Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an alternative treatment option for certain tendon injuries
Persistent tendon pain can make everyday activities uncomfortable. Whether you are struggling with heel pain first thing in the morning, shoulder discomfort when lifting your arm, or ongoing elbow pain that has not improved with rest and physiotherapy, chronic tendon problems can be frustrating.
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate healing in damaged tendons. At Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens, ESWT is delivered by experienced physiotherapists as part of a structured musculoskeletal treatment pathway.
If conservative treatments such as rest, physiotherapy or anti-inflammatory medication have not provided sufficient improvement, shockwave therapy may offer an effective alternative before considering surgery. Call today to arrange a consultation with one of our specially trained physiotherapists to see if ESWT could help you.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment that uses controlled pulses of high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in injured or degenerated tendon tissue.
The term “extracorporeal” simply means that the energy is delivered from outside the body. A handheld device is placed against the skin over the affected area. The device delivers mechanical pulses that penetrate the underlying tissue.
These pulses are thought to stimulate increased blood flow, promote tissue regeneration and encourage the body’s natural healing response. Shockwave therapy can also help reduce pain sensitivity in the treated area.
Unlike injections or surgery, ESWT does not involve incisions or needles. It is considered a minimally invasive option and is often used when symptoms have persisted for more than three months.
Treatment sessions typically last between 15 and 30 minutes. Most patients require a course of three to five sessions, spaced over several weeks, although this can vary depending on the condition being treated.
The cost of shockwave therapy at Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens depends on the number of sessions required and your individual treatment plan. During your first appointment, your physiotherapist will outline the recommended course of treatment and provide clear, transparent pricing information before you proceed. If you would like a personalised quote for a course of ESWT, give us a call and we can put one together for you.
If you have private health insurance, some policies do cover shockwave therapy, but it’s best to check directly with your provider. For self-funding patients, the hospital team can provide detailed pricing information and discuss payment options.
Transparency ensures that you understand the financial aspects of your care before beginning treatment.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used to treat chronic tendon conditions that have not responded to first-line treatment.
These may include:
In these conditions, the tendon has often undergone degenerative changes rather than acute inflammation. ESWT aims to stimulate repair in tissue that has failed to heal naturally.
For example, in plantar fasciitis, the thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot becomes painful and stiff. Shockwave therapy can help stimulate healing and reduce long-term discomfort.
In tennis elbow, repeated strain leads to micro-tears in the tendon at the outer elbow. ESWT may support tissue recovery and reduce persistent pain.
Your physiotherapist will assess whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your diagnosis and stage of injury.
Choosing private treatment allows you to access prompt assessment and structured care in a professional clinical environment.
Your appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms. You may describe pain that has been present for several months, worsens with activity and settles only partially with rest. Chronic tendon conditions often develop gradually and can become persistent if not addressed appropriately.
A physical examination will be carried out to identify the affected tendon and confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound may be reviewed to assess tendon thickness or degeneration.
Shockwave therapy is usually recommended for patients with long-standing tendon pain that has not improved with initial conservative measures. Your physiotherapist will explain how the treatment works, what it involves and how many sessions may be required.
ESWT is performed in an outpatient setting and does not require anaesthetic or hospital admission.
During treatment, you may feel a tapping or pulsing sensation over the affected area. Some discomfort is normal, particularly if the tendon is already sensitive. However, the intensity of treatment can be adjusted to ensure it remains tolerable.
Most patients find that sessions are manageable and it’s very unusual to need anaesthetic. After treatment, the area may feel slightly sore for a short period, similar to the sensation after vigorous exercise.
You will usually be able to walk and resume light activities immediately after each session.
One of the advantages of ESWT is that there is minimal downtime. You may be advised to avoid high-impact activity for a short period following treatment, but normal daily activities can usually continue straight away.
Improvement is often gradual. Some patients notice a reduction in pain after the first or second session, while others experience steady improvement over several weeks as tissue healing progresses.
Shockwave therapy works by stimulating the body’s repair processes, so benefits may continue to develop even after the final session. Your physiotherapist may combine ESWT with a structured physiotherapy programme to optimise outcomes.
When you choose to go private with Fairfield Independent Hospital in St Helens, you can expect:
Persistent tendon pain can limit mobility and affect quality of life. Accessing specialist treatment promptly allows you to explore effective non-surgical options before considering more invasive procedures.
At Fairfield Independent Hospital, shockwave therapy is delivered as part of a coordinated musculoskeletal care pathway, ensuring continuity and structured follow-up.
If chronic tendon pain is affecting your daily activities, it’s time to get help.
To book a consultation to discuss extracorporeal shockwave therapy with a physiotherapist near you, give us a call and one of our friendly advisers will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
Reception: 01744 739 311
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