At Chapman Physiotherapy, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to live with less pain and more movement. Our team combines clinical expertise with innovative treatments to provide the best possible care for musculoskeletal conditions.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves (sound energy) to target injured or painful tissue. These waves travel through the skin to the affected area, where they stimulate natural healing. The treatment is very safe, evidence-based, and widely used in sports medicine and physiotherapy clinics across the UK.

What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?

Shockwave therapy is especially helpful for long-standing injuries or conditions that have not improved with rest, exercise, or manual therapy alone. We use it to treat:

• Plantar fasciitis – a common cause of heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy – pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the ankle
• Patellar tendinopathy – pain around the front of the knee
• Tennis and golfer’s elbow – painful tendons in the forearm
• Shoulder pain – particularly calcific tendonitis, where calcium deposits build up in the tendons

It is also used for chronic sports injuries, overuse conditions, and tendon-related pain that interferes with daily activities or work.

What to expect from treatment

Your physiotherapist will start with a full assessment to confirm whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you. Treatment itself is straightforward:

• A small amount of gel is applied to the skin.
• The handheld shockwave device is placed on the painful area.
• Pulses of sound energy are delivered for 10–15 minutes.

Some patients feel mild discomfort, but this usually eases quickly after the session. The treatment does not require injections, medication, or surgery, and there is no downtime – most people continue with normal activities immediately.

A typical course involves 3–6 sessions, spaced about a week apart. Many patients notice an improvement in symptoms after just a few treatments, especially when therapy is combined with exercise and rehabilitation guidance from our physiotherapists.

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy works in several ways to encourage healing and reduce pain:

• Increases blood flow – bringing oxygen and nutrients to injured tissue.
• Stimulates repair – encouraging the body to build new, healthy tissue.
• Reduces nerve sensitivity – which lowers pain levels.
• Breaks down scar tissue and calcium deposits – improving movement and function.

This combination helps the body recover from long-term tendon and soft tissue problems, where natural healing has slowed or stopped.

Why Chapman Physiotherapy offers shockwave therapy

Offering this treatment, we can provide a proven, non-invasive option for conditions that are often difficult to resolve. Our aim is always to put patients first. By combining personalised physiotherapy care with research-led treatments like shockwave therapy, we can reduce pain, restore function, and help you achieve your health and wellbeing goals.

Considering shockwave therapy?

If you are struggling with persistent pain or tendon injury, our physiotherapists are here to help. Book an appointment today and let our expert team guide you through whether shockwave therapy is right for you.