading exercises for lasting results
- Located at NIT-5, Faridabad, accessible from Green Field Colony, Sector 21 to 82, Ballabhgarh, and the Delhi border
- Home visits available for post-surgical or mobility-limited patients
- Flexible appointments: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy painful?
You will feel a pulsing or tapping sensation and mild discomfort during treatment, particularly over the most inflamed area. The intensity is adjusted to your comfort level. Post-treatment soreness for 24 to 48 hours is expected and is part of the healing response.
How many shockwave sessions do I need?
Most conditions require 3 to 6 sessions spaced one week apart. Chronic or complex cases such as calcific tendinitis may need up to 8 sessions. Your physiotherapist will reassess after each session.
How quickly will I see results?
Many patients notice pain reduction after sessions 2 to 3. Full benefit is typically seen 6 to 12 weeks after completing the course, as tissue remodelling continues after treatment ends.
Can I exercise during shockwave therapy?
Yes, with guidance. Low-load exercises are encouraged between sessions to support tissue remodelling. High-impact or provocative activities should be reduced around treatment days.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurer. We recommend checking with your provider. We can provide all documentation needed for reimbursement claims.
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