An evidence-based treatment for stubborn tendon and heel pain that has not settled with rest, stretching and other conservative measures.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) delivers focused acoustic pulses through a handheld probe into the affected tendon or fascia. Those pulses stimulate local blood flow and trigger the body’s natural tissue-repair response in tissue that has not been healing well on its own.
We use it most often for longer-standing plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tennis elbow, where symptoms have persisted for months despite rest and stretching.
NICE has reviewed shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and found the evidence adequate to support its use (IPG311).
A typical course is three to six sessions spaced about a week apart, each lasting around 30 minutes. Treatment can feel intense for a few minutes but is well tolerated, and most people carry on with normal activity straight away.
Shockwave works best as part of a plan, so we combine it with a tailored loading and rehab programme rather than using it on its own.
Commonly treated with shockwave:
Every plan follows the same clear, staged path, built around a thorough assessment and progressed at a pace that suits you.
Before any shockwave, we take a full history and examine you to confirm the diagnosis and check the treatment is suitable, so it is targeted at the right problem.
We combine a course of shockwave, typically three to six sessions, with a tailored loading and rehab programme, because shockwave works best as part of a plan rather than on its own.
We review your response between sessions, progress your rehab exercises and adjust the plan as the tissue heals, so you keep moving toward a lasting result.
Appointments take place in our treatment room inside Anytime Fitness Uckfield, and home visits can be arranged on request. If you would rather talk things through first, we also offer a free remote discovery and triage call by phone or email before you book, so you can be sure this is the right service for you.
Treatment can feel intense for the few minutes the probe is on the area, but it is well tolerated and we adjust the intensity to your comfort. Most people carry on with normal activity straight away.
A typical course is three to six sessions, spaced about a week apart, each around 30 minutes. We offer single sessions and discounted courses of three or six.
Shockwave stimulates a gradual healing response, so improvement usually builds over several weeks rather than immediately. Many people notice a meaningful change six to twelve weeks after starting a course.
Most often longer-standing plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tennis or golfer's elbow, plus patellar and gluteal tendinopathy, where symptoms have persisted despite rest and stretching.
We usually advise avoiding anti-inflammatory painkillers and very heavy loading of the treated area for a day or two, as some short-lived soreness is part of the healing response. We give you specific guidance each time.
It is not suitable during pregnancy, over areas with certain infections or tumours, or for people with blood-clotting disorders, among a few other situations. We check your suitability at assessment.
Yes. Shockwave works best alongside a tailored loading and rehab programme rather than on its own, so your exercises remain an important part of recovery.
A little preparation helps you get the most from your appointment. Here is what to expect, how to get ready, and how fees work.
Each session lasts around 30 minutes. Treatment can feel intense for a few minutes but is well tolerated, and most people carry on with normal activity straight away.
Wear clothing that lets us reach the area to be treated. Bring any relevant scan results or letters, and let us know about your medications, as we may advise pausing anti-inflammatories around treatment.
We offer single sessions and discounted courses of three or six; see our transparent pricing. We also accept AXA Health, Aviva, VitalityHealth and WPA; please check your cover before booking.
Not sure whether shockwave is right for you, or want to discuss your symptoms and diagnosis first? Our free discovery visit is a no-obligation chat to help point you in the right direction.
Request a Free Discovery VisitBook a thorough assessment and we'll build a plan around your goals, or get in touch if you're not sure which service you need.
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