What is shockwave?

It is the use of a single acoustic pressure waves to bring pain relief and healing to the muscle and skeletal structures; more commonly used in the lower limb, ankle and foot. Shockwave therapy treatment can stimulate the body’s natural healing process and accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries by boosting circulation and providing immediate pain relief. Multiple clinical studies with accordance to evidence-based medicine have been carried out and shown excellent results.

How does it work?

The main aims of the treatment are to de-sensitise nerve endings, which will commonly give an immediate reduction on pain symptoms; and more importantly, the shockwaves cause controlled micro-trauma to the tissues which will activate the body’s natural healing response. In doing so, the body can heal any soft tissue problems in that immediate area.

Main aims:

Reduction in sensation of chronic pain.
Blockade of neurogenic inflammation.
Activation of mesenchymal stem cells (bone cells), thereby induction of healing.
Improved blood circulation in the treated tissue.

Shockwave therapy is simple and easy to carry out. Your therapist will apply a small amount of gel to the site of injury, which will aid in penetrating the area, and then the shock wave is applied by slightly pushing a small, hand-held device onto the skin. Many report the treatment as painless however, some people may find the treatment mildly uncomfortable. Your therapist will discuss with you the proposed plan to achieve best possible outcomes and can tailor the settings as required throughout treatment to keep it as comfortable as possible.

Shockwave is carried out by our team of physios and podiatrists, we will first carry out a full assessment before recommending shock wave, as it is indicated for some conditions and very effective, however it is contra-indicated for some conditions.

If you have a referral directly for shockwave treatment without a prior physio/podiatry assessment from a medical doctor, please provide us with a referral letter.

What conditions does shockwave therapy treat?

Shockwave is commonly used for muscle rehab and lower limb complaints such as:

Heel Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Calcaneal Inflammation
- Achilles tendinopathy
Posterior tibialis tendon pain/tightness
Peroneal tendon pain/tightness
Calf muscle complex pain/tightness
Muscle tears
Lower limb tendon issues

What does it cost?

1 x 15 minute session (shockwave only): £75

1 x 30 minute session (including rehab): £116

Clinical research / evidence recommends a minimum of 3 sessions however, the length and number of sessions will be determined by your therapist.

Shockwave is carried out by our team of Physiotherapists and Podiatrists.

The clinic has a physio contract with BUPA and AXA for shockwave treatment. For other health insurances, please check your cover with your provider

What to expect after treatment?

Immediately after treatment you may feel a dramatic reduction in pain, this effect only usually lasts for a few hours. The more important and lasting benefit is often not realised until around 9 weeks after the last treatment. Generally, post treatment a period of relative rest from intense exercise or activity reduction will be required to allow the tendon time to respond- your therapist will discuss this with you.