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Physiotherapy · Shockwave

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy helps with tendon complaints and calcific deposits that have not resolved on their own for months. You don't book a separate shockwave consultation: the treatment is part of a regular physiotherapy appointment at Physical Studio, always combined with targeted exercise therapy.

Shockwave therapy treatment at Physical Studio
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Book a physiotherapy appointment. Your therapist assesses whether shockwave suits your complaint.

About the treatment

What is shockwave therapy?

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy), is a physiotherapy treatment that directs pressure waves at the body. The waves are applied to the skin through a handpiece, with a conducting gel in between, similar to how an ultrasound device is used.

Shockwave is part of your physiotherapy treatment, not a separate service. We use it selectively, for a limited number of chronic tendon complaints and calcific deposits where the tissue has struggled to recover for months. For complaints that have only just started, exercise therapy is usually the first step.

How does shockwave therapy work?

The exact mechanism behind shockwave is not yet fully understood. Research suggests the waves stimulate local blood flow and cell activity, which can help kickstart the recovery process in stubborn tendon tissue.

Shockwave does not work as a standalone solution. The effect appears greatest when the treatment is combined with exercise therapy that gradually builds up the tissue's load capacity, and that is exactly how we use it at Physical Studio.

Which complaints is shockwave suitable for?

We use shockwave for a defined group of chronic tendon complaints and calcific deposits, usually only once the complaint has lasted three to six months or longer and has not responded sufficiently to exercise therapy and load management alone. The complaints we consider shockwave for are listed below. This list is not exhaustive: during the intake, the physiotherapist assesses whether your complaint fits the profile where shockwave can be useful.

Is shockwave painful, and are there side effects?

Shockwave can feel uncomfortable during and shortly after treatment. Many people describe a dull to sharp pressure on the treated spot. Afterwards, the skin can be temporarily red, warm or tender, and some people notice a bit more sensitivity than usual in the treated area the next day.

These reactions are usually short-lived and ease within a few days. Serious side effects are rare. We build up the intensity gently during the first session, so you can tell us what feels workable for you.

Who should not have shockwave therapy?

Shockwave is not suitable for everyone. We do not use the treatment during pregnancy, with an increased bleeding tendency or use of blood thinners, near a tumour or an active infection, over a growth plate in children and teenagers, or with a pacemaker in the area to be treated.

We go through these points with you during the intake. If you're unsure whether shockwave fits your situation, discuss it with your physiotherapist or GP before starting.

Why shockwave therapy at Physical Studio?

At Physical Studio, shockwave never stands on its own. We always combine the treatment with an exercise programme focused on building load capacity, so you get more than temporary relief and work towards lasting recovery. Shockwave is delivered by a colleague trained in the technique, working closely with your own physiotherapist.

Our studio in Amsterdam Centrum has its own training space, so the step from treatment to training and sport fits within the same programme. You don't need a referral from your GP: through direct access physiotherapy you can book an appointment directly.

Indications

When is shockwave therapy used?

  • Plantar fasciitis and heel spur
  • Achilles tendinopathy (mid-portion and insertional)
  • Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
  • Calcific shoulder (calcific tendinitis)
  • Jumper's knee (patellar tendinopathy)
  • Bursitis around the hip (GTPS)
  • Hamstring tendinopathy
  • Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
Discuss this with your physiotherapist

What to expect

How a session works

There is no separate shockwave booking. You book a regular physiotherapy appointment at Physical Studio; your physiotherapist first assesses whether shockwave suits your complaint. If it does, a colleague trained in shockwave joins that appointment, or we plan a follow-up appointment where the treatment takes place. Shockwave itself usually takes a few minutes; the rest of the appointment is spent on exercise therapy and, where relevant, manual therapy. Most treatment plans involve three to six sessions, roughly a week apart. We evaluate progress together with you and adjust the schedule where needed.

Shockwave is not a separate product: you pay the standard physiotherapy rate, with no surcharge. Coverage runs through your supplementary insurance, the same as other physiotherapy. See our rates.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Shockwave can feel uncomfortable during and shortly after treatment, with a dull to sharp pressure on the treated spot. Most people find it unpleasant but manageable. We build up the intensity gradually and match it to what you can handle.
Are there side effects from shockwave therapy?
The skin can be temporarily red, warm or tender after treatment, and some people notice extra sensitivity the following day. These reactions are usually short-lived. Serious side effects are rare.
How many sessions will I need?
Most treatment plans involve three to six sessions, roughly a week apart. This depends on the nature and duration of your complaints and how your tissue responds. We evaluate progress together with you along the way.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Shockwave is not a separate product but part of a regular physiotherapy session, so you pay the standard rate with no surcharge. Coverage follows the same rules as other physiotherapy: typically through supplementary insurance, not the basic policy, unless your condition is on the chronic conditions list. Check your policy in advance.
What does shockwave cost without insurance?
Because shockwave is part of a regular physiotherapy session, without insurance you pay the normal per-session rate, the same as any other physiotherapy appointment. There is no additional charge on top for the shockwave itself.
Does shockwave therapy actually work?
Research shows that shockwave can contribute to symptom reduction for a number of chronic tendon complaints, such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and calcific shoulder, when combined with exercise therapy. For complaints such as Achilles, patellar or hamstring tendinopathy and GTPS, the evidence is more cautiously positive. Shockwave is not a guaranteed fix and works best as part of a broader treatment plan, not as a standalone procedure.
Can I exercise after a shockwave session?
Modified activity is often possible after treatment, but we usually rebuild heavier load on the treated area gradually. Your physiotherapist gives concrete advice after each session about what is sensible for you, matched to your complaint and training goals.
Do I need a GP referral for shockwave therapy?
No, through direct access physiotherapy you can see us without a referral. During the intake we assess whether shockwave fits your complaint, or whether additional medical assessment is advisable first.
I'm an expat with international insurance. Is shockwave covered?
That depends entirely on your specific policy. Because shockwave is part of a regular physiotherapy session, the coverage question is the same as for any other physiotherapy visit: does your insurance cover physiotherapy in the Netherlands, and under what conditions. If in doubt, contact your insurer, or raise it during your intake so we can think it through with you.
Can I book a shockwave session directly?
No, there is no separate shockwave booking. You book a regular physiotherapy appointment, where your physiotherapist first assesses whether shockwave suits your complaint. If it does, a colleague trained in shockwave joins that appointment, or we plan a follow-up appointment where the treatment takes place.

Ready to get started?

Discuss shockwave therapy during your physiotherapy intake. No referral needed.

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