What happens
Shockwave is a pulse of energy through the skin into a tendon that has stopped healing. It is uncomfortable for a few minutes, needs no anaesthetic, and works best alongside a loading programme, which is why we only offer it as part of physio and not as a stand-alone gadget.
What we use it for
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Greater trochanteric pain (outside of the hip)
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
The course
Three sessions a week apart, each with a short review, the shockwave itself (about five minutes) and your loading exercises progressed. We tell you at session three whether a fourth or fifth is worth it; most people do not need one. NICE recognises shockwave for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy; the evidence for the others is good but less settled, and we say so.
Your plan, step by step.
3, a week apart01
Sessions 1 to 3
A week apart; sore for a day after each, then usually easier
02
Weeks 4 to 6
Loading exercises continue; most improvement shows here
03
Week 12
Review point: 78% of our 2025 courses reported at least half the pain gone (demonstration data)
What the price covers
- Assessment to confirm shockwave is the right call
- Three sessions of radial or focused shockwave
- Loading programme progressed each week
- Review at session three with an honest next step
Right for
- Tendon or heel pain older than three months
- Pain that has not responded to exercise alone
- People who want to avoid an injection
Not the right first call for
- Pregnancy
- Blood-thinning medication or a clotting disorder
- A steroid injection in the last six weeks
- Children with open growth plates
Risks, in plain words
- Pain during treatment and for a day after
- Bruising or reddening of the skin
- Rarely, a flare that settles within two weeks
Last year, counted
78%of courses reported at least 50% less pain at 12 weeks in 2025 (demonstration data)