Shockwave Therapy in Northampton for Persistent Tendon Pain
Evidence-based shockwave therapy delivered as part of a thorough, one-to-one physiotherapy assessment and treatment plan.
Shockwave therapy can be a useful treatment for certain long-standing tendon and soft-tissue conditions that have failed to respond to more traditional physiotherapy approaches.
When used appropriately, it may help stimulate tissue repair, reduce pain sensitivity, and support longer-term recovery.
At Chris Heywood Physio, shockwave therapy is never used as a routine or standalone treatment. It is applied selectively following a detailed physiotherapy assessment, and always integrated into a wider rehabilitation plan.
Thanks to the registration process, I’ll already have a solid understanding of your condition or injury before you arrive. From there, the focus shifts to digging deeper—gathering the finer details and assessing exactly what’s going on so we can get you moving in the right direction.
The first thing to understand about shockwave therapy is that it’s a destructive or disruptive treatment by design. Its goal is to stimulate the body’s healing response through controlled microtrauma. You can read more about how it works here, but it’s important to note: not all conditions or patients are suitable for this treatment.
A prime example of this would be if you are taking blood-thinning medication (e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin), as it may lead to excessive tissue trauma.
Shockwave Therapy Treatment - what happens on the day?
Shockwave therapy is only used where clinically appropriate following a physiotherapy assessment. If we have agreed together that shockwave therapy is the best option for you, I may be able to offer the first treatment on the day of the assessment, helping to save both time and money, provided there are no clinical reasons not to do so.
As part of the assessment you will receive information about medications to avoid during shockwave treatment, along with a clear rehabilitation plan to follow between sessions, as this is often where the most meaningful change occurs. You will also receive an indication of how many sessions you may expect to need.
Early research into shockwave therapy often promoted it as a standalone treatment, typically delivered in 4–6 sessions followed by rehabilitation afterwards. While this worked well for some clinics, modern evidence-based guidance suggests that shockwave should be part of a broader recovery programme rather than used in isolation.
That is why I only offer shockwave therapy as part of 60-minute physiotherapy sessions, where it is integrated into your Physiotherapy rehabilitation rather than simply added on.
These sessions include assessment, hands-on treatment, shockwave therapy (where appropriate), and progressive rehabilitation planning. Four to six sessions remains a sensible starting point for many people, but everyone responds differently. Some patients require fewer sessions, while others may benefit from more.
By the time your shockwave sessions are complete, you should already feel confident in your rehabilitation plan, which will have been developed alongside your treatment. Typically, this is followed by a self-managed recovery phase of around 4–6 weeks, where you focus on progressing your exercises with minimal input from the clinic.
Please note that shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable, but the active treatment itself usually lasts only a few minutes.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy devices work by accelerating a small metal projectile inside the handpiece of the treatment device. When this projectile strikes the applicator head, it produces a short mechanical pressure wave that travels through the skin into the underlying tissue.
These pressure waves interact with the affected tissues and are thought to stimulate biological responses involved in healing, including improved local circulation and changes in pain signalling. This is why shockwave therapy is most commonly used for persistent tendon and soft tissue conditions that have not responded to more traditional treatment approaches.
Different treatment heads and energy settings allow the shockwave to be delivered at varying depths and intensities depending on the structure being treated and the individual clinical presentation.
If you would like to understand more about the science and mechanisms behind shockwave therapy, you can read the detailed explanation on the Shockwave Therapy Explained page.
How painful is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable during treatment, particularly when applied to sensitive tendon tissue. The level of discomfort varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient.
Most people describe the sensation as intense but manageable, and the active treatment itself usually lasts only a few minutes. Treatment intensity can also be adjusted to ensure that it remains tolerable.
How quickly does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave therapy does not usually produce immediate results. Instead, it aims to stimulate biological processes that support tissue healing, which means improvements typically develop gradually over time.
Many people begin to notice changes after two or three treatment sessions, although full improvement often continues to develop over the following several weeks as rehabilitation progresses.
Some patients do report that symptoms feel better shortly after a treatment session. This is often related to temporary neurological effects, where stimulation of local nerve endings and mechanoreceptors can alter how pain is perceived for a short period of time. While this can be encouraging, it does not usually represent immediate structural change in the tissue itself.
Because shockwave therapy is used alongside a structured rehabilitation programme, the overall recovery process continues beyond the treatment sessions as the underlying tissues gradually adapt and recover.
No Prepaid Packages
Some clinics promote shockwave therapy as a fixed package of treatments that must be paid for in advance.
That is not how treatment works at Chris Heywood Physio.
Every case is assessed individually and treatment decisions are based on clinical findings and progress, not on pre-paid treatment packages. While many people respond well within four to six sessions, some require fewer and others may benefit from additional treatment depending on how the condition responds.
The aim is always to provide the right amount of treatment, rather than committing patients to unnecessary sessions.
What Shockwave Device Do I Use?
When investing in shockwave technology I chose the Chattanooga shockwave system, a well-regarded clinical device widely used in physiotherapy and sports medicine.
The system allows treatment intensity to be adjusted depending on the condition being treated and uses interchangeable applicator heads to target different tissues effectively. This helps ensure that shockwave therapy can be delivered accurately and safely as part of a wider rehabilitation programme.
Which conditions respond best to shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is most commonly used for certain persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions, particularly when symptoms have not improved with more conventional treatment.
Examples include:
-
Achilles tendinopathy
-
plantar fasciitis (only if all other route explored)
-
tennis elbow
-
patellar tendinopathy
-
calcific shoulder tendinopathy
Suitability for shockwave therapy always depends on the individual assessment and clinical findings.
When Shockwave Therapy May Not Be Appropriate
Although shockwave therapy can be very helpful for certain conditions, it is not suitable for every injury.
Shockwave therapy is typically considered when symptoms have been present for some time and have not responded to more conventional physiotherapy approaches such as rehabilitation exercises, activity modification, or hands-on treatment.
In some situations shockwave therapy may not be appropriate. This may include cases where the condition is still in the early inflammatory stage, where the diagnosis is unclear, or where other medical factors suggest that a different treatment approach would be more suitable.
You can read more about when shockwave therapy may or may not be appropriate on the dedicated Shockwave Therapy page, which explains the treatment in more detail.
This is why shockwave therapy is only offered following a detailed physiotherapy assessment. The aim is always to ensure that the treatment being recommended is appropriate for the condition rather than simply applying technology because it is available.
If shockwave therapy is not suitable for your particular problem, the reasons will be explained and the most appropriate next steps discussed.
Shockwave Therapy FAQ
1) How does Shockwave Therapy work
Shockwave therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes within the affected tissue.
The treatment delivers controlled acoustic pressure waves through the skin to the targeted area. These waves create a small amount of controlled microtrauma, which helps trigger a local healing response. This response may involve increased blood flow, release of growth factors, and stimulation of tissue repair processes.
In simple terms, shockwave therapy aims to encourage the body to restart a healing process in tissues that have become slow to recover or stuck in a chronic pain cycle.
2) Can I take anti-inflammatory medication while having shockwave therapy?
In most cases I recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen during a course of shockwave therapy, unless specifically advised otherwise.
Shockwave therapy works by stimulating a controlled inflammatory response in the tissue, which is an important part of the healing process. Anti-inflammatory medication may suppress this response and potentially reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
If you are taking prescription medications or have concerns about this, we will discuss it during your assessment to ensure the safest and most appropriate approach.
3) Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
Shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable during treatment, although most people find it manageable.
The level of discomfort varies depending on the condition being treated and the sensitivity of the tissue involved. Areas close to bone or with less soft tissue can sometimes feel sharper during treatment.
Modern practice aims to balance treatment effectiveness with patient comfort. If the intensity is too uncomfortable it can be adjusted to keep the treatment tolerable while still achieving the desired therapeutic effect.
The active part of the treatment usually lasts only a few minutes.
4) How many sessions of shockwave therapy will I need?
The number of sessions required varies between individuals and depends on several factors including the nature of the condition, how long symptoms have been present, and how the body responds to treatment.
As a general guide, many patients benefit from around four to six sessions, although some people improve with fewer treatments while others may require additional sessions.
If there is little improvement after several sessions, we will review whether shockwave therapy remains the most appropriate approach for your condition.
5) Can shockwave therapy be used for a recent injury?
In most cases shockwave therapy is not recommended for very recent injuries, typically those less than six weeks old (I tend to say 10-12 weeks).
Shockwave therapy is designed to stimulate healing in tissues that have failed to recover normally over time. In the early stages of injury the body is already undergoing its natural healing process, so introducing shockwave too early may interfere with that process.
During the early phase of injury recovery, more supportive treatment approaches are usually recommended.
6) Can I use ice after shockwave therapy?
Yes, although I generally recommend waiting around 24 hours before applying ice.
Ice produces a relatively mild anti-inflammatory effect and can help reduce local discomfort by temporarily numbing nerve endings and decreasing tissue sensitivity.
Compared with anti-inflammatory medications, the effect of ice is less likely to interfere with the healing response triggered by shockwave therapy.
7) Is shockwave therapy safe?
Shockwave therapy is widely used in musculoskeletal medicine and is generally considered safe when applied appropriately following proper assessment.
Like most treatments, it may cause temporary soreness in the treated area for a short period afterwards. Serious complications are uncommon when the treatment is delivered by a trained clinician.
Suitability for shockwave therapy is always determined during a physiotherapy assessment.
8) Which conditions respond best to shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is most commonly used for persistent tendon and soft-tissue conditions, particularly when symptoms have not responded to more traditional physiotherapy treatment.
Examples include:
-
Achilles tendinopathy
-
plantar fasciitis (less reliable)
-
tennis elbow
-
patellar tendinopathy
-
calcific shoulder tendinopathy
Whether shockwave therapy is appropriate will always depend on the individual assessment and clinical findings.
Why Should You Choose Chris Heywood Physio
Choosing the right physiotherapist can make a significant difference when dealing with pain, injury, or persistent movement problems. The most important thing when seeking help is finding a practitioner you trust—someone who is honest, responsible, and clear about your diagnosis, the treatment you really need, and whether any follow-up appointments are necessary.
I’m not here to poach you from another therapist, but if you’re looking for a new physiotherapist in Northamptonshire or simply want a second opinion, here’s why many people choose to work with me (read my reviews):
Over 25 years of experience & proven expertise
With 25+ years of hands-on physiotherapy experience, I’ve built a trusted reputation for clinical excellence and evidence-based care. My approach combines proven techniques with the latest research, so you can feel confident you’re in safe, skilled hands.
Longer appointments for better results
No two people—or injuries—are the same. That’s why I offer 60-minute one-to-one sessions, giving us time to:
-
Thoroughly assess your condition
-
Provide focused, effective treatment
-
Explain what’s really going on in a clear, simple way
Your treatment plan is tailored specifically to you, aiming for long-term results, not just temporary relief.
Honest advice & support you can trust
I will always tell you what is best for you — even if that means you need fewer sessions, not more. My goal is your recovery and long-term wellbeing, not keeping you coming back unnecessarily.
Because I operate an independent practice with low overheads, I do not work to preset business targets based on a number of sessions per patient. Treatment recommendations are based on clinical need only, not on maximising appointments.
If you are interested in this topic, you can read more in my article “Do You Really Need Weekly Private Physiotherapy Sessions?”
Helping you take control of your recovery
I believe the best outcomes happen when you understand your body. I’ll explain your condition clearly, give you practical tools for self-management, and step in with expert hands-on treatment when it’s genuinely needed.
Independent clinical care
Chris Heywood Physio operates as an independent physiotherapy practice rather than a high-volume clinic model.
This allows treatment decisions to focus entirely on what is most appropriate for the patient.
The aim is always to understand the problem properly and provide clear, effective physiotherapy that helps you return to normal activity as quickly and safely as possible.
Contact Me
Alongside private practice, I also work on Mondays and Tuesdays as an advanced physiotherapist in a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) in Musculoskeletal Primary Care within the NHS, assessing, diagnosing, and triaging patients without the need for a GP appointment.
The easiest way to see my private physiotherapy appointment availability in real time, and book, is to visit the book an appointment page. If you need to make contact directly for questions and queries you are very welcome to call, but when I am in clinic my phone is always on silent so I can give my full attention to the patient I am seeing at the time. For this reason, it is usually quicker to reach me via the contact form, email or WhatsApp, where I can often read and respond in gaps.
Whichever way you get in touch, I will respond as soon as possible — and during the working week that is almost always the same day.