Frequently Asked Questions: Shockwave Therapy for Elbow Pain Shutterstock 1. What is the difference between "Tennis Elbow" and "Golfer's Elbow"? Both are forms of tendinopathy (irritation of the tendon). Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) causes pain on the outside of your elbow, usually from overuse of wrist extensors. Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) causes pain on the inside of your elbow, often linked to repetitive gripping or twisting. Both respond well to structured rehabilitation at our Sunbury and Melton clinics. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 2. How does Shockwave Therapy help with chronic elbow pain? Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses acoustic pressure waves to deliver micro-trauma to the damaged tendon tissue. This "kickstarts" your body’s natural healing process by increasing local blood flow and stimulating the repair of collagen fibers. It is highly effective for chronic conditions that haven't responded to rest or ice. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 3. Is shockwave therapy only for athletes? Not at all. While we do treat athletes, most of our patients are tradies, office workers, or parents suffering from repetitive strain. Whether your pain is from lifting tools, excessive typing, or gardening, shockwave therapy is a tool to get you back to your daily activities in Sunbury and Melton. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 4. Why choose chiropractic care + shockwave over just "resting" the elbow? Elbow pain is often a "second-hand" symptom. Your elbow might be hurting because your shoulder is immobile, or your neck is affecting the nerve supply to your arm. At Health Wise Chiropractic, we fix the "kinetic chain"—we use shockwave to treat the tissue while using chiropractic adjustments to fix the biomechanics causing the overuse. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 5. Does the treatment hurt? Most patients feel a pulsing or tapping sensation. Because we are targeting damaged, sensitive tissue, you may feel some discomfort during the session, but our practitioners will adjust the intensity to ensure it is within your tolerance. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 6. How many sessions will I need? Most patients require a course of 3 to 6 sessions. Results are cumulative, meaning your pain usually decreases as the tissue healing progresses over the course of your treatment plan. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 7. Are there side effects? You may experience mild soreness, redness, or slight bruising in the area for 24–48 hours after treatment. This is a common indication that the healing response has been activated. We advise patients to avoid anti-inflammatory medication (like Nurofen) immediately after treatment, as we want the natural inflammatory response to occur. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 8. Can I continue to work or play sport? In many cases, yes—but we may advise "relative rest." This means avoiding the specific movements that flare up your pain while continuing with modified exercises. We work with you to ensure you can maintain your lifestyle in Sunbury, Melton, and beyond without worsening the injury. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 9. What should I do at home for elbow pain? Home care is critical. We provide specific eccentric loading exercises (strengthening the tendon while it lengthens) and stretches tailored to your specific condition. We also recommend workstation ergonomics—especially if you work in an office or a trade—to stop the strain from returning. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog 10. How do I get started? If you have persistent pain on the inside or outside of your elbow, it is best to book a Comprehensive Assessment. We need to rule out nerve entrapment or joint damage before starting therapy. We serve the local communities of Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Melton, Strathtulloh, Cobblebank, Weirviews, and Thornhill Park. Source: HealthWise Chiropractic Health Blog