What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy — commonly known as ESWT or shockwave therapy — is a non-invasive treatment that delivers controlled acoustic waves to targeted areas of soft tissue. These waves are designed to stimulate the body’s natural repair processes, reduce localised pain and improve function in areas where tendons or soft tissues have become chronically irritated or slow to heal.
Shockwave therapy is particularly well-suited to tendinopathies, where the tendon has become thickened, painful or degenerated over time. It is widely used in sports medicine and physiotherapy settings and is supported by a growing body of clinical research. At Body Limits, it is never applied in isolation — it forms part of a broader, personalised treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of your condition, not just the symptoms.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used for clients
- Plantar fasciitis or persistent heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow or golfer's elbow
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Calcific tendinitis
- Other chronic soft tissue conditions that have not improved with conventional treatment
What to Expect From Shockwave Therapy at Body Limits
We begin with a thorough assessment of your condition, reviewing your history, how long symptoms have been present and what you have already tried. If shockwave therapy is the most appropriate option, your treatment course typically includes:
- An initial consultation and clinical assessment to confirm suitability
- A clear explanation of the procedure and what to expect during and after treatment
- A course of sessions delivered to the target tissue using a handheld applicator, typically spaced one week apart to allow the tissue to begin responding between treatments
- Post-session guidance on activity levels and load management
- Ongoing progress review to monitor your response and make adjustments where needed
- Integration with rehabilitation exercises to support lasting improvement beyond the sessions themselves
How Shockwave Therapy May Help You
For clients who have been living with persistent tendon pain, shockwave therapy can offer a meaningful step forward when other approaches have fallen short. It may support:
- A reduction in tendon pain and localised discomfort by targeting the cycle of failed healing that characterises chronic tendinopathy
- Stimulation of blood flow and cellular activity in the treated tissue, supporting repair processes that have stalled
- Improved ability to load, move and use the affected area more comfortably as pain reduces
- A non-invasive option before considering injections or surgery
- Consolidated gains through combined rehabilitation guidance, reducing the likelihood of symptoms returning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy painful?
The treatment involves a firm pulsing sensation over the treatment area. Some clients find it intense over areas of significant tenderness, though most find it manageable. Your practitioner will adjust intensity if needed.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients complete a course of three to six sessions spaced one week apart. The exact number depends on your condition and how your tissue responds. Your practitioner will advise after your initial assessment.
Is it suitable for everyone?
There are contraindications that your practitioner will screen for during your assessment, including certain circulatory, clotting or nerve conditions. We will always confirm suitability before proceeding.
How quickly will I notice results?
Some clients notice improvement during their course of treatment. For others, the most significant improvement comes in the weeks following the final session as the tissue continues to respond. Results vary depending on the condition, its severity and duration.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can contact Body Limits directly to book an assessment.
Find Out Whether Shockwave Therapy Is Right for You
Living with persistent tendon pain is frustrating, especially when other treatments have not brought lasting relief. The Body Limits team will assess you thoroughly, give you an honest recommendation and build a treatment plan around your specific needs. Get in touch to book your assessment at our Newport Pagnell clinic.