Low-Energy Shockwave for Osgood-Schlatter & Sever’s Disease: Evidence in Young Athletes
Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy in Pediatric Athletes: What the Research Shows
Overuse injuries like Osgood-Schlatter disease and Sever’s disease are some of the most common reasons young athletes miss practice and competition. Traditional treatment usually involves rest, bracing, and physical therapy, which can take weeks or even months before a full return to play.
But new research is showing that low-intensity shockwave therapy (ESWT) could be a safe and effective way to help young athletes heal faster—without long breaks from the sport they love.
The Study at a Glance
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Participants: 22 athletes, ages 11–15
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Conditions Treated: 15 with Osgood-Schlatter disease, 7 with Sever’s disease
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Treatment Protocol:
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Low-energy focused ESWT at 0.1 mJ/mm²
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1–3 weekly sessions
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Targeted to the painful apophysis (avoiding open growth plates)
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Key Results
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63% of athletes were back to sport in just 2 weeks
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32% returned within 4 weeks
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Most reported complete pain relief after only 1 session
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No side effects or recurrence were seen in the 3-month follow up
Why It Matters for Young Athletes
For kids who love sports, being sidelined for months can be frustrating. This study suggests that carefully applied, low-intensity shockwave therapy may:
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Shorten downtime
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Reduce pain faster
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Offer a safe option alongside other conservative care
The most important note: the therapy was never applied directly over growth plates, and only very low energy settings were used. This makes it a potentially safe adjunct when performed by trained clinicians.
Take-Home Message
Early evidence shows that low-intensity shockwave therapy may help pediatric athletes recover from common overuse injuries more quickly, without complications. While larger studies are needed, this case series is an exciting step toward safer, faster recovery for young athletes.
