Shockwave Therapy
near Solihull, Kenilworth & Leamington
FAST-RELIABLE-EFFECTIVE
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Shockwave Therapy is a well-established treatment used in musculoskeletal medicine to help manage certain types of persistent tendon and soft tissue pain. When used appropriately, it can be an effective tool for reducing pain and supporting tissue recovery.
At RS Podiatry Clinic, Shockwave Therapy is never offered as a quick fix. It is used as part of a structured, evidence-based plan, guided by a thorough assessment and clear clinical reasoning.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), involves the delivery of controlled acoustic energy into injured or overloaded tissue.
Rather than “breaking things up”, shockwave works by:
– Stimulating tissue repair processes
– Improving blood flow to the affected area
– Reducing pain sensitivity
– Encouraging the body’s natural healing response
It is particularly useful in conditions where pain has become persistent and tissues are struggling to recover under ongoing load, including mechanical heel pain. The discomfort driven by structural or functional factors such as overuse, footwear, or altered foot mechanics rather than injury or systemic disease.
What conditions can Shockwave help with?
Shockwave Therapy may be appropriate for a range of foot and lower limb conditions, including:
- Heel pain
- Achilles tendon pain
- Insertional Achilles pain
- Plantar fascia overload
- Certain tendon-related foot and ankle conditions
Not all pain is suitable for shockwave. Its effectiveness depends on accurate diagnosis, tissue type, stage of injury, and how it is integrated into an overall treatment plan.
When is Shockwave most effective?
Shockwave tends to work best when:
- Pain has been present for several months
- Symptoms have not settled with rest or basic treatment
- The diagnosis is clear
- Contributing factors such as load and biomechanics are addressed
- Expectations are realistic
Shockwave is not usually the first step in treatment. It is often introduced once we understand why the tissue has become overloaded and what needs to change to support recovery.
Shockwave is not usually the first step in treatment; it is typically introduced once we understand why the tissue has become overloaded and what needs to change to support recovery. Achilles tendon pain often fluctuates depending on activity load and footwear; shockwave may be selected in more persistent cases where progress has plateaued despite appropriate rehabilitation.
What Shockwave does and doesn't do
Does
- Reduce pain
Stimulate tissue healing - Support recovery in stubborn cases
Doesn’t
- Instantly “fix” the problem
- Replace rehabilitation or load management
- Work in isolation from other treatments
At RS Podiatry Clinic, shockwave is used thoughtfully, not routinely. If it is unlikely to help, we will explain why and explore other options.
Our approach to Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is only offered following a full assessment.
This allows us to:
- Confirm the diagnosis
- Ensure shockwave is appropriate
- Explain how it fits into your recovery
- Discuss expected outcomes
Treatment is delivered using medical-grade shockwave equipment and tailored to the specific tissue and condition being treated. Sessions are typically short and performed alongside advice on activity modification, rehabilitation, and longer-term management.
How many sessions are needed?
Most treatment plans involve a course of shockwave sessions rather than a single treatment. The exact number depends on:
- The condition being treated
- How long symptoms have been present
- How the tissue responds to treatment
- Adherence to rehabilitation advice
Progress is reviewed throughout, and treatment plans are adjusted accordingly.
Is Shockwave painful?
Shockwave Therapy can cause some discomfort during treatment, particularly in sensitive or highly irritated tissues. This is usually well tolerated and settles quickly after the session.
We adjust treatment parameters to balance effectiveness with comfort, and you will be guided throughout the process.
Do I need Shockwave Therapy?
Not everyone does.
Some conditions respond well to simpler measures such as education, load modification, rehabilitation, or orthotic support alone. Shockwave is recommended when it is clinically appropriate, such as persistent plantar fasciitis, not as a default option.
Our role is to help you understand whether shockwave is likely to be beneficial in your specific case and how it fits into a realistic recovery plan.
Why choose RS Podiatry Clinic for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is only as effective as the assessment and plan that sit behind it.
At RS Podiatry Clinic, you benefit from:
- Thorough musculoskeletal assessment
- Clear explanation of your condition
- Thoughtful use of advanced therapies
- Integration with biomechanics, orthotics and rehabilitation
- Honest guidance on expected outcomes
FAQ's of Shockwave Therapy
Our speciality in using Shockwave is for Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis (Fasciopathy) heel pain and calcaneal heel spurs. The other uses of ESWT, however, are numerous, ranging from pain in the foot, knee, shin, back and shoulder, to men’s health and more. Conditions typically seen include Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (hip), Epicondylitis (‘tennis or golfers’ elbow’), periarticular shoulder pain and patella tendonitis, to name a few.
“ESWT offers two main advantages over traditional surgical methods: fewer potential complications and a faster return to normal activity” FDA.
- Effective pain relief with no anaesthesia
- Non-invasive
- No medication
- Faster return from injury
- Largely risk and side-effect-free compared to other treatments, e.g, steroid injection therapy
- Significant clinical benefit is often seen 6-12 weeks post-treatment
- Provides a natural analgesic effect and encourages the body to ‘self-heal’
Shockwave therapy is very safe and actually has fewer contraindications than some more well-known therapies such as acupuncture and massage. However, the following contraindications apply:
- Pregnant or trying to conceive
- Application over open growth plates – not suitable for patients under 18 years
- Over metal pins or plates
- Near/over malignant tumours
- Nerve or circulation disorders
- Infection
- If you are taking anticoagulants or have a blood disorder
Occasionally, a mild and diffused achy pain may occur a few hours after treatment, but this often subsides after a day or so.
Immediately after their treatment, patients will typically feel a reduction in pain.
Booking
RS Podiatry Clinic is based in Hampton in Arden, with easy access from Solihull, Kenilworth, Leamington, Coventry and surrounding areas. We offer free parking and flexible appointment times.
If you are dealing with persistent foot or heel pain and want to understand whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you, we are happy to advise.
Contact us, 07516 425748