Shockwave therapy
Targeted treatment for persistent tendon and soft-tissue pain. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used for a range of persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions.
Conditions we treat
At Cheshire Joint Injections, shockwave is delivered as part of an assessment-led MSK service. Many patients attend with an established diagnosis or following referral from another healthcare professional. For patients where the diagnosis remains unclear, further clinical assessment and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can be used where appropriate.
Shockwave therapy may be considered for a range of persistent tendon and soft-tissue problems, including:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis / plantar heel pain
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Selected shoulder tendon problems
Treatment is based on the individual diagnosis and clinical presentation rather than simply the location of pain.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave therapy delivers controlled acoustic energy into the affected tissue.
It is commonly used in the management of persistent tendinopathy and other soft-tissue conditions, particularly where symptoms have not settled with appropriate rehabilitation alone.
Shockwave should not normally be viewed as a standalone treatment. Where appropriate, it is combined with advice on loading, exercise and rehabilitation to address the underlying problem and support recovery.
Price
£75 per session
Shockwave is usually delivered as a course of approximately 3-5 sessions, depending on the individual, condition and response to treatment.
Where a separate MSK assessment or diagnostic ultrasound assessment is clinically required, this will be discussed with you.
Why Cheshire Joint Injections?
Clinical assessment first, treatment second
If you already have a clear diagnosis and have been referred for shockwave, we can review the relevant information and provide your treatment. If you’re unsure what is causing your symptoms, we can assess the problem first and use point-of-care ultrasound where appropriate.
Depending on your presentation, the most appropriate management may include rehabilitation, shockwave therapy, medication, ultrasound-guided injection treatment, further imaging or onward specialist referral. The aim is to provide the right treatment for the right problem.
Your questions answered
What to expect before, during and after a course of shockwave therapy. Not sure if it’s right for you? Complete the assessment form and we’ll advise.
Before you attend
No, but many of our patients will already have one.
Many patients attend following assessment by a physiotherapist, consultant or other healthcare professional and already have an established diagnosis.
We also see patients whose symptoms have not yet been fully diagnosed. Where required, we can complete a clinical assessment and use point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) where appropriate to help establish the likely cause of symptoms and determine whether shockwave is suitable.
If you already have relevant imaging, reports or a diagnosis, please provide these before or at your appointment.
We welcome patients who have already been recommended shockwave therapy by another healthcare professional.
This includes referrals from physiotherapists, consultants and other clinicians, as well as patients receiving treatment through insurers including Bupa, AXA and Aviva, subject to individual authorisation and policy terms.
If you already have an established diagnosis, we will review your diagnosis, symptoms and relevant clinical information before beginning treatment.
Where the diagnosis is unclear or further assessment is clinically indicated, we can complete a more detailed MSK assessment and use point-of-care ultrasound where appropriate.
The level of assessment is therefore tailored to the individual rather than unnecessarily repeating investigations that have already been completed.
If shockwave is appropriate, the treatment area is identified and treatment is delivered directly to the relevant tissue.
Your treatment
Shockwave is usually delivered as a course of treatment.
Most patients will be recommended approximately 3-5 sessions, although this varies depending on the individual, the condition being treated and their response to treatment.
We will review your progress throughout the course rather than automatically prescribing the same number of sessions for everyone.
Shockwave can be uncomfortable, particularly when treating a sensitive tendon or soft-tissue structure.
Treatment intensity can be adjusted according to your tolerance, and most patients are able to complete treatment without difficulty.
In many cases, yes. The aim is not necessarily to completely rest the affected area.
We will advise you on appropriate activity and loading alongside treatment. This may include temporarily modifying training while continuing an appropriate rehabilitation programme.
Shockwave isn’t suitable for every patient or every painful condition.
Your medical history, diagnosis, symptoms and the area being treated are reviewed before treatment.
If we don’t believe shockwave is appropriate, we’ll explain why and discuss the most appropriate next step.
Book shockwave therapy
If you already have a diagnosis and have been advised to undergo shockwave therapy, contact us to arrange treatment. If you have persistent tendon or soft-tissue pain but are unsure of the diagnosis or whether shockwave is appropriate, complete our assessment form and we can advise you on the most appropriate next step.
