If you are looking into shockwave therapy, chances are you have 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.
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 shockwave therapy
Most people come to shockwave therapy because they want to get back to doing what they love.
Walking without wincing.
Running without flare-ups.
Sleeping without being kept awake by a nagging tendon.
Training with confidence again.
Shockwave therapy 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?
Shockwave therapy is often used for persistent tendon and soft tissue conditions.
At The Body Reset Clinic, we commonly use shockwave therapy for:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain).
- 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 yours is?
That is normal.
The key is getting the diagnosis right first.
What to expect at your shockwave appointment
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 will adjust throughout.
How many shockwave 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.
You will get honest guidance.
If shockwave is not the right fit, we will tell you.
What should I do after shockwave therapy?
Most people feel a little sore for up to 48 hours.
That 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?
Shockwave is not sensation-free.
You may feel discomfort during treatment.
You may feel sore for up to two days afterwards.
That is common.
We keep it within a tolerable level and adjust throughout.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Shockwave therapy 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 shockwave therapy not suitable for?
Shockwave therapy 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.
But 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 want to know whether shockwave therapy is right for your heel pain, Achilles pain, tennis elbow, hip pain, or another tendon issue, start with an assessment.
Book online via our Shockwave Therapy page here
Or if you cannot find a slot that suits you, call our reception team on 01252 843 203.