Shockwave Therapy in Jeddah: What It Is and When Physiotherapists Use It

Shockwave therapy is one of the treatments offered at IPC Jeddah, the International Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Center in Al Zahra District. This page answers the questions patients most often ask about it before a first visit.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), sends short pulses of mechanical energy through the skin into a painful tendon or muscle. It is non-invasive: no injection, no surgery and no anaesthetic. A physiotherapist applies it with a handheld device during a normal treatment session.

Which problems is shockwave therapy used for?

Physiotherapists mostly use it for long-lasting tendon and soft-tissue pain that has not settled with rest and exercise alone. Typical examples are heel pain (plantar fasciitis), tennis elbow, Achilles tendon pain, pain at the front of the knee and calcific shoulder tendon problems. Whether it suits your case is decided after an assessment, not before.

What happens during a session at IPC Jeddah?

The therapist first examines the painful area and asks about your history. If shockwave is appropriate, a gel is put on the skin and the applicator is moved over the area for a few minutes. At IPC it is normally one part of an individual plan that also includes manual therapy and exercises.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

Most people feel a strong tapping that can be uncomfortable over the sore spot. The therapist adjusts the intensity to what you can tolerate. The area can feel tender or look slightly red for a day or two afterwards.

Who should see a doctor first?

See a doctor first if your pain started after a fall or accident, if you have swelling, fever or numbness, or if the cause of the pain has never been diagnosed. Shockwave is generally not used during pregnancy, over a tumour or an infection, or for people with a blood-clotting disorder or on blood-thinning medication. Tell the therapist about your medical history before treatment.

How many sessions are needed?

It differs from person to person and from condition to condition. Your therapist will tell you after the first assessment what to expect and will review progress as you go. No treatment works the same way for everyone.

Where can I get shockwave therapy in Jeddah?

IPC Jeddah (International Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Center) is on Hisham Mohiedeen bin Nazer Street, Al Zahra District, Jeddah. The clinic works to German physiotherapy standards and has more than 40 years of experience. It is open Saturday to Thursday, 09:30 to 20:00, and closed on Friday. Male and female physiotherapists are available. Payment is by cash or card. To book, call 050 667 3533.

More questions? See our Physiotherapy in Jeddah FAQ

Read more: Shoulder pain treatment · Sports injury physiotherapy