Shockwave Therapy for Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Updated: Nov 2
Understanding hypermobility and why pain develops
If you live with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), you’ll know that joint pain and fatigue can make daily life difficult. When the connective tissue that supports your joints is looser than usual, your muscles, tendons and ligaments must work harder to keep everything stable. Over time this can lead to pain, stiffness and a frustrating cycle of flare-ups.
At My Family Podiatry we regularly see hypermobile patients dealing with ongoing pain around the ankles, feet, calves and knees. The added joint laxity and muscle fatigue often place extra stress on structures such as the Achilles tendon, posterior tibial tendon, peroneals and plantar fascia, as well as the patellar tendon and supporting muscles around the knee. We also see hip pain linked to altered foot posture and load distribution, particularly through the gluteal tendons and trochanteric bursa. This constant strain can trigger inflammation and pain that are slow to settle without the right approach.
One of the treatments that can help relieve this type of soft tissue pain is shockwave therapy.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses controlled acoustic pulses to stimulate healing in painful tissues. The treatment works by sending energy waves through the skin into the affected area. These waves encourage blood flow, reduce pain sensitivity and trigger your body’s natural repair response.
There are two main types of shockwave therapy:
Radial shockwave: energy spreads over a wider area, commonly used for muscle and mid-portion tendon pain such as calf tightness, mid-Achilles pain, or quadriceps and gluteal muscle tension.
Focused shockwave: energy is concentrated at a specific depth, which helps target insertional pain such as the Achilles or patellar tendon attachment or the hip bursa.
For a deeper explanation of when we use each type, see our guide to focused vs radial shockwave therapy. Both types are available at our Albany Creek clinic using our EMS Dolorclast system.
Why hypermobile people may benefit from shockwave
People with hypermobility often develop tendinopathy, where a tendon becomes irritated or fails to repair properly after repeated load. Shockwave therapy has been well-researched for chronic tendon conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy and hip bursitis, with studies reporting improvements in pain and function for many people, although research specifically in people with hypermobility is limited.
For hypermobile patients, the goal is not just to heal a tendon but to reduce the pain that stops them building strength. Shockwave can help calm irritation, allowing you to participate in a strengthening program that supports long-term stability across the lower limbs.
It may also help with myofascial pain. These are the tight, sore spots in muscles that develop when they are constantly working to stabilise loose joints. Shockwave may help ease these and reduce stiffness from the feet up to the hips.
Diagnostic ultrasound to guide your treatment
Before starting treatment, we often perform an in-clinic diagnostic ultrasound. This allows us to see the structure of the tendon, check for thickening or small tears, and rule out more serious problems such as partial ruptures or calcification. For knee and hip pain, ultrasound helps confirm whether the patellar tendon or gluteal tendons are involved. Imaging also helps us monitor improvement across your course of therapy.
Tailoring treatment for hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Every hypermobile patient is different. Some have very sensitive tissues, others struggle with slow healing or easy bruising. That’s why we modify our approach to suit your individual presentation.
We start with low energy settings and gradually increase intensity as tolerated.
Treatments are typically spaced one week apart for three to five sessions.
We avoid areas of fragile skin or recent bruising.
Each session takes around ten minutes, and discomfort is generally mild and short-lived.
After treatment, you can expect some temporary tenderness. This usually settles within 24 to 48 hours.
Combining shockwave with a strengthening program
Shockwave therapy works best when paired with a structured exercise plan. For hypermobile feet, knees and hips, that often includes:
Calf, quadriceps, glute and intrinsic foot strengthening
Posterior tibial and peroneal activation
Balance and proprioception work
Gradual load progression through the kinetic chain
We also look at your footwear and orthotic support. Orthotics don’t “fix” alignment but they can position the foot so your muscles work more effectively. This reduces strain through the knees and hips and allows you to move more comfortably.
Safety and limitations
Shockwave therapy can be used for many people with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome when settings are adjusted carefully. However, it may not be suitable if you have:
Open wounds or skin fragility over the treatment site
Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or are on strong blood thinners
A pacemaker near the treatment area
Pregnancy in the targeted region
We’ll review all of these factors at your initial consultation to check treatment is appropriate.
It’s also important to understand that shockwave does not correct joint laxity. It helps with the secondary pain caused by overloaded soft tissue. The key to lasting improvement is combining treatment with progressive strength and movement retraining.
Realistic expectations
Response varies. Some people notice a change within a few sessions, while for others any improvement is gradual as the tendon adapts. Not everyone responds, and we review progress at each visit.
Our goal is to get you back to your everyday activities with less discomfort and better control from your feet through to your hips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy safe for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
It can be used for many people with EDS when we use conservative settings and assess carefully first. We adapt treatment to protect fragile tissue, monitor your response closely, and it is not suitable for everyone.
Can shockwave help knee or hip pain from hypermobility?
It may help with pain from patellar tendinopathy and hip bursitis, especially when used alongside a strengthening and load management program.
Will shockwave fix my joint laxity?
No. Shockwave focuses on soft tissue pain, not ligament structure. It can help you manage symptoms so you can progress with exercise and stability training.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients have three to five sessions depending on the condition and how their body responds.
Does it hurt?
You may feel some discomfort during treatment, but it usually settles within a day or two.
Can shockwave help if I have fibromyalgia as well?
The research in fibromyalgia is very limited. We focus on specific tendon or soft tissue pain and will discuss whether shockwave is appropriate at your assessment.
What’s the difference between radial and focused shockwave?
Radial treats larger, superficial areas like the calf, thigh or mid-Achilles tendon. Focused is used for deeper or more precise sites like the Achilles or patellar tendon insertion, or the hip bursa.
The My Family Podiatry approach
If you’re living with hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and struggling with pain in your feet, knees or hips, you don’t have to put up with it. Our podiatrists can assess the true cause of your discomfort, perform diagnostic ultrasound if required, and use a combination of shockwave therapy, load management and strength programming to help you move more freely.
Call My Family Podiatry on 07 3088 6116 or book online to arrange an assessment.
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