It often starts with a single sharp moment. You’re midway through a morning run, reaching for something under your desk, or simply standing up from the sofa, and suddenly there’s a burning, shooting pain that travels from your lower back or buttock all the way down the back of your leg, prompting you to consider your Sciatica Treatment Options. Some people describe it as electric. Others say it feels like a hot wire. Either way, it stops you in your tracks.
What makes sciatica particularly disorienting is that most people aren’t sure what they’re dealing with. Is it a back problem? A hip problem? A nerve? The answer is usually all three in some combination, and that confusion makes it genuinely hard to know where to start. Sciatica is one of the most common pain conditions seen in clinical practice, often left too long or managed with painkillers that address the symptom but nothing beneath it. Understanding your sciatica treatment options early makes a real difference to how quickly and completely you recover.
At Body Reset Clinic (see What is a Body Reset?), sciatica is one of the conditions we assess most often, and the first thing we tell every client is that understanding what’s driving the pain makes all the difference to choosing the right path forward. This article lays out the main sciatica treatment options clearly, explains what the evidence actually supports, and helps you make a more informed decision about what to do next.
What sciatica actually is and what causes it
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It originates from the lower lumbar spine, passes through the buttock, and runs down the back of each leg all the way to the foot. When that nerve is compressed, irritated, or inflamed at any point along its path, the result is the distinctive shooting pain, tingling, or numbness that most people recognise as sciatica. It’s worth knowing, though, that sciatica is a symptom rather than a standalone diagnosis. The underlying cause varies considerably, and that variation matters enormously when it comes to choosing the right treatment.
The most common drivers include lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome, though other causes exist. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes outward and presses against a nearby nerve root. Spinal stenosis involves a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal, typically related to age-related changes, which squeezes the nerves within it. Piriformis syndrome is different: it happens when a deep muscle in the buttock becomes tight or irritated and compresses the sciatic nerve from the outside. Prolonged sitting and previous injury may contribute across all three conditions, while age is a particularly significant factor in spinal stenosis.
The classic presentation of sciatica is one-sided leg pain that travels below the knee, often more intense than the back pain itself. If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness in both legs simultaneously, or if you notice any change in bladder or bowel function, that’s a different situation entirely and requires urgent attention (more on that below).
Immediate self-care: what to do in the first few days
When sciatica flares up acutely, the instinct for many people is either to push through it or take to their bed completely. Neither approach is ideal. The evidence consistently shows that gentle, continued movement is more effective than bed rest for nerve-related pain. Light walking, regular position changes, and avoiding long periods of sustained sitting all help keep the nerve from becoming further sensitised and maintain circulation to the affected area.
Ice and heat
Ice and heat each have a role, but they work differently. Ice is most useful in the first 48 to 72 hours when there’s acute inflammation present, apply for up to 20 minutes at a time with a cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Heat works better when the pain feels more like deep muscle stiffness or tension rather than sharp, inflamed pain. Many people find that alternating between both gives better relief once the most acute phase has settled, though this is largely a matter of personal preference rather than a hard-and-fast rule. Neither will resolve the underlying cause, but both can take the edge off enough to move more freely.
Stretches
Specific stretches can also help during the early days, particularly those targeting the piriformis and hip flexors. A simple figure-four stretch, lying on your back with one ankle crossed over the opposite knee, gently stretches the deep gluteal muscles that often tighten around the irritated nerve. If self-care doesn’t produce meaningful improvement within two to three weeks, or if pain worsens or spreads, it’s time to move beyond home management.
Sciatica treatment options with the strongest evidence
Of all the non-surgical approaches to sciatic nerve pain, exercise-based physiotherapy has the strongest and most consistent evidence base. Most people with sciatica improve significantly within a few weeks to a few months with appropriate management, and a structured physiotherapy programme is among the interventions most likely to support that recovery. The key is that the programme needs to be tailored to the specific cause: disc herniation typically responds well to extension-based exercises and nerve gliding techniques, while piriformis-driven pain responds better to deep gluteal stretching and hip strengthening. A physiotherapist will identify which pattern fits and build accordingly.
Manual therapy and soft tissue work are most effective when used alongside exercise rather than in place of it. The evidence isn’t strong enough to support spinal manipulation as a stand-alone treatment for sciatica, but as part of a combined approach it can meaningfully reduce pain and improve movement, particularly when muscle tension in the gluteal and lumbar region is contributing to nerve irritation. For piriformis-related presentations, targeted soft tissue release to the hip and buttock region may help reduce muscle tension around the nerve, though evidence for direct effects on nerve compression is still developing.
Medications have a role in symptom management, but they’re not where long-term resolution comes from. NSAIDs are typically the first choice for short-term relief, though the evidence for their effectiveness in sciatica is mixed and gastrointestinal side effects are a genuine consideration with regular use. For pain with a strong neuropathic character, nerve pain agents such as gabapentin or pregabalin are sometimes prescribed. Opioids are reserved for severe, short-term situations only. Medications manage symptoms; they don’t address the root cause of nerve compression or irritation.
When sciatica treatment options include injections or surgery
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly around the affected nerve root. For sciatica driven by lumbar disc herniation, they can be useful in the short term, reducing pain enough to allow someone to engage in rehabilitation who would otherwise struggle to move at all. It’s worth noting, though, that the benefit is often modest and variable: research suggests relief may last up to three to six months in some cases, but by 12 months outcomes are generally similar to conservative care alone. ESIs are best understood as a potential bridge to rehabilitation rather than a solution in themselves. For patient-facing information about the procedure see this overview of epidural shots.
The risks associated with ESIs are mostly minor: temporary injection-site pain, headache, flushing, or transient numbness are the most common. More serious complications, including dural puncture or nerve damage, are uncommon but real. Repeated injections carry cumulative risks related to steroid exposure, including effects on blood sugar and bone density, which is why they’re used selectively rather than routinely.
Surgery is indicated in a relatively small proportion of cases. For disc herniation, the standard procedure is a microdiscectomy, and it does deliver faster pain relief than prolonged conservative care in the short term. By one to two years, however, outcomes tend to converge between those who had surgery and those who continued with conservative management. Surgery is appropriate when symptoms persist despite six to twelve weeks of structured conservative treatment. Earlier surgical referral is warranted when there is progressive neurological weakness or signs of cauda equina syndrome. For spinal stenosis, decompression surgery is considered when claudication remains function-limiting despite non-surgical management. Claudication is the pattern of leg pain and heaviness triggered by walking and relieved by sitting. Complications from spinal surgery are uncommon but include bleeding, infection, and nerve injury, so the decision should be made carefully and with full information.
How physiotherapy and hands-on therapy work together for sciatic nerve pain
No single treatment reliably resolves sciatica for every person. The conditions that cause it are varied, the way each person’s nervous system responds differs, and the lifestyle factors that keep symptoms going are individual. The most effective treatment plans combine structured exercise progression, targeted manual therapy, and education about how to manage load and movement day-to-day. This is particularly true when sciatica involves both nerve irritation and surrounding muscle tension, which is the pattern seen in most clinical presentations.
At Body Reset Clinic, a specialist assessment is always the starting point. We identify the root cause of sciatic nerve irritation first, then build a treatment plan that addresses it directly. For many clients, that plan combines physiotherapy-led exercise progression with soft tissue release to the gluteal and lumbar region and, where relevant, sports massage to reduce muscle tension that’s compressing or aggravating the nerve. Because we offer physiotherapy and sports massage under one roof, clients don’t need to piece together a referral pathway or coordinate between separate practitioners. The plan is joined-up from the first appointment, and continuity of care is maintained throughout, which is particularly valuable for a condition where consistent, progressive treatment tends to produce the best outcomes. For further reading and updates on what we publish clinically, see The Body Reset Clinic Blog Pages.
When to seek specialist help and what recovery really looks like
Some symptoms require urgent attention and should not be managed at home. Seek immediate emergency care if sciatica is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the inner thighs, groin, or saddle area, or rapidly worsening weakness in the legs. These are potential signs of cauda equina syndrome, a serious neurological emergency that requires surgical decompression without delay. This condition is rare, but knowing the warning signs is critical, see this summary of the seven warning signs of cauda equina syndrome.
For non-emergency situations, prompt professional assessment is still worthwhile if pain is worsening after two to three weeks of self-care, if symptoms followed a significant trauma, or if there are any neurological changes such as foot drop or increasing numbness. Waiting it out with painkillers alone risks allowing the underlying problem to become more established and harder to treat.
Recovery from sciatica is rarely linear: there are better days and harder ones, and progress isn’t always immediately obvious. What matters is whether the overall trajectory is moving in the right direction. Recurrence may be more likely when the underlying movement patterns, strength deficits, and lifestyle factors aren’t addressed, which is why professional guidance extends beyond the acute phase and into a period of consolidation and prevention.
Getting the right help sooner makes recovery faster
Sciatica has a well-established range of treatment options, and the right choice depends on what’s causing it, how long it’s been present, and how severe it is. The good news is that the vast majority of people don’t need injections or surgery. When it comes to sciatica treatment options, exercise-based physiotherapy combined with targeted hands-on treatment is the most evidence-backed starting point, and the approach most likely to produce lasting relief rather than temporary suppression of symptoms.
The most important thing is not to leave it to manage itself indefinitely. Getting a proper assessment early means the right treatment begins sooner, and the risk of the problem becoming chronic drops considerably. A structured plan built around the actual cause of your pain is always more effective than generic advice or trial-and-error self-management.
If sciatic nerve pain is stopping you from moving, training, or getting through the workday comfortably, a specialist assessment at Body Reset Clinic will identify exactly what’s driving it and build a plan to address it properly. Get in touch to book your assessment, appointments are available early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays to fit around your schedule, and take the first step towards lasting relief. For more practical details see our FAQs, or contact us with any questions.
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FAQs
What is the most effective treatment for sciatica?
Most people improve with conservative treatment. Exercise-based physiotherapy has the strongest evidence for reducing sciatic nerve pain and improving function. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause, which may include a disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome.
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Can sciatica go away on its own?
Yes. Many cases of sciatica improve within a few weeks without surgery. Gentle movement, appropriate exercises, and avoiding prolonged sitting can help support recovery. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
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Is walking good for sciatica?
In many cases, yes. Gentle walking can help reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and prevent the nerve from becoming more sensitive. The key is to stay within a comfortable range and avoid activities that significantly worsen symptoms.
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When should I see a physiotherapist for sciatica?
Consider seeing a physiotherapist if symptoms have not improved after two to three weeks of self-care, if pain is worsening, or if numbness, tingling, or weakness are affecting daily activities.
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Do I need surgery for sciatica?
Most people do not require surgery. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist despite several weeks of structured treatment, or when there is significant nerve compression causing weakness or other neurological symptoms.
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How long does sciatica take to heal?
Recovery varies depending on the cause and severity. Many people see significant improvement within six to twelve weeks, although some cases can take longer. Early assessment and appropriate treatment may help speed recovery.
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Can sports massage help sciatica?
Sports massage may help reduce muscle tension around the lower back, hip, and gluteal region that can contribute to discomfort. It is often most effective when combined with a structured rehabilitation programme rather than used as a standalone treatment.
Your calf starts to tighten halfway through a run.
Your knee feels uncomfortable the next day.
Your hips feel stiff after longer distances, even though you have stretched and rested.
For many runners, these small niggles are easy to brush off at first. It is common to assume they will settle on their own. Sometimes they do. But when the same tightness or discomfort keeps coming back, it is often a sign that your body needs a little more support.
Sports massage can be a helpful part of that support. It can ease muscle tension, help recovery, and make movement feel more comfortable. At the same time, some running niggles need a wider look at what is causing them in the first place.
This article explains when sports massage may help runners, when an initial assessment may be the better place to start, and why recurring running niggles are often worth paying attention to.
Quick answer
Sports massage can help runners by easing muscle tension, supporting recovery, and improving comfort after training. If the same pain or tightness keeps returning, an initial assessment may be more helpful because it can look at the underlying cause, not just the area that feels sore.
You might recognise this if you run regularly
Many runners experience:
tight calves that return every week
knee discomfort that appears during or after a run
stiff hips after longer distances
an ache that settles with rest, then comes back again
a feeling that one area is always working harder than it should
This pattern is very common, especially in active people who want to keep going and tend to self manage for a while before seeking help. That recognition based approach is one of the strongest ways to connect with the clinic’s audience, especially runners and people living with recurring niggles.
Why running niggles often keep coming back
Running is repetitive. Every step places load through the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back.
Over time, small changes can build up.
That might be because of:
an increase in mileage
more hill work or speed sessions
not enough recovery between runs
reduced mobility in the hips or ankles
strength imbalances
the body compensating somewhere else in the movement chain
This is often why a niggle seems to disappear, then return a few days or weeks later.
The discomfort may show up in the calf or knee, but the reason behind it is not always in that exact spot.
Sports massage is not simply about using deep pressure. For runners, it is usually most helpful as a recovery and support tool.
It can help with:
Muscle tension
Running can leave certain muscles working harder than others, especially the calves, quads, hamstrings and hips. Sports massage can help reduce built up tension in these areas.
Recovery between runs
Massage supports circulation and can help the body recover more comfortably after training.
Mobility and ease of movement
When tight muscles begin to relax, movement often feels easier and less restricted.
Ongoing maintenance during training blocks
Some runners find sports massage helpful during heavier periods of training, before events, or when they notice tension gradually building.
When sports massage may be a good fit
Sports massage may be a good option if:
you feel generally tight after running
your muscles recover slowly after harder sessions
you are training for an event and want support during the build up
you notice recurring tightness, but not ongoing pain
you want help managing the physical load of regular running
For many runners, it works best as part of a wider recovery routine alongside rest, strength work, mobility and sensible training progression.
You can also explore the clinic’s Sports Massage treatment option here:
When an initial assessment may be the better place to start
If something keeps coming back, there is often a reason. An initial assessment may be more helpful if:
the same pain returns every few weeks
you are changing how you run because of discomfort
your distance or pace is affected
rest helps temporarily, but the problem returns
you are unsure whether sports massage or another treatment is the right fit
An assessment looks at the bigger picture.
That may include:
how you move
how your joints are functioning
whether certain muscles are compensating
whether training load is playing a part
what may be contributing to the issue returning
This reflects the clinic’s wider approach of helping people understand the root cause of recurring discomfort, rather than simply chasing symptoms.
If you are unsure where to start, this is usually the most helpful first step, and we often advise everybody start here anyway so we can really make a thorough assessment and consider the best course for you specifically and create a plan.
Why runners often need both recovery support and a bigger picture view
Sometimes sports massage is enough. Sometimes it is not.
That does not mean massage is not helpful. It simply means the body may be asking for support in more than one way.
A combined approach can often work well. – Sports massage to ease tension and support recovery. – An assessment to understand why the niggle is returning. – Strength or mobility work to support longer term comfort.
This is often the difference between simply settling a flare up and understanding what your body needs to keep moving well.
Simple ways runners can support recovery themselves
Small habits can make a real difference over time.
Build training gradually
Increasing mileage or intensity too quickly can overload tissues that are still adapting.
Prioritise recovery
Rest days, sleep, hydration and good nutrition all support recovery.
Include strength work
Strength around the hips, glutes and lower legs can support more comfortable running.
Pay attention to repeated signals
If the same area keeps tightening or becoming uncomfortable, it is worth noticing. Small signals are often the body’s way of asking for a little extra support.
You may also find it useful to read guidance from Versus Arthritis on exercise and joint health here.
Supporting runners in Hartley Wintney and the surrounding area
At Body Reset Clinic, we regularly support runners in Hartley Wintney and nearby areas who want to keep doing the activity they enjoy.
Some come in because their calves always tighten during training.
Others simply want to understand why the same issue keeps returning.
Some are managing a niggle ahead of a race.
Sometimes we support runners through their preparation journey towards a race like a marathon, so they may not have a niggle or an injury but we support them in their training and help prevent issues from occurring.
The aim is always to listen carefully, understand what is going on, and guide each person towards the most suitable next step.
For some runners, that may be sports massage.
For others, starting with an assessment gives a clearer picture and a better plan.
That calm, reassuring, supportive approach is central to the clinic’s brand and content style.
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Frequently asked questions
Is sports massage good for runners?
It can be. Sports massage may help reduce muscle tension, support recovery and improve comfort after training, especially during heavier training periods.
How often should runners get sports massage?
That depends on training load, recovery needs and how your body feels. Some runners book during race training, while others come in when tension begins building.
Can sports massage stop running injuries?
Sports massage can support recovery and help manage tightness, but it cannot guarantee that injuries will not happen. If the same pain keeps returning, it may be worth looking at the underlying cause.
How do I know whether I need sports massage or an assessment?
If you mainly feel general muscle tightness, sports massage may be helpful. If pain keeps returning, affects how you run, or has been going on for a while, an assessment is often the better place to start.
What if I am not sure what to book?
That is completely fine. Many people are not sure which treatment is right for them. Starting with an initial assessment is usually the clearest option if you want help understanding what is going on. Or you can phone up and speak to our friendly reception team, who can guide you.
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When to seek support
If you are noticing recurring tightness, discomfort during runs, or a niggle that keeps returning, it may be helpful to speak with a therapist.
We have a Targeted Relief Sports Massage lasting 30 minutes, ideal for focus on a specific area of discomfort.
A Focused Reset at 45 minutes, which is a more in-depth session to work through upper or lower body.
Our Full Body Reset option is a full sports massage session. It’s ideal to support overall movement, recovery and relaxation.
If you’re not sure, book an initial physio assessment where a therapist will assess your movement, understand your symptoms, and talk through a personalised plan with you. This kind of booking reassurance is specifically encouraged in the clinic guide because it helps people feel more confident about taking the next step.
If your symptoms are severe or sudden, please contact your GP or emergency services.
Persistent knee pain when running is one of the most common issues we see in clinic.
If you run regularly, you may have experienced this…
Your knee starts to ache partway through a run.
You rest for a few days, and it settles.
Then, when you return to running, it comes back again.
For many runners, this cycle can feel frustrating and confusing.
It is easy to assume it is just overuse, or something that needs more stretching or rest.
Sometimes that helps temporarily. But when knee pain keeps returning, there is usually a reason behind it.
This article explains why knee pain when running often comes back, what may be contributing to it, and when it may help to take a closer look.
Quick answer
Knee pain when running often comes back because the underlying cause has not been addressed. This may relate to movement patterns, strength, mobility, or training load, rather than just the knee itself.
You might recognise this pattern
Many runners notice:
knee pain that appears during or after running
discomfort that settles with rest, then returns
stiffness when going up or down stairs
needing to reduce distance or pace
one knee feeling different to the other
This is very common, especially in active people who try to manage symptoms themselves before seeking help.
Why knee pain when running often keeps coming back
Running is repetitive, and the knee sits between the hip and the ankle.
That means it often absorbs load from both directions.
When something is not working as well as it could elsewhere, the knee often feels it.
Common contributing factors include:
Movement patterns
If the body is compensating during running, certain areas may be under more strain.
Strength imbalances
Weakness in the hips or glutes can change how load moves through the knee.
Limited mobility
Restricted movement in the ankle or hip can affect how the knee functions.
Training load
Increasing mileage, intensity or frequency too quickly can overload tissues.
Previous injury
Old injuries can sometimes change how the body moves without you realising.
This is why knee pain can settle, then return once you start running again.
Why rest alone does not always solve it
Rest can reduce symptoms.
But it does not always change the reason the pain developed in the first place.
That is why many runners find the pain disappears during rest, it returns once running resumes and the cycle repeats.
This can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you are doing the right things.
Understanding the cause can make a big difference to breaking that cycle.
It is not always just the knee
One of the most important things to understand is that knee pain is not always caused by the knee itself.
It is often influenced by:
hip strength and control
ankle mobility
how the foot interacts with the ground
overall running mechanics
This is why focusing only on the painful area does not always lead to lasting improvement.
When knee pain may need a closer look
You may want to consider getting your knee checked if:
the pain keeps returning when you run
it affects your distance or performance
you are changing how you move because of discomfort
it has been ongoing for several weeks
you are unsure what is causing it
These are often signs that the body would benefit from a more detailed look.
The aim is to understand what may be contributing to the issue, so you can move forward with a clearer plan.
Where sports massage can still play a role
Sports massage can still be helpful for runners with knee pain.
It may support:
reducing muscle tension
improving recovery between runs
easing tightness in surrounding muscles
However, if the same pain keeps returning, it is often most helpful when combined with a better understanding of the underlying cause.
Simple ways to support your knees when running
Some small changes can support your body over time.
Build training gradually
Avoid large increases in mileage or intensity.
Include strength work
Strength around the hips, glutes and legs can support better movement.
Keep mobility balanced
Maintaining movement in the hips and ankles can reduce unnecessary strain.
Pay attention to early signs
Recurring discomfort is often a signal worth noticing.
(For general guidance on exercise and joint care, the NHS provides helpful advice here)
Supporting you as a runner in Hartley Wintney and surrounding areas
At Body Reset Clinic, we regularly support runners in Hartley Wintney and nearby areas who are dealing with recurring knee pain.
Some come in because their knee pain keeps returning after rest.
Others want to understand what is happening before it becomes more limiting.
The focus is always on understanding the individual and helping them move forward with confidence.
That supportive and personalised approach reflects how the clinic aims to care for its clients.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my knee hurt when I run?
It can be linked to how your body moves, strength and mobility, or training load, not just the knee itself.
Should I stop running if my knee hurts?
Not always. It depends on the cause and severity. Some runners can continue with adjustments, while others may benefit from a short period of reduced load.
Can knee pain go away on its own?
Sometimes it can settle with rest. However, if it keeps returning, it may help to understand what is contributing to it.
How do I know if I need an assessment?
If the pain keeps coming back, affects your running, or has been ongoing for a few weeks, it may be helpful to get it checked.
When to seek support
If you are experiencing knee pain that keeps returning when you run, it may be helpful to speak with a therapist.
Your first appointment (initial physiotherapy assessment) usually lasts around 45 minutes. During this time, your therapist will assess your movement, understand your symptoms, and talk through a personalised plan with you. This kind of reassurance helps people feel more confident taking the next step.
You can book an initial assessment for a knee issue here
If your symptoms are severe or sudden, please contact your GP or emergency services.
What is a Body Reset, and why do we need one? Many people live with small aches and pains for months, sometimes years, before doing anything about them. Our lives are busy, there are things to do. Oddly it just becomes our lives, and nearly all of us do this at some stage.
It might be a tight back that comes and goes.
A shoulder that flares up when you get back into the gym or play tennis.
Or a knee that settles… then returns again.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
We see this pattern with new clients every day at The Body Reset Clinic.
And often, it’s not just about the area that hurts.
What do we mean by a “Body Reset”?
A Body Reset is our way of understanding your body as a whole.
Rather than only focusing on the painful area, we take a step back and look at:
how your body moves
where it may be compensating
what may have led to the issue in the first place
From there, we build a plan that supports your recovery and helps reduce the chances of it returning.
It’s not about quick fixes. It’s about helping your body work better, long term.
Why pain often comes back without a full Body Reset
Most people have already tried something before coming to see us.
Things like:
stretching
rest
massage
exercises from YouTube
Sometimes these do help for a while.
But if the underlying cause hasn’t been addressed, the same issue can return.
For example:
A tight hamstring may actually relate to how your hips are moving.
Shoulder tension can link back to posture or upper back stiffness.
Knee pain when running often starts higher up in the movement chain.
Your body is very good at adapting.
A Body Reset helps us understand how it has adapted, and what it might need instead.
Who does a Body Reset benefit?
This approach is especially helpful if:
You have something that keeps coming back.
You’ve managed it yourself, but it never quite settles.
You feel like your body isn’t working as it should.
Even if the pain is not severe, and something just feels off.
You want to stay active without setbacks. Running, golf, gym training, or just feeling comfortable day to day using the stairs or walking the dog.
You’re not sure what treatment you need.
Many people aren’t sure whether they need physiotherapy or a sports massage.
That’s completely normal. A Body Reset gives you clarity.
What happens in your first session at The Body Reset Clinic?
Your first appointment is designed to feel relaxed, thorough, and easy to follow. If you haven’t been to us before you must book an ‘initial assessment‘
It usually includes:
A conversation about your symptoms and lifestyle
A movement assessment
Clear explanation of what we’re seeing
A personalised plan to support you
We take the time to understand what’s really going on.
You can start with an Initial Physiotherapy Assessment and book online here
How our approach is different from some typical physio treatments
A lot of physiotherapy and injury prevention treatment focuses on short-term relief or around single appointments.
Sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed. But if something keeps returning, it usually means there’s more to explore.
A Body Reset focuses on:
understanding the cause, not just the symptoms
helping your body move more efficiently
giving you tools to manage things yourself
We’re not here to keep you coming back unnecessarily.
In fact, we try to help you become less reliant on us over time. So if we suggest a course of appointments, it’s not because we’re trying to get more out of you. It’s because we want to help you in the long-term, and prevent you feeling frustrated by needing multiple spaced-out appointments.
(If you want to learn more about Shockwave Therapy and how it can help with persistent tendon pain, see this blog article.)
Each approach is used as part of a wider plan, not in isolation. A more supportive approach to recovery. We understand that ongoing discomfort can be frustrating.
It can affect your sleep, energy, confidence in your body and ability to enjoy everyday life.
Our role is to support you through that.
To help you feel more confident in your body again.
And to give you the understanding to move forward without relying on treatment long term.
So all of that, is what we mean by a Body Reset.
Wondering where to start?
If you’re not sure what you need, that’s completely normal.
The best place to start is an initial assessment.
From there, we can guide you towards the right approach for your body.
Book online here
If you’d like to learn more about dealing with and reduced pain, the NHS has many resources, such as ‘10 ways to reduce pain’.
We also share simple advice and guidance through our blog to help you better understand your body over time.
A quick note.
If your symptoms are severe, sudden, or worsening, please contact your GP or emergency services.
If you are looking into shockwave therapy, chances are you are dealing with pain that keeps coming back.
Heel pain.
Achilles pain.
Tennis elbow.
Hip pain.
The type that flares up when you walk, run, train, or even get out of bed in the morning. (If that sounds familiar, you may also find it helpful to understand why pain can return and how we approach it here.)
At The Body Reset Clinic, based in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, we use shockwave therapy (ESWT) to help calm pain and stimulate tissue repair when symptoms have become persistent. It is non-surgical. It is evidence-based. And it can be a very effective add-on when rehab has stalled.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is also called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).
It is a non-invasive treatment that delivers pulses of acoustic energy through the skin into the irritated tissue.
In simple terms, it is designed to prompt a change in a tissue that has stopped responding to rest, stretching, and time.
Why people choose it
Most people come to us for shockwave therapy because they simply want to get back to doing something they love, and have ongoing pain getting in the way.
Walking without wincing.
Running without flare-ups.
Sleeping without being kept awake by a nagging tendon.
Training with confidence again.
We can help by supporting deep tissue regeneration, reducing pain, and improving mobility, without injections or surgery.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave uses mechanical sound waves.
These waves can help in two main ways.
First, they can help desensitise irritated nerve endings.
Second, they create controlled micro-trauma in the tissue. Tiny, targeted stress that encourages your body to respond.
Common responses include reduced pain, improved circulation, increased cell activity linked to healing, and breakdown of disorganised tissue and some calcification.
What injuries does shockwave therapy treat?
It is often used for persistent tendon and soft tissue conditions.
Achilles tendinopathy (insertional and mid-portion).
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee).
Hip bursitis.
Proximal hamstring tendinopathy.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
Rotator cuff tendinopathy (calcific and non-calcific).
Bicipital tendinitis or tendinopathy.
Not sure what you are dealing with? That’s ok, we make sure we give you the right diagnosis first when you come in for an initial assessment.
What to expect at your appointment with us in Hartley Wintney
Your shockwave therapy at The Body Reset Clinic is delivered using the EMS 560 Radial Shockwave Unit, manufactured in the UK.
Here is what happens.
We apply a water-based gel to the skin.
This helps the energy transfer properly into the tissues.
Your therapist uses a hand-held device and moves the probe slowly over the area.
You will hear the clicking sound as the pulses are delivered.
We adjust the intensity to keep it manageable.
Each session lasts up to 15 minutes.
What does shockwave therapy feel like?
You will feel a fast tapping sensation.
Some discomfort is normal. We start gently.
We build intensity to a level you can tolerate.
Your therapist is there to ensure you are completely happy and will adjust throughout.
How many sessions do you need?
Most people need a short course.
A typical plan is four to six sessions, usually one week apart.
We then review progress after a period of time, so your body can adapt and we can measure change.
We will give you honest guidance, and if shockwave is not the right fit, we will tell you.
What should I do after shockwave therapy?
Most people feel a little bit sore for up to 48 hours, which is common.
Keep activity light for a day or two. Avoid heavy training straight after treatment.
If your problem is impact-related, we often advise avoiding hard running or jumping for 48 hours.
Then we build back up gradually, based on your symptoms.
We will tell you exactly what is sensible for your injury and your sport.
Does shockwave therapy hurt and is it safe?
Shockwave is not sensation-free, so you may feel some discomfort during treatment, as well as a little sore for a couple of days afterwards. However your therapists will work without and ensure you are comfortable with the level throughout.
It is widely used and generally well tolerated.
Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as temporary soreness or skin irritation. Screening is the most important part.
Who is it not suitable for?
it may not be suitable if any of the following apply:
Steroid injection within the last 6 weeks.
Tumours at the treatment site.
Blood clotting disorders, including thrombosis or active DVT.
Oral anti-coagulants.
Pacemaker fitted.
Impaired cognition or communication.
Infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site.
Treatment over air-filled areas such as lungs or guts.
If you are unsure, we will check this with you before treatment.
Why shockwave therapy works best with the right rehab plan
Shockwave therapy can reduce pain and stimulate a tissue response, however it does not replace good physiotherapy.
Long-term results usually come from combining shockwave therapy with:
A clear diagnosis.
The right loading plan for the tendon.
Strength work where needed.
Return to sport or return to running guidance.
We use shockwave therapy as part of a bigger plan, not as a standalone quick fix.
Ready to find out if shockwave therapy is right for you?
If you would like to find out whether shockwave therapy is right for you, the best place to start is with booking an assessment.
If you cannot find a slot that suits you or have any further questions, call our reception team on 01252 843 203. Our friendly staff are always happy to help.
