What is shockwave therapy — and how can it help tendon pain?

Tendon pain can be frustratingly stubborn. Whether it’s your Achilles, shoulder, elbow, or knee, the discomfort often lingers for months and resists stretching or rest. That’s where shockwave therapy comes in — a powerful, non-invasive treatment proven to accelerate healing and relieve pain fast.

At RED Physiotherapy Northampton, our physiotherapists use medical-grade extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) to treat chronic tendon injuries and inflammation safely, helping you get back to pain-free movement.

How shockwave therapy works

Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy sound waves directly into injured tissue. These waves trigger the body’s natural repair response by:

• Increasing blood flow to speed up healing
• Breaking down scar tissue that limits movement
• Reducing inflammation and pain sensitivity
• Stimulating new cell growth for long-term recovery

Patients usually describe the sensation as a rhythmic tapping — slightly uncomfortable but tolerable, and the benefits are worth it.

Common tendon conditions treated with shockwave therapy

At RED Physiotherapy Northampton, we use shockwave therapy for:

• Achilles tendon pain – often from running or overuse
• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee) – common in sports and gym users
• Plantar fasciitis – sharp heel pain when walking or standing
• Shoulder tendinopathy – rotator cuff injuries and calcification
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow – pain in the forearm or outer elbow

These conditions often respond well to shockwave therapy, especially when traditional rest or physiotherapy hasn’t been enough on its own.

Benefits of shockwave therapy

✔ Fast results – many feel improvement after just 3–6 sessions✔ Non-invasive – no surgery, no injections, no downtime✔ Proven effectiveness – supported by NHS and clinical research✔ Long-term healing – stimulates actual tissue repair, not just pain relief

\n“Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain.” – Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)\n

What the research shows

• A 2022 British Journal of Sports Medicine review found shockwave therapy improved recovery in 70% of patients with chronic tendon pain.
• NICE guidelines recommend ESWT for persistent Achilles, plantar fascia, and shoulder tendon injuries.
• Clinical studies confirm that combining shockwave with physiotherapy yields faster and longer-lasting outcomes.

Who benefits from shockwave therapy in Northampton

We regularly treat:

• Runners, cyclists, and athletes with overuse injuries
• Gym-goers recovering from tendon strain
• Manual workers with repetitive stress injuries
• Anyone with long-term pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments

What to expect during treatment

1. Initial assessment – confirming the diagnosis and suitability for shockwave.
2. Application – 10–15 minutes of focused treatment on the affected area.
3. Follow-up care – combining shockwave with stretching and strengthening for optimal results.

Most people feel relief within the first few sessions, with lasting improvement after the full course.

FAQs about shockwave therapy

Does it hurt?You may feel mild discomfort, but it’s brief and tolerable.

How many sessions will I need?Typically between 3 and 6 sessions, depending on the condition.

Is it safe?Yes — side effects are rare and temporary (mild redness or tenderness).

Why choose RED Physiotherapy Northampton

✔ Qualified physiotherapists with advanced shockwave training✔ Proven results for chronic tendon injuries✔ Same-day and next-day appointments✔ Family-run clinic trusted across Northampton

We combine shockwave with manual therapy and exercise, ensuring a complete, evidence-based recovery plan.

Take action today

Don’t let chronic tendon pain hold you back. With the right physiotherapy and shockwave treatment, you can finally move freely and pain-free again.

👉 Book your shockwave therapy in Northampton today:Book an appointment with RED Physiotherapy Northampton