Shockwave Therapy
At Matlock Physio
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment used to support the healing of chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries. It’s particularly useful when rest, rehabilitation exercises, or hands-on treatment haven’t resolved the issue fully.
What Is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy works by delivering controlled acoustic pressure waves into the injured tissue. These waves help to stimulate blood flow and metabolism, reduce pain, and encourage the breakdown of scar tissue, activating the body’s natural repair process.
The treatment is carried out using a handheld device placed over the area of pain or restriction. You’ll feel a rhythmic tapping sensation throughout the session, which typically lasts between 10–15 minutes.
What Does the Research Say?
Shockwave therapy is well supported by clinical evidence and is widely used in both NHS and private musculoskeletal services across the UK and Europe. Some key findings include:
A 2018 meta-analysis published in Sports Health concluded that shockwave therapy is significantly more effective than placebo or standard conservative care for persistent tendinopathies, especially plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.
A 2020 study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reported a 65–80% success rate for chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) in patients who had not responded to other treatments.
Radial Shockwave Therapy is endorsed in NICE guidelines (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for use in conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy when conservative measures have failed.
Conditions It Can Help With
This treatment is commonly used to support recovery from:
- Plantar fasciitis / heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow / golfer’s elbow
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Gluteal tendinopathy / pain on the outside of the hip
- Chronic muscle tension and trigger points
It is especially helpful in long-standing injuries that have failed to settle with exercise alone.
Treatment Plan & What to Expect
We usually recommend 3–6 sessions, spaced one week apart. Some people notice improvement after the first session, but more often, results build gradually over time. Shockwave is most effective when combined with a tailored rehab plan, which we’ll guide you through.
There is no recovery downtime. You can resume most daily activities immediately, although we may suggest temporarily avoiding high-impact exercise.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Radial shockwave therapy has an excellent safety profile, with only mild and short-lived side effects, such as slight redness or tenderness in the treated area. It is widely used in UK physiotherapy clinics and is regulated for safe clinical use.
We will always carry out a full assessment to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific condition and overall health.
Considering Shockwave Therapy?
If you’ve been struggling with a persistent injury that just isn’t resolving, radial shockwave therapy may help you get back on track. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.