Shockwave therapy
Struggling with persistent tendon pain that is not responding to rest or standard treatment? Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted sound waves and may be appropriate for some persistent tendon conditions. Our experienced physiotherapists deliver shockwave therapy at our Kew clinic after assessment and as part of a wider rehabilitation plan.
Conditions
We only recommend shockwave therapy when the evidence supports it for your specific condition.
Pain and thickening of the tissue along the underside of the foot, very common in runners and court sports. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has some of the strongest clinical evidence for this condition, with research consistently showing significant improvements in pain and function.
Overuse pain on the outside of the elbow from repetitive gripping or wrist movements, common in tennis, padel, and cycling. Shockwave therapy can help when other conservative treatments have not resolved symptoms.
Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons causing pain and restricted movement. Shockwave therapy has shown strong results in breaking down calcifications and reducing pain.
Chronic pain in the Achilles tendon from repetitive loading in running, jumping, or change-of-direction sports. Evidence supports shockwave therapy particularly when combined with an eccentric loading programme.
Pain along the inner shinbone, particularly in runners who have increased training load. Emerging evidence supports shockwave therapy as part of a broader load management plan.
Tendon pain just below the kneecap, common in sports involving jumping, sprinting, and direction changes. Typically treated with shockwave therapy alongside targeted loading exercises.
Your treatment
Every session begins with an assessment by one of our experienced physiotherapists. We review your symptoms, injury history, and previous treatments before carrying out a clinical examination to confirm the diagnosis and explain how shockwave therapy fits into your rehabilitation plan.
A coupling gel is applied before a handheld applicator delivers controlled shockwaves into the affected tissue. The intensity is gradually increased to a level that feels firm but tolerable, and is adjusted throughout based on your feedback. Most sessions involve 5 to 10 minutes of active treatment time.
You can return to normal daily activities immediately. Mild soreness, stiffness, or redness for 24 to 48 hours is common and forms part of the body's normal healing response. We recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen for at least 48 hours, as this may interfere with the healing process stimulated by shockwave therapy.
Why us
All shockwave therapy at Q Sports Physio is delivered by chartered physiotherapists with specialist training in extracorporeal shockwave therapy and sports rehabilitation.
Shockwave therapy is always delivered as part of a wider treatment approach, which may also include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and activity modification. It is never offered as a standalone quick fix.
A standard course consists of 3 to 6 sessions, spaced one week apart. The number of sessions depends on the specific condition, its severity, and your individual response to treatment.
Fees
Shockwave therapy is priced together with the physiotherapy appointment it is delivered in.
View full price listBlock bookings save 10% on 3 sessions and 15% on 5.
Location
Shockwave therapy is delivered at Kew, Richmond only.
Richmond
Shockwave therapy for chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis, combined with loading programmes in our fitness studio.
Frequently asked questions
Shockwave therapy may be included in a rehabilitation plan for persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions after a clinical assessment.
Shockwave therapy is available at our Kew clinic in Richmond.
It is normally used as part of a wider rehabilitation plan rather than in isolation. Your physiotherapist will explain whether it is appropriate after assessing you.
