Shockwave Therapy
What is Shockwave Therapy?
- Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is a clinically proven and highly effective treatment for chronic soft tissue injuries, recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, see links below), orthopaedic hospitals and professional sports bodies such as the English Institute of Sport (EIS)
- Radial Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive, safe alternative to injections and surgery
- Radial Shockwave Therapy uses high energy sound waves which are applied to the affected tissue with a handheld device. These sound waves cause microtrauma, increasing the flow of blood to the treated area and stimulating an acute inflammatory response, aiding the healing process
Radial Shockwave Therapy is an effective treatment for the following conditions:
- Jumper’s Knee (patella tendinitis)
- Painful Shoulder
- Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfers Elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Heel Spur
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Insertional Pain
- Chronic Tendinopathy
- Shin Splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
- Myofascial Trigger Points
- Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
- Trochanteric bursitis
- Achillodynia
Call 07734 866947 to book an appointment
or use our online booking form
Frequently Asked Questions – Shockwave Therapy
- A detailed consultation, both through discussion and physical assessment
- If required, soft tissue therapy (massage, myofascial release, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation)
- Shockwave therapy treatment
- Taping, if required
- Advice on rehab including follow up exercises
Most people who experience chronic pain have tried various treatments, many of which are not effective in eliminating the problem. Shockwave therapy has a high success rate. Please feel free to call to discuss whether Shockwave therapy might work for you.
As with all therapies designed to alleviate pain, some temporary discomfort while the treatment takes place is to be expected. However, since the intensity of the treatment can be varied to suit the patient and since the shockwaves are only administered for approximately five to six minutes, most patients find the discomfort manageable.
You are likely to feel significant improvement after the first session, but long term gains will require a course of treatment. Most patients will need between three and six sessions as the effect of the treatment is cumulative, but this will be determined by your therapist’s assessment of the tissue’s response.
Most patients will need between three and six sessions and these should take place between three and ten days apart. The optimum timings for you will be suggested by your therapist.
Patients usually experience immediate pain relief, but you may experience some soreness a few hours after the treatment. This is likely to be tolerable and will ease over time.
Your therapist will advise you in reference to your particular treatment, but generally speaking patients should avoid physical activity – particularly one that will engage the treated area – for 48 hours after each treatment.

NICE Guidelines – Shockwave Therapy
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellent is a special health authority of the National Health Service (NHS). NICE provide guidance on medicine, treatments and procedures.
The following are some guidelines for Shockwave Therapy:
Shockwave Therapy for Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder
Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy (Heel)
Shockwave Therapy for Trochanteric Pain (Hip)
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
To find out more, or to discuss treatment options call Simon Wintle on 07734 866947

Is Shockwave Therapy appropriate for everybody?
While Shockwave therapy is suitable for a large number of conditions with minimal side effects there are some conditions, also known as contraindications, that make Shockwave unsuitable for a patient:
- If you are pregnant
- If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)
- If you are taking oral anti-coagulants
- If you have received a steroid injection within 6 weeks
- If you have a pacemaker fitted
- If tumors are present at the treatment site
- If you have an infection or abrasion at the treatment site
- If you are under 18 (except in the treatment of Osgood-Schlatters disease)
- Any treatment over an air filled cavity such as lungs or guts
However, many patients with the conditions above can benefit from soft tissue therapy



