What is Shockwave Therapy and how can it help?

Powerful Pain Relief & Recovery for Stubborn Injuries

At Melanie Hempsall Sports Massage Therapy, we’re always looking for the most effective ways to help you recover faster, move better, and stay pain-free. That’s why we’re excited to offer Shockwave Therapy—a game-changer for chronic pain and stubborn soft tissue injuries.

Whether you’ve been dealing with a long-standing tendon issue or a recurring sports injury, shockwave therapy can help you get back on track when rest, rehab, and massage alone aren’t enough.

💥What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT) uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.

It’s not electric, and it doesn’t deliver shocks in the way a TENS machine does. Instead, it sends high-energy sound pulses deep into the tissue, which helps:

Increase blood flow
Break down scar tissue
Stimulate collagen production
Reduce pain
Accelerate healing

It’s especially helpful when healing has stalled and the body needs a "nudge" to restart the repair process.

🦵What Conditions Can It Help?

Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic soft tissue conditions, especially around tendons and joints.

Common conditions include:

✅Lower Body

Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Achilles tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Hamstring tendinopathy
Shin splints

✅Upper Body

Shoulder tendinopathy (especially supraspinatus or calcific tendonitis)
Tennis elbow / golfer’s elbow
Rotator cuff issues
Biceps tendon irritation

✅Other Conditions

Scar tissue / fascial restrictions
Hip bursitis
Chronic trigger points

🧪How Does It Work?

Here’s what happens when you have a shockwave treatment:

A small handheld device delivers targeted sound waves to the injured area.
These pulses stimulate blood flow, improve cell regeneration, and break down calcified or fibrotic tissue.
The body responds by kickstarting a healing response—like a natural reset button.

Most people feel the difference within 3–6 sessions, and in many cases, pain levels drop significantly in that time.

❓Shockwave Therapy Q&A

Is it painful?

You might feel some discomfort during treatment, especially over areas of chronic pain or tightness. Most people describe it as a deep, pulsing ache—but it’s brief and tolerable. Intensity can be adjusted to suit your comfort.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the condition, but most clients benefit from 3–6 weekly sessions. Some chronic conditions may need slightly more.

Can I have massage as well?

Absolutely. In many cases, we combine shockwave therapy with sports or deep tissue massage to support recovery, reduce tension, and improve movement.

Is there any downtime?

Very little. You may feel some tenderness for 24–48 hours post-treatment, but you can usually continue with your normal routine. Avoid heavy exercise on the treated area for a day or two.

Is it safe?

Yes—shockwave therapy is clinically proven, non-invasive, and used worldwide by physiotherapists, sports therapists, and medical professionals. It has minimal side effects and no medication is needed.

👋Ready to Try Shockwave Therapy?

If you’ve been struggling with an injury that just won’t shift, shockwave therapy could be the breakthrough you need.

We offer:

Free consultation to assess suitability
Tailored treatment plans combining hands-on therapy and shockwave
Ongoing support to keep you pain-free and performing at your best

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Ultrasound Therapy

June 11, 2025

🔊 Ultrasound Therapy in Sports Massage: What It Is, What It Does & What It Treats As a sports massage therapist, I often use a range of therapeutic tools to support healing, improve performance, and relieve pain. One of the most effective tools in my kit is ultrasound therapy —a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that has helped countless clients recover faster and feel better. But what exactly is ultrasound therapy? Let’s break it down. 💡 What Is Ultrasound Therapy? Ultrasound therapy involves the use of high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted into the body using a small handheld device (called a transducer) and a special conductive gel. Unlike diagnostic ultrasound (used for imaging), this form of ultrasound is therapeutic , meaning its goal is to promote healing and reduce pain. The sound waves penetrate deep into soft tissues, producing gentle vibrations and, in some cases, heat—both of which help stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. ⚙️ What Does It Do? Ultrasound therapy offers several physiological benefits: Increases Blood Flow : By warming the tissues, ultrasound can improve circulation to the treated area, speeding up healing and reducing inflammation. Reduces Pain and Swelling : It helps decrease inflammation, which can reduce pressure on nerves and surrounding tissues. Breaks Down Scar Tissue : The vibrations help break up adhesions and scar tissue that can limit mobility and cause discomfort. Enhances Healing : Ultrasound therapy can stimulate cellular activity and tissue regeneration, especially in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 🏥 What Can Ultrasound Therapy Treat? Ultrasound is commonly used in sports therapy to treat a range of conditions, including: Muscle Strains and Tears Ligament Injuries (e.g., sprained ankles) Tendinitis and Tendinopathy Bursitis Frozen Shoulder Plantar Fasciitis Scar Tissue and Adhesions Joint Inflammation and Arthritis It’s particularly useful when integrated with sports massage and rehabilitation exercises, helping to prepare tissues for deeper manual work or to soothe areas post-treatment. ⚠️ Is It Right for You? Ultrasound therapy is generally safe and painless, but it may not be suitable for everyone—particularly if you have certain medical conditions or implants (like pacemakers or joint replacements). A full assessment is always performed to ensure it's appropriate for your specific needs. ✅ The Takeaway Ultrasound therapy is a powerful complement to sports massage that can accelerate recovery , relieve pain , and improve mobility —helping you get back to peak performance faster. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury or someone dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain, ultrasound therapy may be the boost your body needs to heal more effectively. Want to learn more or see if ultrasound therapy is right for you? Book a consultation today. Let’s get you back on track, pain-free and performing at your best.