Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) bridges sports medicine and longevity: focused or radial pressure waves stimulate tendons, fascia and muscles, dissolve calcifications and promote tissue regeneration – for heel spurs, tennis elbow, Achilles tendon or shoulder problems that become more frequent with age and slow down runners, golfers and cyclists. In Mallorca, sports physiotherapies and orthopaedic practices in Palma in particular offer the treatment. Our comparison distinguishes focused and radial systems and shows where to get the treatment.
Physiotherapy in the Son Moix shopping centre with shockwave therapy (heel spur, Achilles tendon, epicondylitis, periostitis), lymphatic drainage and dry needling – Mon–Sat 9–21, German spoken.
German sports orthopaedics in Palma with a whole-body cryo chamber (−110 °C, 2–3 minutes), DEXA scan, 3D body scanner and shockwave therapy – Mon–Sat 9–19, booking via Doctoralia.
Shockwave therapy is available in Mallorca at Dr. Diedrich’s sports orthopaedics on Avinguda Mèxic (physician-led, combined with DEXA and cryo chamber) and at FisioClinics in the Centro Comercial Son Moix (physiotherapist-led, Mon–Sat 9 am–9 pm, German-speaking) – typical indications are heel spurs, Achilles tendon, tennis elbow and periostitis, the kind that plague runners and cyclists after the season.
| Provider | Type |
|---|---|
| FisioClinics Palma | n/a |
| Klinik für Orthopädie und Sporttraumatologie Dr. Diedrich | n/a |
“n/a” = not publicly stated by the provider. Providers can complete their data.
Radial shockwaves (rESWT) are generated via a pneumatic applicator and spread over an area in the tissue – ideal for superficial tendon insertions and myofascial trigger points. Focused shockwaves (fESWT) are generated electromagnetically or piezoelectrically and concentrate energy at depth – for calcifications, deep tendon problems and non-unions.
The mechanical stimulation releases growth factors, improves circulation and modifies pain transmission. Three to five sessions at weekly intervals of 10 to 15 minutes are typical.
Evidence is good for heel spurs, calcific shoulder and tendinopathies; the treatment can be briefly painful.
As a self-payer around € 80 to 200 per session, depending on system and provider. With a medical prescription private insurers partly cover the treatment.
Radial shockwaves suit superficial tendon insertions (heel spur, tennis elbow) and trigger points, focused ones deep structures such as calcific shoulder or chronic Achilles tendon problems. The professional decides after diagnosis.
The treatment is noticeable and can be briefly uncomfortable; intensity is adapted to your tolerance. Slight redness or swelling after the session is normal.
Usually three to five sessions about a week apart. Improvement often shows only a few weeks after the last treatment.
