Shockwave therapy ESWT) is a treatment to improve damage to tendons and reduce pain. It is thought to work by inducing microtrauma to the affected tissues, and this microtrauma initiates a local healing response by the body. The healing response causes blood vessel formation and increased delivery of nutrients to the affected area. The microtrauma is thought to stimulate a repair process and relieve the symptoms of pain. It is often used to treat damaged, tendons damaged by overuse.

Generally speaking, ESWT enhances the growth of small blood vessels in damaged tissues which promotes nerve regeneration and reduces pain. 

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First reported over 25 years ago, several investigators have published successful results when using shock waves to treat tendonitis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of shock waves for the treatment of plantar fasciitis in 2000.1

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Low-energy shock wave treatments utilize mechanical waves- similar to those used to fracture stone in the kidney or gall bladder with lithotripsy- and are given as a series of three or more treatments. The low-energy shock waves are not painful when treated tendonitis.

There are many reports about the effectiveness of the treatment of these different conditions. Many studies demonstrate good results for the treatment, particularly with calcific tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, but all tendon damage (except a tendon tear) can be improved.