Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy in Hitchin

Understanding Achilles Tendinopathy

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone. It plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping. Despite its strength, this tendon is prone to overload and repetitive strain, which can lead to a condition known as Achilles Tendinopathy.

Achilles Tendinopathy is characterised by pain, stiffness, and thickening of the tendon, typically felt two to six centimetres above the heel (mid-portion) or directly at its insertion point on the heel bone. Early symptoms often appear as discomfort during the first few steps in the morning or at the beginning of activity, which then eases with movement but worsens again later.

Although it is common among runners and athletes, this condition can affect anyone, including those who spend long hours on their feet or walk regularly. Both younger active individuals and older adults can experience this type of chronic tendon pain.

When symptoms persist for longer than three months and do not improve with rest, stretching, or strengthening alone, Shockwave Therapy is a logical next treatment option.

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What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT), is a non-surgical treatment that uses focused or radial mechanical waves to stimulate healing in damaged tendon tissue. The treatment is designed to activate biological repair mechanisms where normal healing has stalled.

How It Works

The acoustic energy generated by the device has several physiological effects:

• Increases local blood flow and tissue metabolism
   

• Stimulates collagen synthesis for tendon repair
   

• Reduces pain-mediating chemicals
   

• Breaks down disorganised scar tissue within the tendon
   

• Promotes tendon remodelling and regeneration
   

At Physio Three Sixty in Hitchin, patients typically receive between three and six sessions, each spaced five to ten days apart. This spacing allows time for biological responses to occur between treatments.

The Evidence Supporting Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy

Over the past decade, multiple systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that Shockwave Therapy provides measurable improvements in pain and function for chronic Achilles Tendinopathy.

Clinical Research Findings

Rompe J.D. et al. (2009), American Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(3):463–470. This randomised controlled trial found that patients receiving Shockwave Therapy in addition to eccentric loading exercises experienced greater improvements in pain and function than those performing exercises alone.

​​Al-Abbad H., Simon J.V. (2013), Foot & Ankle International, 34(1):33–41. Their systematic review concluded that Shockwave Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic Achilles Tendinopathy, particularly when conservative management has failed.

Van der Worp H. et al. (2013), British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(10):644–652. This meta-analysis showed statistically significant improvements in pain scores and patient satisfaction following radial Shockwave Therapy compared to placebo.
 

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), IPG571 (2016). NICE recognises Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy as an appropriate treatment for refractory Achilles Tendinopathy when applied by trained professionals.
 

Notarnicola A. et al. (2014), Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 4(4):410–416. This prospective study demonstrated that patients experienced a 68 per cent reduction in pain after a course of radial Shockwave Therapy, sustained at six-month follow-up.
 

The accumulated evidence supports the use of Shockwave Therapy as a reliable, evidence-based treatment for chronic Achilles Tendinopathy, especially when symptoms persist beyond three months despite standard rehabilitation.

What to Expect During Treatment

Initial Assessment

At Physio Three Sixty, your physiotherapist will conduct a detailed musculoskeletal assessment to confirm the diagnosis and identify contributing factors such as calf tightness, foot biomechanics, or training load errors. The clinic’s Chartered Physiotherapists are CSP and HCPC registered, ensuring that all treatments meet professional clinical standards.

During the Session

Each treatment session lasts approximately 25 to 30 minutes. A small handheld device delivers controlled pulses to the affected tendon and surrounding tissue. Patients typically experience mild to moderate discomfort, which is short-lived. No anaesthetic is required, and you can continue some normal activities between sessions.

Course & Recovery

• Sessions: 3 to 6 treatments spaced 5 to 10 days apart

• ​Long-term benefits: Improved strength, mobility, and function 6-8 weeks following the course of treatment

Your physiotherapist will usually combine Shockwave Therapy with a progressive exercise programme focusing on eccentric loading, calf strength, and movement control to enhance long-term results.

Who Is Suitable for Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for individuals who:

• Have experienced Achilles pain for longer than three months
• Have not improved despite rest, stretching, or strengthening
• Prefer a non-invasive alternative to injections or surgery
• Are able to commit to a short course of treatments

It is suitable for a wide range of people, from recreational walkers and office workers to competitive runners and athletes. Your Physiotherapist will go through some screening questions prior to starting shockwave, to ensure that it is a safe and suitable treatment for you. 

Why Choose Physio Three Sixty for Achilles Shockwave Therapy in Hitchin

Physio Three Sixty has built a strong reputation in Hitchin for clinical excellence and patient-centred care. Established in 2015 and led by physiotherapist Anthony Cahill, the clinic brings over 15 years of experience in sports injury and tendon rehabilitation.

Key credentials include:

• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) membership
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
• Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) affiliation
• Evidence-based rehabilitation integrated with strength training principles

The clinic is located at 17A Hermitage Road, Hitchin, SG5 1BT, easily accessible from Hitchin Market and the Queen Mother Theatre, with convenient nearby parking.
 

Local Context & Clinical Insight

Achilles Tendinopathy is not limited to athletes. Many people in Hitchin experience tendon pain simply from walking on hard surfaces, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. Age-related changes in tendon elasticity and reduced recovery capacity make this condition increasingly common in older adults as well.

Shockwave Therapy provides an opportunity to restore function and relieve pain without the need for invasive procedures. When combined with guided exercise therapy, it helps to strengthen the tendon and reduce recurrence risk, supporting long-term movement and quality of life.

Book a Consultation

If you have been living with persistent Achilles pain for more than three months and conventional management has not brought relief, Shockwave Therapy could be an effective next step.

Find out more on our Shockwave Therapy in Hitchin and Hertfordshire page, or contact our team directly to book your assessment:
📞 01462 431 033
📧 info@physiothreesixty.co.uk 

You can also submit an enquiry via our Contact page.

At Physio Three Sixty, we combine advanced technology with clinical expertise to help Hitchin residents recover from Achilles Tendinopathy and return to pain-free movement.

References

• Rompe J.D., Furia J., Maffulli N. (2009). Eccentric loading compared with shock wave treatment for chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(3), 463–470.
• Al-Abbad H., Simon J.V. (2013). The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on chronic Achilles tendinopathy: A systematic review. Foot & Ankle International, 34(1), 33–41.
• Van der Worp H., Zwerver J., Hamstra M. (2013). The effectiveness of shockwave treatment in tendinopathies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(10), 644–652.
• Notarnicola A., Maccagnano G., et al. (2014). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy on chronic Achilles tendinopathy: A prospective clinical study. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 4(4), 410–416.
• NICE. (2016). Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Refractory Achilles Tendinopathy. Interventional Procedures Guidance IPG571.