Shockwave Therapy
Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in central London — a non-invasive option we use alongside a progressive loading programme for stubborn tendon problems that have not settled with first-line physiotherapy.
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The short answer
What this treatment is
Areas treated
What's included
- Non-invasive, drug-free adjunct for persistent tendinopathies that have not settled with loading alone
- Assessed and delivered by an HCPC-registered, CSP-member physiotherapist
- Reserved for recalcitrant cases — plantar fasciitis, calcific rotator-cuff, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy — in line with NICE interventional procedures guidance
- Always combined with a progressive loading programme, never delivered in isolation
- A clear contraindication screen at every visit, so treatment is only offered when it is right for you
- Honest review — if you are not responding we stop, rather than add sessions the evidence does not support
Boundaries of practice
What's not treated
Good practice means saying no when indicated:
- Pregnancy, or when actively trying to conceive
- Not suitable for under-18s without specialist consultation
- Active infection, open wound, or known tumour over the treatment area
- Clotting disorders, or anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication without prescriber clearance
- Metal implants, plates, or a cardiac pacemaker near the treatment site
- Recent corticosteroid injection to the area within the previous six weeks
Patient journey
What to expect
Consultation & preparation
Wear clothing that lets the affected area be examined, eat normally beforehand, and stay hydrated. Bring any prior scan reports, GP letters, or specialist correspondence. Tell us before the session about pregnancy, blood-thinning medication, clotting disorders, recent surgery, or any history of malignancy, as these are screened-for contraindications.
During treatment
Aftercare
Mild redness, warmth, or aching over the treated tendon for a day or two is normal and usually settles on its own. You can resume light activity the same day but should avoid heavy training of the treated tendon for 24 to 48 hours. Keep following your prescribed loading programme, as that is what rebuilds the tendon.
Transparent, all-in pricing
FAQ
Common
questions
What conditions is shockwave therapy used for?
We use it for persistent tendinopathies that have not settled with loading rehabilitation — most commonly plantar fasciitis, calcific rotator-cuff tendinopathy, and Achilles or patellar tendinopathy. NICE interventional procedures guidance supports careful use in these recalcitrant cases. We do not offer it as a first-line treatment, and we will tell you if your problem is unsuitable.
Does shockwave therapy actually work?
The evidence is mixed. For some recalcitrant tendinopathies that have failed first-line loading, shockwave can be a useful adjunct, and that is the basis of NICE interventional procedures guidance. It is not a guaranteed cure and works best alongside a progressive loading programme rather than on its own. We reassess your response and stop if you are not improving.
Does the treatment hurt, and are there side effects?
Most people find it uncomfortable but tolerable; the sensation settles as soon as the applicator lifts. Temporary redness, mild swelling, or aching over the treated area for a day or two is common and usually self-limiting. We screen for contraindications at every visit, which is how we keep the treatment appropriate and safe for you.
How many sessions will I need?
Shockwave is usually given as a short course of weekly sessions, but the right number depends on your tendon, your response, and how rehabilitation is progressing. We review after each session and only continue while you are improving. We will not commit you to a fixed package or add sessions the evidence does not support for your case.
Do I need a referral, and is shockwave suitable for everyone?
No GP referral is needed — book directly via our Jane App page or by calling 020 3004 8500, starting with an assessment. Shockwave is not suitable in pregnancy, over an active infection or tumour site, with certain clotting disorders or blood-thinning medication, or for under-18s without specialist input. We confirm suitability before any treatment.
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Soho Physiotherapy • 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT
BookAppointments typically available within 1–2 weeks