26/11/2025
Shockwave on Acupuncture Points – What Does the Evidence Say?
After obtaining a radial shockwave device earlier this year, I started applying treatment both directly to the affected area and at acupoints. I have noticed that this combined approach reduces the number of treatments needed and speeds up recovery.
ESWT is well established for certain MSK problems (e.g. plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinopathy). More recently, several trials have delivered shockwaves to acupuncture points or meridian-based tender points rather than just “where it hurts”.
A Korean review (2022) found 27 studies using acupoint-guided ESWT, mostly for pain conditions such as knee OA, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, shoulder periarthritis and lumbar disc herniation. Frequently used points included GB34, ST36 and KI3, with relatively few reported adverse events.
Mechanistically, shockwave appears to increase blood flow, support tissue healing and modulate nociception, which fits well with an acupuncture/trigger-point model. There is also interesting data in women’s health: a 2021 RCT applied radial shockwave to lower-abdominal acupuncture points in primary dysmenorrhoea and showed meaningful reductions in pain and prostaglandin levels.
However, protocols vary widely, and the evidence for conditions like myofascial pain is mixed. At this stage, using ESWT on acupuncture points should be considered an adjunct, best combined with careful assessment, education and rehabilitation.
Are you currently combining ESWT with acupuncture or dry needling in your practice? I’d be keen to hear how you’re using it and what outcomes you’re seeing.
