Is Shockwave Therapy Effective for Chronic Tendon Pain? What the Research Says Chronic tendon pain is a frustrating and often stubborn condition, especially for active individuals. Whether it's an Achilles issue from running, shoulder rotator cuff pain from lifting, or plantar fascia pain from standing all day, these injuries don’t always respond to rest, activity modification, or stretching alone.
At Physio Three Sixty in Hitchin, we offer Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) as part of our physiotherapy-led approach to tendon rehabilitation. With over 15 years of clinical experience and accredited by the CSP, our clinic has seen excellent outcomes in patients with persistent tendon problems.
But what does the evidence actually say? Here’s what you need to know.
Get in Touch
At Physio Three Sixty in Hitchin, we offer Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) as part of our physiotherapy-led approach to tendon rehabilitation. With over 15 years of clinical experience and accredited by the CSP, our clinic has seen excellent outcomes in patients with persistent tendon problems.
But what does the evidence actually say? Here’s what you need to know.
Get in Touch
What Is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work?
A Quick Overview
Shockwave Therapy involves delivering mechanical acoustic waves to painful or injured areas. These waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, including:
- Increased blood flow and collagen production
- Reduction in pain-mediating chemicals
- Disruption of calcified tissue (where present)
- Promotion of cell regeneration and tendon remodelling
At Physio Three Sixty, we use shockwave alongside tailored exercise plans— ensuring it’s part of a complete rehab process.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Shockwave Therapy is best suited for chronic, degenerative tendon conditions. Evidence supports its use for:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain, or plantar fasciopathy)
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy (shoulder)
- Gluteal tendinopathy and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (hip)
It’s not usually recommended for acute injuries or injuries present for less than 12 weeks, which is why your case will always be assessed prior to treatment by a Chartered Physiotherapist.
What the Research Says
Clinical Trials
- A 2015 systematic review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that extracorporeal shockwave therapy significantly improved pain and function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy compared to placebo (Mani-Babu et al., 2015).
- NICE Guidelines recommend Shockwave Therapy as a non-invasive option for recalcitrant Achilles and plantar fascia conditions before considering surgery (NICE, NG59, 2016.)
- A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (2020) found that Shockwave Therapy significantly improved outcomes in patellar tendinopathy, particularly when combined with eccentric loading exercises (AJSM, 2020.)
- The Cochrane Database supports its use in tendinopathies that have not responded to conservative care after 3–6 months (Cochrane, 2019.)
What to Expect During Treatment
Your Appointment Includes:
- Initial physiotherapy consultation and diagnosis
- Explanation of whether Shockwave is suitable for your condition
- Typically 3–6 weekly sessions lasting 25–30 minutes
- Guidance on exercise progression between visits
- Mild discomfort during treatment is common, but it’s usually well tolerated. Some clients report soreness that fades within 24–48 hours.
Book Your Shockwave Assessment in Hitchin
Our clinic is based at 17A Hermitage Road, SG5 1BT, just minutes from Hitchin town centre. . With flexible appointment slots, including evenings, we make accessing high-quality tendon care simple and stress-free.
📍 Address: 17A Hermitage Road, Hitchin, SG5 1BT
📞 Phone: 01462 431 033
📧 Email: info@physiothreesixty.co.uk
📍 Address: 17A Hermitage Road, Hitchin, SG5 1BT
📞 Phone: 01462 431 033
📧 Email: info@physiothreesixty.co.uk
Book Your Consultation Today
If your tendon pain has persisted longer than 12 weeks, you can call us to discuss booking an appointment..
👉 Book online now or call 01462 431 033 to arrange your consultation.
👉 Book online now or call 01462 431 033 to arrange your consultation.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management.
- Speed C. A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions: BMJ. 2014;348:g1939.
- Mani-Babu S, Morrissey D, Waugh C, Screen H, Barton C. The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in lower limb tendinopathy: AJSM. 2015;43(3):752–761.
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Shockwave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis in adults. 2019.
