Some tendons stall: the acute inflammation has passed, but the tissue never completed its repair, so pain persists for months despite rest and conventional treatment. Shockwave therapy targets exactly this state — high-energy acoustic waves applied to the tissue to trigger a fresh healing response.
How it works
- Stimulates new micro-blood-vessel formation, improving blood supply to chronic tissue.
- Activates the fibroblasts responsible for rebuilding the tendon.
- Helps break down calcific deposits in some cases.
- Produces an analgesic effect through its action on sensory nerve endings.
Conditions that respond best
- Plantar fasciitis and heel spur — among the most common uses.
- Chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
- Tennis and golfer's elbow.
- Shoulder tendinopathy and rotator cuff calcification.
- Patellar tendon pain in athletes.
- Gluteal tendinopathy around the hip.
What you should know before starting
We are clear with you on four points:
- Treatment is usually delivered in consecutive weekly sessions, with the number set by your case.
- You may feel discomfort during application; wave intensity is adjusted to your tolerance.
- Improvement is usually gradual and continues for weeks after the sessions end, because healing is a biological process that takes time.
- Shockwave is not a complete treatment on its own — it is combined with progressive tendon loading exercise, which is what builds real tendon strength.
Contraindications
Not used with clotting disorders or blood-thinning medication, over active infection or tumours, during pregnancy, or over growth plates in children. We review all of this at assessment before the first session.
Common questions
Is it painful?
Most patients describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful, and it takes only a few minutes. We start at low intensity and build to your tolerance.
When will I notice improvement?
Many patients notice a difference after the first sessions, but the full effect usually appears weeks after the course is complete.
Can I exercise during treatment?
We usually modify load rather than stop it entirely. We tell you what to avoid and when to return, because graded loading is part of the treatment itself.
This content is educational and does not replace medical consultation. Suitability of shockwave therapy for your case is determined after clinical assessment at the centre.