Advice guide
Shockwave Therapy Explained — How It Works and Who It Suits
Shockwave therapy is one of the treatments patients ask us most about, usually after months of a stubborn tendon problem. It is not a miracle machine and it is not a gimmick. It is a well-studied option for specific chronic tendon and fascia problems that have not responded to loading alone.
What shockwave actually does
The device delivers acoustic pressure waves into the target tissue. The working theory is that this controlled mechanical stimulus increases local blood flow, disrupts unhelpful chronic tissue changes, and provokes a fresh healing response in tissue that has stalled. It also has a short-term pain-modulating effect, which is why some people feel better immediately after a session.
Conditions that tend to respond
Shockwave is used mainly for long-standing insertional and mid-portion tendon problems and plantar fascia pain. It works best when the problem has been present for months rather than weeks.
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Gluteal tendinopathy and greater trochanteric pain
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
What a session feels like
The therapist locates the painful area, applies gel and moves the applicator over it while the device pulses. It is uncomfortable rather than painful for most people, and the intensity is dialled to your tolerance. A treatment head is applied for a few minutes; the appointment itself is short.
Shockwave is a component, not the whole plan
This matters. Shockwave used on its own has a much weaker track record than shockwave combined with a progressive loading programme. Every shockwave patient at Bluebell also gets a rehab plan, because the tendon still needs to be rebuilt after the healing response has been triggered.
Common questions
How many sessions are typical?
Most protocols run to three to six sessions spaced roughly a week apart, with a reassessment partway through. If there is no change by the halfway point, we change approach rather than continuing regardless.
Is there any downtime?
No downtime, but we usually ask you to avoid heavy loading of the treated area for around 48 hours. Redness or mild soreness afterwards is normal.
Who should not have shockwave?
It is not used over open wounds, active infection, certain blood-clotting disorders, during pregnancy or over tumours. We screen for all of this before treating.
Does it work for fresh injuries?
Generally no. Shockwave is aimed at chronic, stalled tissue. Acute injuries need a different approach in the first weeks.