If you're on this page looking for information on shockwave therapy, you probably have had heel or achilles pain for some time, which despite you having done many things to try to relieve the pain, it still remains.
The good news is that you are in the right place and we can help you.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses non-invasive, high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in chronic soft-tissue conditions such as
Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy. It can help reduce pain and stiffness when symptoms have become persistent despite other treatments.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic pulses into the affected tissue, creating a controlled micro-trauma that triggers the body's natural healing processes.
This helps to:
- Increase blood flow and stimulate tissue regeneration
- Break down thickened or fibrotic scar tissue
- Encourage long-term tissue repair and improved mobility
Why Shockwave Is Not a First-Line Treatment
Although Shockwave Therapy can be very effective, it is not a first-line treatment for most cases of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon pain.
These conditions often arise because of underlying biomechanical issues such as poor foot mechanics, abnormal gait, muscle imbalance, or inappropriate footwear. Unless these root causes are identified and corrected, any physical therapy—including shockwave—may offer only temporary relief, and the problem is likely to return.
At Essex Footcare, we take a comprehensive, technology-led approach. Every patient first undergoes a full biomechanical consultation to identify and address all contributing factors.
What a Biomechanical Consultation Includes
Our consultations combine expert clinical evaluation with advanced technology to find and correct the true cause of your problem. They include:
- Gait and Motion Scanner Assessment - using the latest 3D pressure and motion analysis technology, measuring movement and loading patterns to an accuracy of 0.1 mm.
- Diagnosis - detailed clinical examination of the foot, ankle, and lower limb.
- Footwear Analysis - review of your footwear's structure, fit, and support and advice on what would suit you best to help as part of your recovery plan.
- Targeted Home Rehabilitation Plan - a customised guided daily home programme of all the right things to do to help relieve pain and strengthen the feet
- Prescribing Phits Custom orthotics, these are specialised insoles that help reduce forces and support the feet precisely designed from your scan data and individually tailored to your feet.
- Referral or Additional Therapies - if required, we liaise with other healthcare professionals.
- Shockwave Therapy - considered only when clinically appropriate, depending on diagnosis and response to treatment.
Integrating Shockwave into Your Treatment Plan
Once any mechanical, footwear, or loading issues have been corrected, if any symptoms remain, Shockwave Therapy can be added as a valuable adjunct. It helps to break down chronic thickening or inflammation of the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon and to stimulate further healing.
This integrated approach provides the best chance of a robust, lasting, and preventative outcome, rather than short-term relief.
Shockwave Therapy is offered as an optional, bolt-on treatment package at an additional cost once clinically indicated.
Shockwave Therapy FAQ
How long does the treatment last?
Each session delivers around 2,000 shocks and lasts approximately 5 minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
The standard protocol is three treatments at weekly intervals, although additional sessions may be recommended depending on your response and clinical progress.
Does the treatment hurt?
Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, but the intensity can be adjusted to keep you comfortable.
What about after the treatment?
You may experience a mild ache after treatment — this is a normal healing response and should pass within a day.
What should I do if I am in pain after the treatment?
Shockwave therapy deliberately triggers a natural inflammatory response to promote healing. For that reason:
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac.
- Do not use ice, as we want your body to maintain its natural healing reaction.
- Any discomfort should ease within 24 hours.
What if it feels good after treatment?
Even if you feel an improvement, we advise that you take it easy. Avoid strenuous or painful activity for 48 hours (2 days) after each session to allow optimal healing.
What if it doesn't work for me?
Many patients experience short-term improvement, but full healing can take up to three to four months as tissue continues to remodel. If you do not notice progress, your clinician will review your case and may recommend further assessment or alternative treatments as appropriate.
Aftercare Summary
Soreness or aching for up to 24 hours is normal and reflects your body's natural healing process.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medication and ice.
- Rest for 48 hours before returning to activity.
- Follow your clinician's rehabilitation plan for best results.
Contraindications
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used if you have:
- Pregnancy
- Pre-rupture tendon (where there is a high risk of tear)
- Under age 18 (growth plates not yet mature)
- Recent corticosteroid injection or current use of oral steroids
- Blood-clotting disorders or use of anticoagulant medication
- Active infection, viral infection, ulcers, or open wounds at or near the treatment site
- Local tumours or malignancy in or near the area
- Severe nerve or vascular disease affecting the limb
Your clinician will carefully review your medical history to ensure that ESWT is appropriate and safe for you.
Next Steps
If you are struggling with heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendon problems, the best starting point is a comprehensive biomechanical consultation using our Gait and Motion Scanner technology.
Once we have identified and addressed the underlying causes, your clinician can advise whether Shockwave Therapy may provide additional benefit as part of your recovery plan.
Call us at one of our locations to book for your biomechanical consultation today to begin your personalised journey toward lasting relief.
Contact Us
I arranged an appointment with SP Podiatry having experienced severe foot pain for some weeks. It had been impacting on my ability to walk any distance, leaving my feet constantly aching and sore.
At each appointment I was met by a friendly staff team, seen on time, and dealt with in a thoroughly professional manner. I was offered advice and personalised orthotics, as well as several ultrasound treatments.
I am pleased to say within just a few weeks there was a significant improvement in my symptoms. I would not hesitate to recommend Sushila Patel and am very grateful for the help and treatment received.
Chris Ruston
