Frequently asked questions
The questions people actually ask.
Tap any question to turn the card over. Straight answers about radial shockwave therapy, including the ones that aren’t flattering to the treatment.
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The treatment itself
What is radial shockwave therapy?
Answer
A non-invasive treatment that sends high-energy acoustic pressure waves through the skin into a painful area of tissue. No needles, no incision, no anaesthetic. The applicator is worked over the area with coupling gel while you stay awake, and you walk out afterwards.
Does it hurt?
Answer
Often, yes — and we won’t pretend otherwise. Most people describe a strong tapping or hammering sensation, and the area is usually tender while the waves are applied, particularly over bony points like the heel or elbow. Intensity is adjusted on the handpiece mid-treatment, and there’s an analgesic mode EMS built specifically for sensitive areas. Say the word and we bring it down.
How many sessions will I need?
Answer
It depends on the condition, how long it has been there, the area, and how you respond. Shockwave is normally a short course spaced over a few weeks rather than a single treatment. For plantar fasciopathy, EMS suggests a course commonly falls in the region of three to five sessions. We won’t sell you a block up front.
Is there any downtime?
Answer
None. You can drive home and get on with your day. Some tenderness in the treated area for a day or so is common. We’ll give you specific advice about loading the area between appointments.
Will it definitely work?
Answer
No, and anyone promising you otherwise is telling you something they cannot know. Radial shockwave therapy has been studied in randomised controlled trials across a range of musculoskeletal conditions and is an established option — but individual response varies. What we commit to is an honest assessment, an honest review, and telling you plainly if we don’t think it’s right for you.
What makes your equipment different?
Answer
We use the EMS Swiss DolorClast® radial system, from the company that patented the first radial shockwave device in 1997. It delivers acoustic pressure waves into the painful area at a consistent energy output across its frequency range. EMS are clear that energy per shock is what matters: firing more shocks does not compensate for a machine that delivers weak ones.
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Your problem
I’ve had heel pain for months. Can I get shockwave treatment?
Answer
Very possibly — chronic heel pain is one of the most established uses of radial shockwave therapy and has the largest body of published trial evidence behind it. But heel pain has several possible causes, so an assessment comes first. Message us and describe it.
My Achilles has been sore since I started running again.
Answer
Achilles tendinopathy is a common application for the radial system, and the tendon sits close to the surface, which is what radial is designed for. Treatment works alongside a loading programme rather than instead of one. Sudden severe calf pain is different and needs urgent assessment, not shockwave.
My shoulder hurts when I reach overhead.
Answer
That pattern often points to rotator cuff-related pain, which shockwave therapy is used for. Not every shoulder problem responds, and some need imaging first — so we assess before we treat and we’ll tell you if you’d be better served elsewhere.
My elbow kills me when I grip anything.
Answer
That’s the classic tennis elbow pattern, and most people who get it have never played tennis. EMS presents radial shockwave therapy as an option once rest, physiotherapy and loading exercises have been tried.
My condition isn’t on your list.
Answer
Message us anyway. The radial system is used for superficial tendinopathies, fasciopathies, myofascial pain syndromes and large muscular areas — which covers a lot of ground beyond the conditions we’ve written up. If it isn’t suitable we’ll say so.
Can you tell me what’s wrong with me over WhatsApp?
Answer
No. We can tell you whether shockwave therapy is worth considering for the problem you describe, and whether it’s worth coming in. Diagnosis needs hands on the area. Symptoms in the same place can have very different causes.
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Safety and suitability
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Answer
It’s a non-invasive treatment with a long clinical track record, but it isn’t appropriate for everybody or for every painful area. That’s why we screen before treating. Tell us about your general health and any medication before your appointment.
I’m pregnant. Can I have treatment?
Answer
No — pregnancy is one of the situations where shockwave therapy should not be used. Tell us if you’re pregnant or think you might be, and we’ll talk about what else might help in the meantime.
I take blood thinners.
Answer
Tell us before booking. Blood-clotting disorders and anticoagulant medication are among the circumstances where shockwave therapy either shouldn’t be used or needs a conversation with your doctor first. We’d rather find that out beforehand.
I had a steroid injection in the area recently.
Answer
Mention it. A recent corticosteroid injection into the treatment area is one of the things we screen for, and it may affect the timing of treatment.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Answer
No referral is needed to contact us. If anything you tell us suggests you should see your GP or a physiotherapist first, we’ll say so — that’s part of the assessment, not a barrier to it.
Can my teenager have treatment?
Answer
We screen carefully for anyone under 18, and in most cases we’d ask you to see a GP or physiotherapist first. Growing bodies produce pain patterns that need a different assessment. Message us and we’ll talk it through.
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Practical
What should I wear?
Answer
Something that gives easy access to the area — shorts for a knee, hip or calf, a vest top for a shoulder. Bring it with you if it’s easier than travelling in it.
How long is an appointment?
Answer
Treatment time varies with the area, the number of areas and the individual. Your first appointment takes longer because it includes assessment and a proper discussion of what we’re doing and why. As a guide, allow about 20 minutes for a treatment appointment; your first visit runs longer because of the assessment.
Should I bring anything?
Answer
Any scan reports or letters you already have about the problem, and a clear idea of what medication you’re taking. That’s it.
How do I book?
Answer
Message us on WhatsApp at 086 810 6213 and tell us where the problem is and roughly how long it’s been going on. We’ll reply, discuss whether shockwave therapy suits it, and arrange a time. You can also ring the same number.
Where are you based?
Answer
[ADD CLINIC NAME, ADDRESS, TOWN, COUNTY AND EIRCODE HERE.] [ADD PARKING AND ACCESS NOTES.] Message us if you need directions.
Can I bring someone with me?
Answer
Yes, of course. Bring whoever you’d like with you.
Still wondering
Didn’t find your question?
Ask it directly. Tell us where the problem is and we’ll give you a straight answer about whether radial shockwave therapy is worth considering.