shockwave therapy
November 19, 2025

Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is one of the most common causes of heel and lower-leg pain, especially among runners, gym-goers, and active adults. At Rebound Physio Clinic in Gladstone, we specialise in treating tendon injuries, and Shockwave Therapy has become one of the most effective solutions for stubborn Achilles tendinitis.

If you are struggling with ongoing tendon pain, this article explains what Achilles tendinitis is, why shockwave therapy works, and how our physiotherapists at Rebound Physio Clinic can help you recover faster and prevent recurrence.

What Is Achilles Tendinitis?
 
Achilles tendinitis refers to inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon—the strong band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It commonly develops due to:
  • Overuse
  • Sudden increase in training load
  • Poor foot biomechanics
  • Tight calf muscles
  • Unsupportive footwear
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include:
  • Pain at the back of the heel or lower calf
  • Stiffness in the morning or after rest
  • Swelling or tenderness along the tendon
  • Pain during exercise, particularly running or jumping
If the condition becomes chronic, it may progress into Achilles tendinopathy, which requires more structured treatment.

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinitis?

At Rebound Physio Clinic, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is one of our key treatments for stubborn or long-standing Achilles pain. It is a safe, non-invasive technique that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing within the tendon.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinitis

✔ Reduces pain quickly
✔ Improves blood flow to the tendon
✔ Stimulates collagen production and tissue repair
✔ Breaks down chronic scar tissue
✔ Helps restore mobility and strength
✔ Accelerates recovery when combined with physiotherapy

Shockwave therapy is especially effective for chronic or recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy—cases that have not improved with rest, massage, or standard stretching.

How Shockwave Therapy Works
 
Shockwave therapy delivers controlled shockwaves to the Achilles tendon. These waves create micro-stimulation that triggers:
  • Increased blood flow
  • Enhanced metabolic activity
  • Regeneration of tendon fibres
  • Reduction of inflammation
  • Desensitisation of painful nerve endings
Most patients begin to feel improvement after 2–3 sessions, with significant recovery seen over 4–6 sessions depending on severity.
What to Expect at Rebound Physio Clinic – Your Achilles Tendinitis Experts
 
During your initial consultation, our physiotherapist will:
  1. Assess the severity of your Achilles condition
  2. Identify contributing biomechanical factors
  3. Determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate
  4. Create a personalised treatment plan
A typical shockwave session lasts around 5–10 minutes. Mild discomfort may occur during treatment, but it is very well tolerated and requires no downtime.
Comprehensive Achilles Tendinitis Treatment at Rebound Physio Clinic
 
While shockwave therapy is highly effective, long-term recovery requires more than symptom relief. At Rebound Physio Clinic, we provide a complete management plan to ensure full tendon healing and prevent recurrence.
 
Our other evidence-based treatments include:
 
  1. Physiotherapy & Manual Therapy
  • Calf and ankle soft-tissue release
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Tendon loading advice

2. Exercise Rehabilitation

We prescribe specific exercises essential for tendon healing, including:
  • Eccentric calf loading
  • Progressive strength training
  • Functional and sport-specific exercises

3. Dry Needling

Useful for reducing muscle tightness and improving tendon function.

 

4. Taping & Bracing

To reduce strain on the tendon during activity.

 

5. Load & Activity Management

We guide you on safe activity levels, footwear selection, and training modifications.

Why Rebound Physio Clinic Is the Best Choice for Achilles Tendinitis Treatment in Gladstone

Rebound Physio Clinic offers an expert, personalised, and structured approach to tendon injuries. Our physiotherapists use the latest treatment technology—including shockwave therapy—to help you return to walking, running, sport, and daily life without pain.

If Achilles pain is limiting your movement or impacting your lifestyle, our Gladstone physio team is ready to help you recover quickly and safely.

📞 Book your appointment: 07 4891 9113
📍 Rebound Physio Clinic – The Windmill Centre, 216 Philip Street, Gladstone

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