Shockwave therapy in Warrington — effective treatment for stubborn tendon pain
Has your tendon pain not responded to standard physiotherapy? If any of these sound familiar, shockwave therapy may be the treatment that finally makes the difference:
- Understand exactly what's causing your pain
- Tennis or golfer's elbow that keeps coming back
- Achilles tendon pain that limits running or daily activity
- Rotator cuff or calcific tendinopathy that hasn't improved with exercises alone
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy — also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) — uses high-energy sound waves delivered through the skin to stimulate the body’s natural repair processes within tendons and soft tissue. A handheld device is placed against the skin over the affected area and delivers a series of rapid pressure waves.
The pressure waves increase blood flow to the tissue, stimulate collagen production, and trigger a controlled inflammatory response that jump-starts healing in tissue that has become stuck in a chronic pain cycle. For tendons in particular — which have poor blood supply and heal slowly — shockwave can achieve results that exercise-based rehabilitation alone cannot.
It is not a painful treatment in the traditional sense, though patients often describe a deep pressure sensation during the session. Most people notice improvement within 3–5 sessions, with each session lasting around 15–20 minutes.
At a glance
What does Shockwave Therapy involve?
01
Brief assessment to confirm shockwave is appropriate for your condition
02
Gel applied to the skin over the affected area
03
The shockwave device applied across the treatment zone — around 15–20 minutes
04
Mild soreness for 24–48 hours post-treatment — normal and a sign the tissue is responding
05
Typically 3–6 sessions, spaced 5–7 days apart
06
Always used alongside a rehabilitation programme — not a standalone treatment
What does the evidence say?
Shockwave therapy has a strong evidence base for chronic tendinopathies that have not responded to conservative treatment. Clinical trials consistently show significant pain reduction and improved function in plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance supporting the use of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis. It is recommended as an alternative to steroid injections, which can weaken tendon tissue with repeated use.
Conditions Shockwave Therapy is used for
Plantar fasciitis — particularly cases lasting more than 6 weeks
Achilles tendinopathy (mid-portion and insertional)
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
Lateral hip pain / GTPS
Hamstring tendinopathy
Why choose Stockton Heath Physiotherapy & Wellness
Shockwave therapy on-site in Warrington — available without referral, combined with clinical physiotherapy for the best outcomes
Used selectively and appropriately — we only recommend shockwave when it's genuinely the right tool for your condition
20+ years treating patients in Warrington — established, trusted, local
11 specialist clinicians across physiotherapy, sports therapy, women's health and more
CSP & HCPC registered chartered physiotherapists — fully qualified and regulated
Clear recovery plan from your first appointment — you leave knowing what's wrong and what happens next
Find out if Shockwave Therapy is right for you
