Shockwave Therapy
Have you been dealing with a tendon problem that simply won't shift? Or a heel, shoulder, or hip issue that has been hanging around for months despite rest and other treatments? Shockwave therapy might be the answer.
It is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic waves to reach deep into the affected tissue. Those waves encourage blood flow to the area, stimulate the body's natural repair processes, and help to reduce pain that has become chronic and stubborn. We use it here as a targeted addition to your osteopathic care, particularly for conditions that have proved resistant to other approaches. If you would like to find out more about our wider approach to osteopathy, our main osteopathy page has more detail.
What Can Shockwave Therapy Help With?
Shockwave therapy is especially well suited to chronic and persistent musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving tendons and fascia that are slow to heal on their own.
- Plantar fasciitis: acoustic waves may help break down scar tissue in the heel and arch, supporting recovery in one of the most stubborn foot conditions around
- Achilles tendinopathy: can support repair and help ease long-standing pain at the back of the ankle
- Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder: may help break down calcium deposits and reduce pain in the rotator cuff
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: targeted treatment to the outer hip area may help reduce pain and improve movement
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow: encourages the body's own repair response in damaged tendon tissue at the elbow
- Patellar tendinopathy: may help ease persistent knee tendon pain that has not responded to rest or exercise alone
- Chronic hamstring tendinopathy: can support recovery where deep buttock and upper leg pain has become long-term
- Shin splints: may help with recurring lower leg pain that is preventing a return to activity
Meet our Therapists
Shockwave therapy at BTC is delivered by our osteopaths, who are fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Registration with the GOsC is a legal requirement to practise as an osteopath in the UK, and our practitioners have the additional training and experience required to incorporate shockwave therapy safely and effectively into your care.
Gillian Sheffer
Senior Osteopath BSc Ost
Reno Pelekanou
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Marta Vacca
Senior Osteopath M.Ost
Naomi Nekesa
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Mollie Tappenden
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Lilou Convert
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Eloise Elson
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Ready to book your appointment?
We offer a range of treatments to help you feel your best. Book online,
call us or visit our centre to schedule your appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being treated: shorts for knee or hip problems, a vest top for shoulder treatment
- Your appointment begins with a thorough conversation about your health history, how long you have had the problem, and what you have already tried
- Your practitioner will carry out an assessment before confirming that shockwave is appropriate for you
- The shockwave device is applied directly to the skin over the affected area; most people feel a rhythmic tapping or pressure sensation, and some areas may feel more intense than others
- After treatment the area can feel a little tender or achy for a day or two; this is a normal part of the healing response and usually settles quickly
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy First Consultation
£120
Shockwave Therapy Follow up
Treatment
£95
Your Questions Answered
Does it hurt?
Shockwave therapy can feel intense, particularly over very tender areas, but most people would describe it as a strong tapping or pressure rather than sharp pain. Your practitioner will adjust the intensity throughout the session based on your feedback. Any post-treatment soreness usually settles within a day or two and is a sign that the healing process is underway.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people benefit from a course of three to six sessions, spaced roughly a week apart. Chronic or more complex conditions can take a little longer to respond. Your practitioner will review your progress as you go and give you an honest steer on how many sessions they feel are genuinely needed.
Is it suitable for everyone?
Shockwave therapy is safe for most people, but there are situations where it is not advisable, including during pregnancy, if you are on blood thinners, over areas with active infection or open wounds, near a pacemaker, or near growth plates in younger patients. Your practitioner will go through your full health history before treatment begins to make sure it is the right option for you.
How does shockwave therapy work alongside osteopathy?
We rarely use shockwave as a standalone treatment. It works best as part of a broader care plan that might include hands-on osteopathy, targeted exercises, and advice on load management. The acoustic waves address the tissue-level repair, while the wider treatment works on the patterns of movement and tension that may have contributed to the problem in the first place.
Should I wait until it gets worse?
We hear this all the time: "It's not that bad yet, I'll see how it goes." The truth? Muscle and joint pain doesn't usually resolve the way a cut or bruise does. The longer compensation patterns continue, the harder they can be to correct. Early treatment often means: fewer sessions overall, faster recovery, lower risk of chronic issues, better long-term mobility. Prevention is always easier than cure.
Why Choose Brixton Therapy Centre?
- 7-day appointments
- Early morning and evening availability
- Emergency appointments when possible
- Phone support 7am-9pm
- Personalised exercise plans
- Confidential, detailed reports if needed
- Online booking, fast and secure
- Caring for the Brixton community since 1999
- Concessions for those on low income (call to ask)
- Concessions for NHS staff (call to ask)
Still Not Sure?
If you're in pain and wondering whether we can help, that's exactly why we're here. You don't need to know what the problem is. You don't need a referral. You just need to take the first step. Book online today or call 020 7733 9944 to speak to us.
Cranial
Osteopathy
A very gentle form of osteopathy that works with the body's own rhythms; suited to all ages
Paediatric
Osteopathy
Specialist osteopathic care for babies, children, and teenagers
Pregnancy
Osteopathy
Hands-on osteopathic support through pregnancy, helping to ease pelvic pain, lower back ache, and the physical strain
Osteopathy
Sports
Massage
Soft tissue work combined with osteopathic assessment, focused on performance, recovery, and keeping active bodies moving well
Shockwave
Therapy
A non-invasive option for stubborn tendon and soft tissue problems that haven't responded to other treatment
Dry
Needling
A targeted technique used by our osteopaths to release muscle trigger points and ease localised pain and tension