Shockwave Therapy London Bridge

Persistent tendon pain can make walking, running, training and everyday movement increasingly difficult. When symptoms have continued despite rest, activity changes or an appropriate rehabilitation programme, Shockwave Therapy may be considered as part of your treatment plan.

At Core Physio London Bridge, Shockwave Therapy is provided following a clinical assessment by an experienced physiotherapist. We will examine the affected area, discuss how long you have experienced symptoms and decide whether the treatment is suitable for your particular condition.

Shockwave Therapy is not used as an isolated quick fix. Where appropriate, it is combined with personalised exercise, progressive strengthening and practical advice designed to address the wider factors contributing to your symptoms.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT, is a non-invasive treatment that delivers controlled acoustic pulses through the skin to the affected area.

Despite its name, the treatment does not use electrical shocks. A handheld device is placed against the skin and produces mechanical sound waves directed towards the painful tissue.

The precise way Shockwave Therapy works is still being studied. It is thought to stimulate a local biological response within the treated tissue and may help reduce pain and support the rehabilitation of selected persistent tendon conditions.

Who May Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is generally considered for persistent tendon or soft-tissue problems rather than recent injuries. It may be recommended when symptoms have continued for several months and have not improved sufficiently with an appropriate course of physiotherapy, exercise or other conservative treatment.

It may be considered for conditions including:

• Achilles tendinopathy
• Plantar fascia pain or persistent plantar fasciitis
• Patellar tendinopathy, sometimes called jumper’s knee
• Gluteal tendinopathy and greater trochanteric pain syndrome
• Persistent proximal hamstring tendinopathy
• Selected elbow tendon problems
• Other persistent tendon conditions following clinical assessment

Not everyone experiencing tendon pain will require Shockwave Therapy. Your physiotherapist will first assess the condition and discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you.

Your Shockwave Therapy Assessment

Before recommending treatment, your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, activity levels and any treatment or rehabilitation you have already tried.

Your assessment may include examining:

• The location and behaviour of your pain
• Joint movement and mobility
• Muscle and tendon strength
• Activities that aggravate your symptoms
• Your current exercise or training load
• Movement patterns related to work, sport or daily life

Your physiotherapist will explain whether your symptoms appear suitable for Shockwave Therapy and discuss the potential benefits, limitations and possible side effects before treatment begins.

Where necessary, you may be advised to obtain further medical assessment or imaging before proceeding.

What Happens During Shockwave Therapy?

You will be positioned comfortably with the affected area accessible. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin before the Shockwave Therapy device is placed over the treatment area.

During treatment, you will hear a repeated tapping sound and feel firm pulses against the skin. The intensity can usually be adjusted according to your comfort and the condition being treated.

The Shockwave Therapy application itself normally forms only one part of your appointment. Your physiotherapist may also review your symptoms, assess your progress and adjust your rehabilitation programme.

Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?

Shockwave Therapy can feel uncomfortable, particularly when the device passes over a sensitive area. However, the intensity should remain manageable and can be adjusted during the session.

You should tell your physiotherapist how the treatment feels so that it can be adapted appropriately. Some people experience temporary soreness, redness or bruising following treatment, which usually settles.

Shockwave Therapy and Rehabilitation

Shockwave Therapy is usually most useful when it forms part of a wider rehabilitation plan. Treating the painful area alone may not address the strength, movement or activity-related factors contributing to the condition.

Your rehabilitation may include:

• Progressive tendon-loading exercises
• Strength and conditioning
• Mobility exercises
• Advice on managing work, walking or training loads
• Running or movement retraining
• A gradual return to sport and exercise
• Guidance on reducing the risk of symptoms returning

Your programme will be progressed according to your symptoms, physical capacity and individual goals.

How Quickly Will I Notice an Improvement?

Responses to Shockwave Therapy vary. Some people notice an early change in their symptoms, while for others improvement may develop gradually during the weeks following treatment.

No treatment can guarantee a particular result. The outcome may be influenced by the type of condition, how long symptoms have been present, your general health and how consistently you follow your rehabilitation programme.

Your physiotherapist will monitor changes in pain, movement and function and discuss whether further treatment is appropriate.

Is Shockwave Therapy Suitable for Everyone?

Shockwave Therapy is not appropriate for every patient or every condition. Your physiotherapist will complete a suitability assessment before treatment.

It is important to tell us if you:

• Are pregnant or may be pregnant
• Take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication
• Have a blood-clotting disorder
• Have an infection, wound or significant skin problem near the treatment area
• Have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device
• Have experienced a recent fracture or tendon rupture
• Have received a recent steroid injection in the affected area
• Have cancer or a tumour affecting the proposed treatment area
• Are currently taking medication that may affect tendon health

This does not necessarily mean treatment will always be impossible, but it may require further assessment or make an alternative approach more appropriate.

Why Choose Core Physio London Bridge?

• Assessment by an experienced physiotherapist
• Treatment selected according to your individual condition
• Shockwave Therapy combined with structured rehabilitation
• Clear explanations about the treatment and expected outcomes
• Progressive strengthening and return-to-activity support
• Access to related physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation services
• Convenient online booking
• Appointments at our London Bridge clinic

Our aim is to help you understand the condition and provide a structured plan for improving your symptoms, strength and ability to participate in the activities that matter to you.

Shockwave Therapy Near London Bridge, Borough and Waterloo

Our London Bridge clinic is conveniently located for people who live, work or train in London Bridge and nearby areas, including Borough, Southwark, Bankside and Waterloo.

Alongside Shockwave Therapy, the clinic provides physiotherapy, sports injury rehabilitation, post-operative rehabilitation, dry needling, strength and conditioning, sports massage and specialist massage treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a physiotherapy assessment before Shockwave Therapy?

Yes. An assessment is needed to confirm the likely cause of your symptoms, check that Shockwave Therapy is appropriate and identify any reasons why the treatment should not be used.

Is Shockwave Therapy the same as an electrical shock?

No. Shockwave Therapy uses mechanical acoustic pulses rather than electrical shocks. These pulses are delivered through a handheld device placed against the skin.

How many Shockwave Therapy sessions will I need?

The number and timing of sessions depend on your condition, symptoms and treatment plan. Your physiotherapist will explain the recommended course following your assessment.

Can Shockwave Therapy treat Achilles tendon pain?

Shockwave Therapy may be considered for selected cases of persistent Achilles tendinopathy, particularly when symptoms have not improved sufficiently with an appropriate rehabilitation programme. It will not be suitable for every Achilles problem.

Can Shockwave Therapy help plantar fasciitis?

It may be considered for persistent plantar fascia pain that has not responded to suitable conservative treatment. Your physiotherapist will assess the foot and discuss whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate.

Does Shockwave Therapy work immediately?

Some people notice a change relatively quickly, but improvement may take several weeks. Responses vary, and treatment should normally be supported by an appropriate rehabilitation programme.

Can I exercise after Shockwave Therapy?

Your physiotherapist will advise you according to the condition being treated. You may be asked to avoid strenuous or pain-provoking activity for a short period while continuing suitable rehabilitation exercises.

Are there any side effects?

Temporary discomfort, redness, tenderness, bruising or swelling can occur. Less common risks will be discussed during your assessment so that you can make an informed decision about treatment.

Will Shockwave Therapy replace my rehabilitation exercises?

No. Shockwave Therapy is normally used alongside a structured rehabilitation programme. Exercises help improve the strength and physical capacity of the affected tissue and are an important part of long-term recovery.

How do I book Shockwave Therapy in London Bridge?

Book an initial appointment online at our London Bridge clinic. Your physiotherapist will assess your condition and advise whether Shockwave Therapy is suitable.

Book Shockwave Therapy in London Bridge

If persistent tendon pain is limiting your work, walking, exercise or sport, our London Bridge physiotherapists can assess the problem and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

Book your appointment at Core Physio London Bridge today to find out whether Shockwave Therapy is suitable for you.