Service
Shockwave Therapy
An evidence-based option for certain stubborn, longer-standing problems, such as tendon pain that hasn't responded to other treatment. Shockwave delivers focused energy to the affected area, designed to support the body's natural healing response. We'll assess whether it's right for you before we recommend it.
At a glance
For stubborn problems
An option for longer-standing tendon pain.
Focused energy
Supports the body's natural healing response.
Assessed first
We check it is right for you before recommending it.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, clinically proven treatment that uses high-energy acoustic pulses to stimulate the body’s natural healing response in areas of chronic pain or stubborn injury. It’s particularly effective for conditions that have failed to improve with rest, manual therapy, or exercise alone.
The targeted pulses work by increasing blood flow to the affected area (neovascularisation), breaking down calcific build-up, and stimulating the repair of damaged tissue, helping to kick-start healing in cases where the body’s own recovery process has stalled.
Shockwave is particularly effective for chronic tendinopathies and persistent musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
- Shoulder tendinopathy (including calcific tendinitis)
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Other stubborn, long-standing soft tissue injuries
Treatment is quick, typically taking just a few minutes per session. Shockwave is often used alongside physiotherapy and manual therapy as part of a wider treatment plan, and is available for a £15 supplement per session.
Evidence recommends between 3 to 5 treatment sessions spaced around 1 week apart to get the most effective response.
When it may not be suitable
- Pregnancy
- Active cancer, or treatment near a tumour site
- Blood clotting disorders or use of anticoagulant medication
- Local infection at the treatment site
- Treatment directly over major nerves, blood vessels, or the lungs
- Steroid injection in the treatment area within the previous 4 to 6 weeks
- Acute inflammation or acute injury (in the very early stages)
- Growth plate involvement in children or adolescents (open epiphysis)
- Pacemakers (treatment near the device)
- Untreated joint or bone infections
- Impaired sensation or nerve damage in the treatment area