Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Hitchin
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis, also known as Plantar Fasciopathy, is one of the most common causes of persistent heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed or degenerative through repetitive strain. The condition is especially prevalent in runners, walkers, and those who spend long periods standing.
For most people, symptoms include sharp heel pain first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest, tenderness near the inside of the heel, and discomfort that increases with prolonged standing or walking. When the pain persists beyond three months and has not improved with rest, stretching, or orthotic support, it is considered to be persistent or chronic. At this stage, Shockwave Therapy has been shown to be very helpful in helping the injured tissue to heal and therefore reduce symptoms of pain.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT), is a non-invasive treatment that delivers controlled mechanical pressure waves to the affected tissue. These mechanical pressure waves stimulate biological processes that promote healing and tissue regeneration.
How Shockwave Works
The key physiological effects include:
- Increasing local blood flow and tissue oxygenation
- Stimulating collagen production and tendon remodelling
- Reducing the concentration of pain-related neurotransmitters
- Breaking down small calcifications that can form within the plantar fascia
Clinical treatment typically involves 3 to 6 sessions spaced five to ten days apart. The success rate for meaningful improvement in chronic Plantar Fasciitis symptoms is reported to be around 70 per cent, depending on the duration and severity of the condition.
The Evidence Behind Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Over the past decade, multiple randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that Shockwave Therapy is an effective option for chronic heel pain that has not responded to standard care.
Clinical Research and Guidelines
- Speed C. (2014), BMJ, 348:g1628. This systematic review concluded that Shockwave Therapy significantly improves pain and function in chronic soft tissue conditions, particularly Plantar Fasciitis, compared with placebo.
- Gerdesmeyer L. et al. (2008), American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(11):2100–2109. This multicentre randomised trial involving 245 patients found that radial Shockwave Therapy led to a 72 per cent success rate at 12 weeks and sustained results at one year
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), IPG311 (2010). NICE supports the use of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for refractory Plantar Fasciitis in adults, provided it is administered by trained professionals and accompanied by standard rehabilitation.
- Crawford F. et al. (2019), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD003219. The review concluded that Shockwave Therapy improves both pain and functional outcomes compared to sham treatment in cases lasting more than three months.
- Lou J. et al. (2017), Clinical Rehabilitation, 31(12):1579–1588. This meta-analysis confirmed that ESWT provides significant short- and medium-term benefits in reducing heel pain intensity and improving mobility in chronic Plantar Fasciitis.
Together, these studies demonstrate that Shockwave Therapy is a clinically validated and evidence-based treatment option for chronic heel pain.
What to Expect During Treatment at Physio Three Sixty
Initial Assessment
At Physio Three Sixty in Hitchin, every consultation starts with a detailed physiotherapy consultation to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of heel pain. Our Chartered Physiotherapists are trained in musculoskeletal assessment and accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Treatment Sessions
Each session of Shockwave Therapy lasts approximately 15 to 25 minutes. The device is applied to the heel and surrounding tissue to deliver focused shock waves. Discomfort during treatment is common, but the intensity of the treatment will be tailored to ensure it can be tolerated. No anaesthetic or medication is required.
Expected Timeline
Sessions: 3 to 6 treatments spaced 5 to 10 days apart
Short-term effects: Potentially pain and stiffness between sessions
Long-term effects: Improved mobility and reduced recurrence of pain can occur between sessions or in the short term, but most often the benefits of shockwave are realised 6-8 weeks or more after the course of treatment. This reflects the time taken for the tissue to repair and heal as the tissue repairs and regenerates.
Patients are encouraged to continue their rehabilitation exercises and avoid overloading the affected foot between sessions.
Why Choose Physio Three Sixty for Shockwave Therapy in Hitchin
Physio Three Sixty has been serving the Hitchin community since 2015 and brings over 15 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation. All treatments are conducted by fully qualified clinicians who specialise in musculoskeletal and tendon disorders. All shockwave sessions are carried out by physios who are CSP and HCPC registered. Treatment will be combined with evidence-based strength and rehabilitation programs for optimal recovery.
The clinic is centrally located at 17A Hermitage Road, Hitchin, SG5 1BT, within easy walking distance of Hitchin Market and the Queen Mother Theatre.
Local & Scientific Perspective
For residents of Hitchin and surrounding areas, Shockwave Therapy offers an evidence-based alternative to injections or surgery for long-standing heel pain. The treatment’s success lies in its ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, addressing the root cause rather than masking symptoms.
Patients typically experience measurable improvement in walking comfort, stair use, and morning pain. When combined with targeted exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist, outcomes are generally superior to passive rest or orthotic use alone.
For those who have struggled with persistent heel pain despite standard physiotherapy, taping, or footwear modifications, Shockwave Therapy represents a well-researched and effective next step.
Book a Consultation
If you have been dealing with heel pain for more than three months and conservative management has not resolved it, Shockwave Therapy may provide the breakthrough you need.
To learn more or to arrange an assessment, visit the dedicated Shockwave Therapy page at Shockwave Therapy in Hitchin and Hertfordshire.
Alternatively, contact the clinic directly to speak with our team or schedule your appointment:
📞 01462 431 033
📧 info@physiothreesixty.co.uk
You can also submit an enquiry through our Contact page.
At Physio Three Sixty, we provide science-led physiotherapy for lasting results, helping Hitchin residents move with comfort and confidence.
References
- Speed C. (2014). A systematic review of shockwave therapies in soft tissue conditions. BMJ, 348:g1628.
- Gerdesmeyer L., et al. (2008). Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is effective and safe in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(11), 2100–2109.
- NICE. (2010). Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Refractory Plantar Fasciitis. Interventional Procedures Guidance IPG311.
- Crawford F., Thomson C. (2019). Shockwave Therapy for plantar heel pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD003219.
- Lou J., Wang S., et al. (2017). Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in chronic plantar fasciitis: A meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 31(12), 1579–1588.
