Shockwave Therapy: Treatment & Benefits Guide
Shockwave therapy (ESWT - Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) is an advanced treatment using acoustic waves to stimulate healing in chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Over 80 London physiotherapy clinics offer shockwave therapy for tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder problems, and chronic pain. The non-invasive technique accelerates healing, reduces pain, and treats conditions previously requiring surgery or long-term conservative management.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment using high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. The therapy delivers controlled mechanical stress to damaged tendons, ligaments, and bones, triggering the body's natural healing response. Shockwave therapy increases blood flow, breaks down scar tissue, stimulates collagen production, and reduces pain by desensitising nerve endings.
Two main types exist: Focused shockwave therapy (high-intensity, penetrates deep tissues) and Radial shockwave therapy (lower intensity, treats superficial conditions). Most physiotherapy clinics use radial shockwave therapy for common tendon and soft tissue problems. Treatment sessions last 5-10 minutes per area with minimal downtime.
Research demonstrates shockwave therapy effectively treats chronic tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder tendonitis, and tennis elbow. Studies show 70-80% success rates for conditions resistant to other treatments. The therapy is particularly valuable for chronic conditions (symptoms over 3-6 months) not responding to rest, physiotherapy, or injections.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave therapy works through mechanotransduction - converting mechanical energy into biochemical healing signals. Acoustic waves create microtrauma in damaged tissue, triggering inflammatory response and new blood vessel formation (neovascularization). This controlled damage stimulates tissue regeneration, breaks down calcific deposits, reduces chronic inflammation, and desensitises pain nerves.
Mechanisms of action:
Neovascularization - Formation of new blood vessels improves tissue nutrition and oxygen delivery supporting healing
Cellular Response - Stimulates growth factors and healing proteins accelerating tissue repair
Calcific Breakdown - Mechanical stress breaks down calcium deposits in tendons (particularly shoulder calcific tendonitis)
Pain Gate Mechanism - Hyperstimulation of nerve endings temporarily blocks pain signal transmission
Tissue Regeneration - Promotes collagen production and tissue remodelling improving tendon structure
What conditions does shockwave therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy treats plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), calcific shoulder tendonitis, patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee), shin splints, hip trochanteric bursitis, and chronic back pain. The therapy particularly benefits chronic tendon problems (tendinopathies) not responding to conservative treatment after 3-6 months.
Common applications:
Plantar Fasciitis - Heel pain from plantar fascia inflammation, 80% success rate
Achilles Tendonitis - Chronic heel cord pain and stiffness
Tennis Elbow - Lateral elbow pain from extensor tendon overload
Golfer's Elbow - Medial elbow pain from flexor tendon problems
Calcific Shoulder - Calcium deposits in rotator cuff tendons causing severe pain
Patellar Tendonitis - Jumper's knee affecting athletes
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome - Hip bursitis and gluteal tendonopathy
Shin Splints - Medial tibial stress syndrome in runners
What to expect during shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy begins with assessment confirming diagnosis and suitability for treatment. Your physiotherapist applies ultrasound gel to the treatment area and uses a handheld device delivering acoustic pulses. Treatment intensity gradually increases as tolerance allows. Sessions last 5-10 minutes per area treating 2000-3000 shockwaves per session. You feel rhythmic pulsing or tapping sensation - some discomfort is normal and indicates effective dosage.
During treatment:
Assessment - Confirming diagnosis, locating exact pain point, checking contraindications
Application - Ultrasound gel applied, handheld probe delivers acoustic waves to treatment area
Intensity Adjustment - Starting at comfortable level, gradually increasing to therapeutic dose
Duration - 5-10 minutes per area, 2000-3000 pulses per session
Post-Treatment - Mild soreness or redness normal for 24-48 hours, resume normal activities immediately
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Shockwave therapy causes moderate discomfort during treatment - most patients describe it as tolerable. Pain level varies by condition severity and individual tolerance. Plantar fasciitis and calcific shoulder treatments often produce more discomfort than tennis elbow. Intensity can be adjusted to individual comfort levels. Post-treatment soreness lasting 24-72 hours is normal and indicates tissue response. Ice application helps manage any discomfort.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?
Most conditions require 3-5 shockwave therapy sessions spaced weekly for optimal results. Plantar fasciitis typically needs 3-4 sessions. Calcific shoulder tendonitis may require 5-6 sessions. Tennis elbow responds in 3-5 treatments. Sessions occur weekly allowing tissue healing between treatments. Improvement often appears after 2-3 sessions with continued progress over 8-12 weeks post-treatment. Some patients experience immediate relief while others notice gradual improvement.
How much does shockwave therapy cost in London?
Shockwave therapy in London costs £80-£150 per session depending on clinic location and equipment type. Initial assessment with first treatment costs £100-£180. Package deals (3-5 sessions) range £240-£600 offering better value. Central London and specialist sports physiotherapy clinics charge premium rates (£120-£150) using focused shockwave machines. Most health insurers cover shockwave therapy for chronic conditions after conservative treatment failure.
Learn more: Physiotherapy Costs in London
Shockwave therapy vs cortisone injections
Shockwave therapy offers several advantages over cortisone injections for chronic tendon problems. Shockwave stimulates healing through tissue regeneration while cortisone provides temporary pain relief without addressing underlying pathology. Research shows shockwave produces longer-lasting results particularly for plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. Cortisone may weaken tendons with repeated injections; shockwave strengthens tissue. Some patients try shockwave after cortisone injections fail or as alternative avoiding injection risks.
Find Shockwave Therapy Specialists in London
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes, shockwave therapy is safe when performed by trained practitioners. Contraindications include pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, active infection, tumours in treatment area, and use near major nerves or blood vessels. Minor side effects include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising. Serious complications are extremely rare.
How long does shockwave therapy last?
Results from shockwave therapy can last years particularly for calcific conditions and chronic tendinopathies. Studies show sustained improvement 12-24 months post-treatment for plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. Success depends on addressing contributing factors through exercise, activity modification, and biomechanical correction.
Does shockwave therapy work immediately?
Some patients experience immediate pain reduction but typical response occurs gradually over 6-12 weeks post-treatment. Initial sessions may temporarily increase symptoms as healing begins. Peak improvement appears 8-12 weeks after completing treatment series as tissues remodel.