Non-Invasive Shockwave Therapy for Pain Management
A non-surgical option used for selected chronic tendon and soft-tissue conditions, with clear aftercare and rehabilitation guidance.
Quick Treatment Facts
Everything you need to know before booking—timelines, comfort level, and investment.
Commonly 3 sessions (1 to 2 weeks apart), then review
Often gradual over several weeks
Varies by condition and rehabilitation
None required
15 to 20 minutes per session
£500/session or £2,500 (6-session course)
None for daily activity (avoid impact or pain-provoking exercise for 24 to 48 hours)
Mild to moderate (adjustable)
What Is Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment where low-energy sound waves are passed through the skin to a painful area using a handheld device. It is used in musculoskeletal care for selected chronic tendon and soft-tissue conditions, particularly when symptoms have lasted for months and have not improved enough with conservative care. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but UK services commonly explain that ESWT may increase local blood flow and support a healing response in persistent tendon problems. For best results, ESWT is typically combined with a rehabilitation plan, including progressive loading and strength work tailored to your diagnosis.
You’re Not Failing, Your Pain Needs The Right Plan
Persistent tendon pain can be exhausting. It may stop you walking comfortably, exercising, sleeping well, or enjoying everyday life without thinking about your body. Many people try rest, stretching, pain relief, or physiotherapy, only to find symptoms return when activity increases again.
A doctor-led plan helps you understand what is driving your pain, what treatment options are sensible for your diagnosis, and what progress usually looks like. ESWT can be a helpful option for selected chronic conditions when used as part of a structured rehabilitation pathway.
Support Real Recovery
A structured approach designed to reduce persistent pain and help you rebuild confidence in movement over time.
Short Appointments
Treatment sessions typically take around 15 to 20 minutes, with clear aftercare guidance.
Clear, Professional Care
A calm, respectful clinical experience with suitability checks and realistic expectations.
Science Behind Shockwave Therapy
Mechanical sound waves that may support a healing response
ESWT passes low-energy shockwaves through the skin into the affected tissue using a handheld device. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, UK services commonly describe that it may increase local blood flow and support a healing response in chronic tendon conditions, and may also reduce pain sensitivity in persistent cases.
Circulation Support
May increase blood flow to the treated area, supporting recovery.
Pain Modulation
May help reduce pain sensitivity in chronic tendon conditions over time.
Tissue Recovery Support
May support healing responses in stubborn tendon and soft-tissue problems.
Works Best With Rehab
Often used alongside strengthening and load management for best outcomes.
Supporting Healing, Not Just Short-Term Relief
ESWT is commonly described in UK services as supporting a local healing response in persistent tendon conditions, including improved circulation to the area and changes in pain sensitivity.
For many patients, outcomes are best when ESWT is paired with progressive loading and strengthening, rather than relying on passive treatment alone.
Local Circulation Support
May help increase blood flow in the treated area, supporting tissue recovery.
Pain Sensitivity Reduction
May reduce persistent pain sensitivity in chronic tendon conditions over time.
Why Dr SNA Clinic?
Doctor-led shockwave care for pain management
Doctor-Led Care
Assessment and plan overseen by a GMC-registered doctor.
Diagnosis First
We confirm the diagnosis and match ESWT to the right condition, not just the symptom.
Evidence-Informed Plan
Course-based treatment with aftercare guidance and review.
Rehabilitation Integrated
Guidance on progressive loading and recovery, tailored to your condition.
Progress Tracking
Comfort and function measures used to guide progress and next steps.
Finance Options
0% interest plans for treatment courses.
What to Expect Each Visit
Simple, repeatable sessions with clear aftercare
Step
Duration
Pre-Session Check-In
Brief check-in, medical update, and confirmation of the target area.
Step
Duration
Set-Up
Gel applied and the treatment area positioned comfortably.
Step
Duration
Shockwave Delivery
Shockwaves delivered to the target tissue. Intensity adjusted to keep it manageable.
Step
Duration
Aftercare & Next Steps
Return to normal daily activity, with advice to avoid impact or pain-provoking exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
Why Protocol Matters
ESWT outcomes depend on the right diagnosis, appropriate treatment settings, and clear aftercare. A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely helpful for chronic tendon pain.
We tailor the course to your condition, your sensitivity, and your functional goals. We also guide you on short-term activity modification and rehabilitation to support recovery.
If ESWT is not appropriate for your diagnosis, we will tell you and discuss alternatives.
Targeted Application
Treatment is focused on the clinically relevant painful tissue, guided by assessment.
Evidence-Informed Planning
A course-based approach with review, aligned with how ESWT is described in UK services.
Shockwave Therapy Comprehensive Guide
Learn how shockwave therapy works, who can benefit, what the treatment involves, and how to get the best results with a rehabilitation plan.
Clinical Expertise You Can Trust
Shockwave therapy can be a useful option for selected chronic tendon and soft-tissue conditions, particularly when symptoms have not improved enough with first-line care.
The key is matching ESWT to the right diagnosis and combining it with a structured rehabilitation plan and sensible load management.
Every plan should be individual. We focus on safety, realistic expectations, and measurable progress you can track over time.
“The best outcomes come from the right diagnosis, the right protocol, and the right rehabilitation plan.”
Our Shockwave Therapy Facility
Modern clinic environment with medical-grade equipment
Private Treatment Suite
Medical-Grade Equipment
Doctor-Led Consultations
Treatment Zones
Treatment targets are chosen based on your diagnosis and examination
Heel (Plantar Fascia)
Often used for persistent heel pain where conservative care has not helped enough.
Achilles Tendon
Commonly used for chronic Achilles tendon pain alongside rehabilitation.
Other Tendon Areas (Selected)
Used in selected cases for chronic elbow, hip, knee, or shoulder tendon pain depending on diagnosis.
Benefits of Shockwave at Our Clinic
Designed for comfort, clarity, and rehabilitation-led outcomes
Supports Long-Term Improvement
Often used for stubborn tendon and soft-tissue pain to support recovery over time.
Minimal Disruption
Most people continue normal daily activity, with short-term guidance after each session.
Course-Based Plan
Typically delivered as a short course with review to assess response.
Non-Invasive
No injections required for ESWT sessions.
Safety-Led Care
Suitability checked carefully, with clear discussion of side effects and rare risks.
Targeted Application
Focused on the clinically relevant painful tissue, guided by assessment.
Recovery Support vs Short-Term Suppression
For many persistent tendon problems, pain relief alone is not enough. Symptoms can return as soon as you increase activity again, especially if the tendon has not rebuilt capacity.
ESWT is commonly used as a second-line option in musculoskeletal care. It is often combined with rehabilitation to support recovery, improve function, and reduce recurrence risk.
Your plan should be realistic and tailored. Some conditions respond well, others may need alternative treatments depending on diagnosis and severity.
Gradual Improvement
Many people notice change over weeks following the course, rather than immediately.
Function First
Aims to support walking, training, and daily activity with less pain and more confidence.
Works With Rehab
Most effective when paired with progressive loading and strengthening for your specific diagnosis.
Measurable Outcomes That Matter
Progress tracked with comfort and function measures
We focus on changes you can feel and measure, such as pain during key activities and improvements in walking tolerance, sport, and daily function.
Improved Activity Tolerance
Tracking whether you can walk, climb stairs, train, or work with less pain.
Functional Progress Checks
Simple measures to monitor improvement over the weeks after treatment.
Diagnosis-Matched Goals
Progress is judged against what matters for your condition, not generic promises.
Safety and Suitability First
Clear screening and aftercare so treatment is appropriate and expectations are realistic.
Course and Review
A structured course with a review point to decide next steps.
Confidence in Movement
Helping you feel safer returning to activity with guidance you understand.
Your ESWT Journey
Structured for safe, measurable progress
Assessment & Diagnosis
Doctor-led assessment to confirm the likely pain source, review your history, and check suitability.
What Treatment Actually Feels Like
It is normal to feel uncertain before your first session. Most people find ESWT is uncomfortable rather than painful. You will be positioned comfortably and gel is applied to the skin over the target area.
The applicator delivers rhythmic pulses that can feel like tapping or deep vibration. The intensity can be adjusted based on comfort and the area being treated.
After the session you can usually return to normal daily activities. Some people notice temporary soreness, redness, or a brief pain flare for a day or two, which is discussed in UK patient information.
Comfort-Adjusted
Intensity is adjusted to keep discomfort manageable while still delivering a therapeutic session.
Short Sessions
Most sessions take around 15 to 20 minutes, with time for guidance and aftercare.
Clear Aftercare
You will usually be advised to avoid impact or pain-provoking exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
Relaxed, professional treatment in a private setting
Shockwave Therapy Pricing
Consultation fee (£100) redeemable toward a treatment plan
*Exact number of sessions confirmed after clinical assessment.
Course Package
Course-based care with review
Doctor assessment + ESWT sessions + aftercare and rehab guidance
Extended Course (If Appropriate)
For selected cases where symptoms are improving but not yet settled
ESWT sessions + progress review
Every Treatment Includes
Flexible Payment Options Available
Finance plans available to help spread the cost of your treatment
0% Finance AvailableCompare Your Options
Understand how ESWT fits alongside other pain options
| Treatment | Results | Cost | Naturalness | Duration | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) | Gradual over weeks | Varies by course | Mechanical stimulation | Varies | None (modify activity for 24 to 48 hours) |
| Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation | Gradual with consistency | Varies | Exercise-based | Weeks to months | None |
| Medication and Pain Relief | Often short-term symptom control | Varies | Medication | Variable | None |
| Injection or Surgery (Selected Cases) | Variable | Varies | Procedure-based | Condition-dependent | Variable |
Experience the difference that expertise and care make
Who Benefits Most?
Often considered for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain
Final suitability is confirmed after assessment, diagnosis review, and medication checks.
Safety & Trust
Safety & Standards
ESWT is widely used in musculoskeletal services and is generally considered low risk, but it is not suitable for everyone. We screen contraindications carefully and explain expected short-term effects such as temporary discomfort, redness, swelling or bruising. Rare risks, including tendon or fascia rupture, are discussed where relevant so you can make a confident, informed choice.
Clinical Governance
Care delivered with hygiene protocols and documented treatment parameters.
GMC-Registered Doctor
Assessment and treatment planning overseen by a GMC-registered doctor.
Medical-Grade Shockwave Equipment
Calibrated equipment with settings adjusted to your comfort and diagnosis.
Course-Based Protocols
A structured approach with suitability checks, aftercare guidance, and review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our treatments
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Ready to Move With Less Pain?
Book a doctor-led shockwave assessment to confirm if ESWT is suitable for your condition.
Trusted by patients across the UK