Weekdays 9:30am - 7pm.
Alternate Saturdays 9am - 5pm.
Red orchid flowers in a vase with the text Amaris B. Clinic on a white wall in the background.
Getting Here
By Car/Taxi

Public parking available or drop off along Arab Street, Village Hotel Bugis (Previously known as Golden Landmark Hotel)

By Public Transport

Buses (2, 12, 32, 33, 130, 133, 133A, 520, 960, NR7)  MRT (alight at Bugis MRT station)

Follow us
Red orchid flowers in a vase with the text Amaris B. Clinic on a white wall in the background.
Getting Here
Follow us

Get In Touch

Managing pain with waves and vibrations therapy (ESWT Therapy)

July 4, 2024
May 28, 2026
Medically reviewed by:
Dr Ivan Puah, Medical Director

Waves and Vibrations Therapy using ultrasound and electrotherapy can accelerate healing, reduce tissue swelling and pain, and reduce muscle tightness.

waves and vibration therapy

Table of Contents

Musculoskeletal conditions affect around 1.71 billion people worldwide, with low back pain being the leading cause of disability in 160 countries.

Waves and Vibrations Therapy, utilizing techniques like ultrasound and electrotherapy, promotes healing, reduces pain, and enhances mobility by targeting collagen-rich tissues.

This pain-free therapy addresses both acute and chronic injuries by increasing blood flow and soft-tissue strength. Conditions treated include various types of pain and issues like fibromyalgia and sciatica.

However, it may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with sensory issues, or individuals with lymphoedema. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.

ESWT Therapy

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 1.71 billion people in the global population suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, with low back pain being the leading cause of disability in 160 countries.  

Musculoskeletal conditions are characterised by pain (acute or chronic) and mobility limitations, affecting people’s ability to live a high-quality life.

The most common form of pain is musculoskeletal, and the number of people affected is rising rapidly, largely due to population growth and ageing. 

Waves and Vibrations Therapy using ultrasound and electrotherapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), can accelerate healing, reduce tissue swelling and pain and reduce muscle tightness [1, 2, 3].

Managing pain with waves and vibrations therapy (ESWT Therapy)

What are the benefits of wave and vibration therapy?

The benefits of the wave and vibration therapy include promoting tissue healing, improving the quality of repair, and helping reduce pain [4].

Ultrasound energy is absorbed more readily in areas with a high collagen content [5].

These areas include ligaments, tendons, fascia, joint capsules, and scar tissue.

The musculoskeletal system, made up of muscles, bones, and joints, enables the body to move and function as it should.

Problems affecting the musculoskeletal system can cause pain and restrict or reduce movement [6].

Ordinarily, the issue is addressed with anti-inflammatory medicines, but this may not solve the root of the problem.

Waves and Vibrations Therapy can:‍

  • Provide relief from muscle and joint pain and stiffness
  • Improve and increase mobility
  • Promote tissue healing
Managing pain with waves and vibrations therapy (ESWT Therapy)

What happens during the waves and vibrations therapy session?

During the sessions, the ultrasound head is placed on the area to be treated.

The gel will be applied to ensure maximum contact between the ultrasound head and skin.

The head is then gently manipulated in the area.

It uses varying frequencies, either pulsed or continuous, to target the specific injury or condition.

It is a painless experience but highly effective at addressing acute injuries or chronic conditions.

How can wave and vibration therapy help those with acute and chronic injuries?

Waves and Vibrations Therapy can speed up the healing process and increase soft-tissue strength.

In chronic injuries, the therapy will increase blood flow to the affected area.

This launches the healing process and reduces pain.

ESWT Therapy

Conditions and types of pain that wave and vibration therapy can address

The list of conditions and pain types for which Waves and Vibrations Therapy is beneficial is extensive. 

This includes:

Ankle Pain

Acute and chronic pain in the ankles and ankle joints

Low back pain

Acute and chronic low back pain associated with spinal nerve and disc pain, spinal osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease

Neck pain

Acute and chronic pain in the neck associated with soft tissue injury to the muscles, ligaments or spinal discs, joint inflammation and spinal arthritis

Knee pain

Acute, chronic and post-surgical knee pain associated with muscle, tendon, ligament or joint arthritis problems

Shoulder pain

Acute and chronic shoulder pain associated with muscle, tendon, ligament or shoulder joint arthritis

Wrist pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Foot pain

Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinopathy, Morton’s Neuroma and Peripheral Neuropathy

Others

Others on the list are fibromyalgia, sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, Shin splints, tennis elbow and more.

2

FAQ on waves and vibration therapy

Who is not suitable for wave and vibration therapy?

The therapy, while it does provide immense benefits, is not ideal for:

  • pregnant women
  • those who are experiencing numbness or reduced sensation in a painful area
  • people with pre-existing lymphoedema

What is the proprietary rotary field technology?

Rotary Field Technology is a modern innovation based on multiple crystal applicators where the ultrasound crystals are arranged as an array of ultrasound transmitters controlled by a real-time processor unit.

The processor unit activates individual crystals according to preset bounds.

This precise control, among other things, makes it safer against risks such as hotspots, which are common in some stationary ultrasound technologies.

How safe is the waves-and-vibrations therapy?

Waves and Vibrations Therapy is a safe treatment, as the electrical current dosage poses no danger or harm.




This article has been written under the guidance and advisory of Dr. Ivan Puah, who has a Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine and is trained in Trigger Point Dry Needling, and serves as the medical director of Amaris B. Clinic. The information provided herein is intended solely for educational purposes, to share the benefits of holistic therapies for pain relief management. It is important to note that waves and vibrations therapy should only be administered by trained and certified professionals.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to serve as medical advice or consultation. The content is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Individuals should seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in the article. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPORTS AESTHETICS

It aims to help fitness enthusiasts, sportspeople, and athletes achieve a physique that reflects both their health and the effort they invest in maintaining it.

Reference

read other blogposts

skinny women with lipedema

Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that can affect women regardless of BMI. Here's why lipedema can remain hidden for years, especially in skinny women.

June 10, 2026
liposuction

These seven facts about liposuction you’re about to read will definitely help you make a decision on whether you’d want to book an appointment for it.

June 10, 2026
liposuction vs vaser liposuction

Lipo is one of the most sought-after fat reduction and body contouring treatment. It's a procedure most is familiar with, but have you heard of Vaser lipo?

June 10, 2026
fat reduction

Fine-tuning its predecessor’s technology using ultrasonic soundwave energy for a more desirable outcome while stimulating skin tightening, Vaser Lipo is born.

June 10, 2026
tummy tuck vs liposuction

The decision between a tummy tuck or lipo will depend on your clinical condition, your body goals and expectations. So which is more suitable for your needs?

June 10, 2026
liposuction vs cryolipolysis

The success of liposuction and cryolipolysis (and others like them) can be simmered down to one thing - they fill a need by removing what's not needed. 

June 10, 2026