What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves, delivered through the skin via a handheld applicator, to stimulate the body’s natural repair processes in chronic soft tissue injuries. Unlike focused shockwave devices, radial shockwave disperses energy across a wider, more superficial area — making it particularly well suited to tendon and fascial problems close to the skin’s surface.
The treatment works by triggering a controlled, low-level inflammatory response in tissue where natural healing has stalled. This encourages new blood vessel formation, boosts collagen production, and “restarts” the repair process in tendons and soft tissue that have failed to recover through rest alone.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Pain relief
Shockwave therapy can significantly reduce pain in chronic, stubborn conditions that haven’t responded to rest or other conservative treatment. - Improved blood flow
The treatment promotes neovascularisation (new blood vessel growth), improving circulation to the affected area and supporting healing. - Stimulates tissue repair
By encouraging collagen synthesis and cellular repair mechanisms, shockwave can help “kick-start” healing in tendons that have become stuck in a chronic, degenerative state. - Non-surgical alternative
For many patients, shockwave offers an effective option before considering injections or surgery. - Quick sessions
Treatment is delivered in short (typically 5–10 minute) sessions, with no anaesthetic required and no downtime — you can return to normal activity straight away.
When Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Radial shockwave therapy is supported by clinical evidence for a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder pain
- Iliotibial band syndrome (runner’s knee)
- Trigger points and myofascial pain
- Mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome
The Evidence Base
Shockwave therapy is one of the more well-researched modalities in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials support its use for tendinopathies including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and tennis elbow, with reported success rates commonly in the region of 65–80% for pain reduction and improved function. NICE guidance also recognises extracorporeal shockwave therapy as an option for refractory plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. As with most physiotherapy interventions, outcomes are consistently best when shockwave is combined with a structured, progressive exercise and rehabilitation programme rather than used in isolation.
What to Expect During a Course of Treatment
A typical course involves 3–6 sessions, usually spaced around a week apart to allow the tissue’s healing response to build between appointments. Your physiotherapist will carry out a full assessment before your first session to confirm shockwave is appropriate for your condition and to rule out any contraindications.
During treatment, gel is applied to the skin and the applicator delivers pulses of pressure waves to the affected area. Most people find the sensation firm but tolerable — your physiotherapist will adjust the intensity to a level you’re comfortable with. It’s common to feel some soreness, mild redness, or bruising for a day or two afterwards; this is a normal and expected part of the healing response the treatment is designed to trigger.
Important: avoid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
Because shockwave therapy works by deliberately stimulating an inflammatory healing response, taking NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) around your treatment can blunt this effect and reduce how well the treatment works. Please avoid NSAIDs in the days before and after each session — if you need pain relief, paracetamol is a suitable alternative. Let your physiotherapist know about any medications you’re taking before you begin.
Rehab is essential
Shockwave therapy works best as part of a wider treatment plan, not as a stand-alone fix. Your physiotherapist will give you a tailored home exercise and loading programme to run alongside your sessions — sticking with this rehab plan is one of the biggest factors in how well you respond to treatment, so please treat it as a core part of the process rather than optional extra.
Why Choose Shockwave Therapy at Border Physio Clinic?
Our physiotherapists combine radial shockwave therapy with a full musculoskeletal assessment and individualised rehabilitation plan, so treatment is targeted to the specific cause of your pain rather than just the symptoms. Shockwave may also be used alongside other treatments we offer, such as manual therapy or exercise rehabilitation, to support your overall recovery.
Cost
Shockwave therapy is available at £80 per treatment. Most patients require a course of 3–6 sessions for best results, which your physiotherapist will confirm following your initial assessment.
Contact us today to book your consultation and find out if shockwave therapy is right for you.