Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy For Achilles Tendonitis

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Achilles tendonitis is not a silver bullet, but it does have its uses. Sports physio Maryke takes a look at the latest research to explain in which cases this treatment might be useful. 🌟 Need help with an Achilles-related injury? You’re welcome to consult one of the physio team at Treat My Achilles via video call for an assessment and a tailored treatment plan: https://www.treatmyachilles.com 📽️ Other videos mentioned in this one: ➡️ Achilles Tendonitis Treatments Overview:    • Achilles Tendonitis Treatment – What Works...   ➡️ Calcific Achilles Tendonitis Treatment & Causes:    • Calcific Achilles Tendonitis Treatment & C...   ➡️ And here's our full Playlist on Achilles tendonitis/tendinopathy treatment:    • Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy Treatment   🔎 Want to dig deeper? Here's our library with a wealth of resources on Achilles tendonitis and tendinopathy: https://www.treatmyachilles.com/achil... 👉 Attention physios! Are you looking for a rehab exercise library? Join Wibbi - which we’ve been using for more than 10 years - via this link to get a free trial and a discount if you subscribe: https://geni.us/wibbi-tma 🏆 Here’s why Wibbi is our top choice for exercise prescription: https://www.sports-injury-physio.com/... 📚 Chapters in this video: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:50 How shockwave works 00:02:32 What does the research show? 00:06:44 Calcifications 00:07:44 Safety and precautions 00:09:41 How we can help References: Korakakis, Vasileios, Roula Kotsifaki, Yiannis Sotiralis, and Peter Malliaras. "Shockwave Therapy for Midportion and Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Nail in the Coffin? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis." Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 56, no. 5 (2026): 1-49. Rau, Olivia R., Jennifer Cheng, Bridget Jivanelli, Adam S. Tenforde, and James F. Wyss. "Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for tendinopathies around the hip and pelvis: A systematic review." HSS Journal® 22, no. 2 (2026): 197-207. Argyropoulou, Evangelia, Evangelos Sakellariou, Panagiotis Karampinas, Meletis Rozis, Athanasios Galanis, Ioannis Kolovos, Panagiotis Antzoulas et al. "A case report of Achilles tendon distractive rupture after shock wave therapy." Journal of Surgical Case Reports 2025, no. 4 (2025): rjaf206. Majidi, L., Khateri, S., Nikbakht, N., Moradi, Y., & Nikoo, M. R. (2024). The effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on pain in patients with various tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 16(1), 93. Charles, R., Fang, L., Zhu, R., & Wang, J. (2023). The effectiveness of shockwave therapy on patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, 1193835. Catapano, M., Robinson, D. M., Schowalter, S., & McInnis, K. C. (2022). Clinical evaluation and management of calcific tendinopathy: an evidence-based review. Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 122(3), 141-151. Paantjens, Marc A., Pieter H. Helmhout, Frank JG Backx, Faridi S. van Etten-Jamaludin, and Eric WP Bakker. "Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for mid-portion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials." Sports Medicine-Open 8, no. 1 (2022): 68. Ammendolia, A. (2015). Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy in Runners: Relationship between Pain and Tendon Vascularity and Efficacy and Safety of the Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. Case Reports in Clinical Medicine, 4, 227-232.