Accelerate Healing for Stubborn Tendon and Musculoskeletal Conditions
If you have a tendon or musculoskeletal problem that simply hasn’t responded to standard physiotherapy or rest, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) may be the missing piece of the puzzle. Shockwave uses targeted acoustic pressure waves to stimulate a healing response in damaged tissues, effectively re-starting the recovery process in chronic injuries.
It is one of the most researched non-invasive treatments available today and is recommended by NICE for several conditions, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.
At The Physiotherapy Centre, we are one of the few clinics to offer both radial and focused shockwave therapy. This gives our clinicians the flexibility to select the most appropriate technology—or even combine them—depending on exactly where and what your injury is. Most importantly, we don’t use shockwave as a ‘magic wand’ on its own; our experienced team integrates it into a broader, structured rehabilitation plan to ensure the results are both effective and permanent.
Conditions We Treat
Shockwave therapy is effective for a range of chronic and recalcitrant musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Achilles Tendinopathy
Persistent pain and thickening of the Achilles tendon that has not responded to exercise-based rehabilitation alone. Shockwave stimulates tendon remodelling and reduces pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic heel pain, particularly first-step pain in the morning. NICE supports the use of ESWT for plantar fasciitis when conservative treatments have been insufficient.
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Persistent pain along the shin bone. Shockwave can reduce pain and accelerate return to running when combined with a load management programme.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)
Pain on the outer hip, often worse when lying on that side or walking upstairs. Shockwave is an effective treatment for gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Pain below the kneecap caused by overloading of the patellar tendon.
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Lateral and medial epicondylalgia that has not settled with standard treatment.
Frozen Shoulder and Shoulder Pain
Shockwave can help manage pain and improve function in calcific tendinopathy and other chronic shoulder conditions.
Chronic Tendinopathy and Chronic Pain
Including conditions that have persisted for months or years despite other treatment. Shockwave works by disrupting the pain cycle and stimulating a healing response in chronically degenerated tissue.
Low Back Pain
Certain presentations of chronic low back pain respond to shockwave, particularly where myofascial trigger points or muscular components are contributing to the problem.
Men’s Sexual Health
Focused shockwave therapy is used as part of the treatment protocol for erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease within our men’s health service.
How We Treat: Our Approach
Assessment Before Treatment
Shockwave therapy is never prescribed in isolation. Before we even consider applying the first pulse, your clinician will carry out a full physical assessment to confirm your diagnosis and ensure that ESWT is the most appropriate path for you. Not every tendon problem requires shockwave; many respond perfectly well to exercise-based rehabilitation alone. If we recommend it, your clinician will explain exactly why it is being included in your treatment plan and how it will help your specific injury.
Radial vs. Focused vs. Combined Shockwave
Unlike many clinics that only offer one type of device, we provide three distinct options. This allows us to target your pain with much greater precision based on the depth and type of tissue involved:
- Radial Shockwave: This disperses energy over a wider area. It is highly effective for superficial tendon conditions and "knots" (myofascial trigger points), and it is the most common form of ESWT used in physiotherap
- Focused Shockwave: This delivers energy to a precise point at a specific depth. It is essential for treating deeper structures, breaking down calcifications, and managing conditions like non-union fractures.
- Combined Treatment: For complex conditions that affect tissue at multiple depths, we can use both radial and focused shockwave in the same session to provide the most comprehensive treatment possible.
Integrated Rehabilitation
The real “secret” to success with shockwave is what you do between sessions. The treatment is at its most effective when combined with a tailored exercise programme. Your clinician will prescribe specific “loading” exercises alongside your therapy to ensure the healing response we’ve triggered actually translates into stronger, more functional tissue.
What to expect: A typical course of treatment involves three to six sessions, usually spaced one to two weeks apart. This timeframe allows your body to respond to the treatment and begin the repair process.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your initial appointment at The Physiotherapy Centre lasts 60 minutes. This gives us enough time to carry out a full clinical assessment and—provided it is appropriate for your condition—perform your first shockwave session during the same visit.
Once we have confirmed ESWT is the right path, your clinician will explain the procedure in detail. We apply a coupling gel to the skin and deliver the acoustic pulses using a handheld applicator. The treatment itself typically lasts between five and ten minutes per area.
A few things to keep in mind:
- How it feels: Most patients describe the sensation as uncomfortable but tolerable—similar to a tapping or pulsing feeling. Your clinician will always start at a lower level and adjust the intensity to your comfort level.
- After-effects: It is perfectly normal to feel some soreness or a dull ache in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours after your session. This is a sign that the treatment has triggered the desired healing response.
- What to wear: Please wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated (e.g., shorts for a foot or knee injury).
Pricing and Appointments
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Initial Assessment (with first treatment) £89 (60 minutes)
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Follow-Up — Radial Shockwave £99
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Follow-Up — Focused Shockwave £141
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Follow-Up — Combined (Radial + Focused) £167
We are recognised providers for Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, and Cigna.
Conveniently Located in Waterlooville
- The Physiotherapy Centre 96 London Road, Widley, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 5AB
- Mon: 8.00–7.00 | Tue: 8.00–7.30 | Wed: 8.00–8.00 | Thu: 8.00–7.00 | Fri: 8.00–5.00 | Sat: 8.30–1.00
- We serve patients from Widley, Purbrook, Waterlooville, Cosham, Havant, and Petersfield. The clinic is on the old A3 / London Road, just north of Portsdown Hill, near the Hampshire Rose pub. The No. 8 bus (Bushy Mead) stops just up the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. The intensity is gradually increased during treatment and adjusted to your tolerance. Any discomfort during the session usually subsides quickly afterwards. Some soreness or mild bruising in the treated area is normal for a day or two.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Most conditions require three to six sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart. Your clinician will advise on the recommended number at your initial assessment. Some patients notice improvement after the first session, but the full benefit typically builds over the course of treatment.
Does the NHS offer shockwave therapy?
NICE supports the use of ESWT for certain conditions including plantar fasciitis, but access through the NHS is limited and waiting times can be long. Private treatment allows you to start without delay.
Can shockwave therapy replace surgery?
In many cases, yes. Research shows that shockwave therapy can produce comparable outcomes to surgery for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and calcific shoulder tendinopathy, without the risks, downtime, or recovery period associated with an operation. It is not a replacement for surgery in all cases, but it is a reasonable option to try first.
What is the difference between radial and focused shockwave?
Radial shockwave spreads energy over a wider surface area and is effective for more superficial structures. Focused shockwave delivers energy to a precise depth and is used for deeper tissues, calcifications, and conditions like non-union fractures. Your clinician will select the appropriate type—or combine both—based on your condition.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are generally mild and temporary. You may experience redness, mild swelling, or bruising in the treated area. These typically resolve within a few days. Serious side effects are rare.
Can I exercise after shockwave therapy?
You should avoid high-impact activity on the treated area for 24 to 48 hours after each session. Your clinician will advise on specific exercises that are safe to continue and will prescribe a rehabilitation programme to complement the shockwave treatment.
Is shockwave therapy suitable for everyone?
There are some contraindications. Shockwave is not recommended during pregnancy, over areas with active infection, over tumours, or for patients on anticoagulant medication in certain cases. Your clinician will screen for contraindications at your initial assessment.
Can I claim shockwave therapy on my health insurance?
Yes, in most cases. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, and Cigna. Check with your insurer whether shockwave is covered under your specific policy and obtain an authorisation number before booking.
How does shockwave compare to cortisone injections?
Cortisone injections provide short-term pain relief but do not promote tissue healing and may weaken tendons with repeated use. Shockwave therapy stimulates a biological healing response and has longer-lasting effects. For chronic tendon problems, shockwave is generally considered a better long-term option.