Back pain is one of the most common issues people face—whether from long hours at a desk, poor posture, or injuries. While medication and physical therapy help many, some are now turning to shockwave therapy as a non-invasive, drug-free option to relieve chronic or stubborn back pain.
So, what is shockwave therapy? And more importantly—can it really help with back pain?
Let’s break it down.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment that uses acoustic waves (sound waves) to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. There are two main types of shockwave therapy:
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) – goes deep into tissue and targets specific areas. It's ideal for pinpointed, chronic pain like disc-related issues or deep muscle problems in the lower back.
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) – spreads more broadly and stays closer to the surface. It's often used for larger or more general areas of tension, like upper back muscle tightness or stress-related stiffness.
Both types are widely used by chiropractors, physiotherapists, and sports clinics to treat different kinds of back pain.
Focused shockwave therapy is best for deep, chronic pain—like what you'd experience with:
Herniated or bulging discs
Deep muscle knots (myofascial trigger points)
Lumbar spine degeneration
Chronic lower back pain lasting over 3 months
Because focused shockwaves penetrate deeper into the tissue, they can reach spots that manual therapy or surface treatments can’t.
How it works: The device sends waves that reach deep structures, helping improve blood flow, break down scar tissue, and trigger healing. Many patients feel relief after 2–3 sessions.
Radial shockwave therapy works better for more superficial pain or larger treatment areas like:
Upper back muscle tension
General back stiffness
Postural pain from sitting or working long hours
Muscle fatigue after exercise
The waves spread out, so they’re great for addressing overall tension or inflammation in broader regions of the back.
Bonus: Radial therapy sessions are usually shorter and gentler—often a good starting point for first-time users or early-stage pain.
It depends on your condition.
Choose focused shockwave if your pain is deep, chronic, or linked to a specific spot—like a herniated disc or long-term lower back problem.
Choose radial shockwave if your pain is more general, muscle-based, or you’re just looking for recovery support after physical activity.
In some cases, clinics even use both methods together—starting with radial shockwaves to relax the area, then following with focused treatment for deeper healing.
Sessions: Usually 1–2 times a week, 3–6 sessions depending on severity
Time: Around 15–20 minutes per session
Pain: You might feel some discomfort during treatment, but it's usually manageable
Recovery: No downtime needed; just avoid intense activity for 24–48 hours
Results: Most people feel improvement after 2–3 sessions
If you're dealing with stubborn back pain that just won’t go away, shockwave therapy might be worth considering—especially if you're looking to avoid surgery or long-term medications.
Always consult with a qualified therapist to assess your condition and find out whether focused or radial shockwave therapy is the best fit for your back.
