Shockwave Therapy
Acoustic energy that kickstarts your body’s own healing — without surgery, needles or downtime.
Focused Energy to Break Through Chronic Pain
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers controlled acoustic pulses deep into damaged tissue. These high-energy waves break up calcifications, stimulate collagen synthesis, and release growth factors that the body uses to repair itself. The result is enhanced blood circulation and accelerated healing of conditions that have resisted other treatments.
The technology originated in lithotripsy — the technique developed in the 1980s to break down kidney stones without surgery. Clinicians quickly recognised that the same principle could be applied to musculoskeletal injuries, and today shockwave therapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments available for chronic tendon and joint problems.
Canonbury Clinic is equipped with both radial and focussed shockwave machines, giving us the flexibility to target superficial and deep-seated conditions with precision. For many patients, shockwave therapy offers a genuine alternative to surgery and repeated steroid injections.
Conditions That Respond to Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic musculoskeletal conditions that have not improved with rest or conventional treatment:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Hip bursitis and tendinopathy
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Osteoarthritis (knees, hips, shoulders)
- Strained calves and hamstrings
- Tendonitis
- Knee pain
What to Expect During Treatment
A coupling gel is applied to the treatment area, and a handheld applicator is placed against the skin. Pulses are introduced gradually, increasing in intensity as you acclimatise. Most patients describe the sensation as uncomfortable but not painful — and sessions typically last only 10–15 minutes.
Results are often felt immediately after the first session, though the full healing response develops over the following weeks. Most patients see significant improvement after just two to three treatments, spaced across six to twelve weeks.
One important point: you should avoid anti-inflammatory medication after treatment. The controlled inflammation triggered by shockwave therapy is a deliberate part of the healing process — suppressing it would undermine the results.
Who Should Avoid Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is not approved for patients with tumours in the treatment area, pregnant women, or those with ruptured tendons. Your osteopath will carry out a full assessment before recommending treatment to ensure it is appropriate for your condition.
Shockwave Therapy — £170 per session
Most patients require two to three sessions for optimal results. Your osteopath will recommend a treatment plan based on your specific condition and response.