What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment used to help stimulate healing in chronic tendon conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy. The treatment uses acoustic sound waves delivered through the skin to the affected area.
These shockwaves help increase blood flow, stimulate tissue repair, reduce pain, and encourage the body’s natural healing response.
Shockwave therapy is commonly recommended for long-standing tendon pain that has not improved with rest or conventional treatments alone.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Help Achilles Tendinopathy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy may help by:
- Stimulating tendon healing
- Improving blood circulation
- Reducing chronic pain
- Breaking down unhealthy scar tissue
- Encouraging tissue regeneration
- Improving function and mobility
Many patients experience gradual improvement over several weeks following treatment.
What Happens During Treatment?
- A physiotherapist assesses your condition and confirms whether shockwave therapy is suitable.
- Gel is applied to the treatment area.
- A handheld device delivers controlled shockwaves to the Achilles tendon.
- Each session usually lasts around 10–15 minutes.
Some mild discomfort during treatment is normal, especially over sensitive areas.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Most patients benefit from:
- 3 to 6 treatment sessions
- Usually once per week
The number of sessions depends on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Shockwave therapy is often combined with physiotherapy rehabilitation exercises for the best results.
Your physiotherapy programme may include:
- Calf strengthening exercises
- Eccentric loading exercises
- Stretching exercises
- Balance and mobility training
- Advice on footwear and activity modification
- Return-to-running or sport rehabilitation
Combining shockwave therapy with exercise rehabilitation can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy
- Non-invasive treatment
- No injections or surgery required
- Quick treatment sessions
- Helps chronic tendon pain
- Minimal recovery time
- Can improve long-term tendon healing
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is generally considered safe when provided by trained healthcare professionals.
Some patients may experience:
- Mild soreness after treatment
- Temporary redness or tenderness
These effects usually settle within a few days.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
You should seek assessment if:
- Achilles pain persists for several weeks
- Walking or exercise becomes painful
- Symptoms are limiting daily activities or sport
- Rest alone is not improving symptoms
Early treatment can help prevent long-term tendon degeneration and ongoing pain.
Conclusion
Achilles tendinopathy can be frustrating and painful, especially when it affects walking, exercise, or sports participation.
Radial Shockwave Therapy, combined with physiotherapy rehabilitation, can be an effective treatment option for reducing pain and stimulating tendon healing.
If you are struggling with persistent Achilles tendon pain, our physiotherapy team can provide a full assessment and personalised treatment plan to help you return to normal activity safely and confidently.