Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
Dealing with Achilles tendinopathy?
Focused shockwave therapy at our clinic in Richmond, London helps improve mobility and supports faster recovery for clients across the UK.
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that has been shown in clinical studies to reduce pain and improve function in chronic cases. [Source: PubMed Achilles Tendinopathy 2022]
When combined with physiotherapy, including manual therapy and exercise-based rehabilitation, it addresses both symptoms and underlying causes of Achilles tendinopathy.
Book your free phone consultation today to see if this treatment is right for you.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is a condition characterised by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the body that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse, repetitive stress, biomechanical issues, or degenerative changes in the tendon can often cause this condition.
There are two main types:
- Mid-Portion Achilles Tendinopathy: This occurs in the main body of the tendon, typically 2–6cm above the heel bone.
- Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: This occurs at the very base of the tendon where it attaches to the heel bone.
Early treatment with focused shockwave therapy can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic and affecting daily activities.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Your Leg Pain
Achilles pain is often distinct, but it can be mimicked or complicated by other conditions in the lower leg and foot. We distinguish it from:
- Heel Spurs: Bony protrusions occuring under or at the back of the heel can cause pain sometimes mistaken for Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis.
- Muscle Strains: A tear in the calf muscle (gastrocnemius or soleus) can cause sharp pain that feels like an Achilles injury but is located higher up the leg.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Numb sensations in the heel and foot can sometimes mimic the dull ache of chronic tendinopathy.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick tissue on the sole of the foot. Pain can be located on the underside of the heel or arch of the foot.
- Retrocalcanial Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) causing pain at the back of the heel, between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone (calcaneus).
- Stress Fractures: Specifically of the calcaneus (heel bone). This causes a deep ache that is aggravated by weight-bearing.
Not sure which condition is causing you pain and would like some advice?
Book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
See all conditions we treat to learn how fSWT can help.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Achilles Tendinopathy
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Breaks down fibrotic tissue and calcifications
- Improves tendon function and mobility
Learn more about shockwave therapy and the difference between focused and radial shockwave therapy.
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy
With many years’ experience treating Achilles tendinopathy for clients in Richmond, Greater London, and across the UK, we tailor each treatment plan to your symptoms and recovery goals.
Typical Course
- Starts with 5–8 sessions, usually once per week.
- The exact number of sessions will depend on the severity of your condition and response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
- Shockwave intensity and frequency are adjusted to your pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tendinopathy.
Minimal Downtime
- Most clients can continue normal activities immediately.
- Reduction in high-impact activity is advised during the first few sessions of the treatment plan.
Post-Treatment Sensation
- Mild soreness or swelling may occur, usually resolving within a few days.
Each treatment plan is tailored to your condition. Learn more about what to expect from focused shockwave therapy and view a full breakdown of clinic fees on our prices page.
Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, meaning there’s no need for incisions or long recovery times. Most clients can continue daily activities immediately after treatment, making it a safe and convenient option for Achilles tendinopathy.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain reduction in the Achilles tendon after just a few focused shockwave therapy sessions, improving their quality of life and allowing a quicker return to normal activity.
Accelerated Healing
Focused shockwave therapy stimulates tendon repair and improves tissue function, supporting faster recovery from Achilles tendinopathy compared to traditional treatments alone.
Long Lasting Results
By addressing the root causes of Achilles tendinopathy, focused shockwave therapy combined with physiotherapy provides long-term relief and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
High Success Rate
With years of experience treating Achilles tendinopathy, our team has achieved strong results for many clients. Focused shockwave therapy is clinically supported and effective for both chronic and acute tendon injuries.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
Quick return to active work or lifestyle
For individuals with a high level of physical activity who need to return to training or work quickly and the condition is interfering with their performance.
Condition rapidly worsening
If there are signs that the tendinopathy is worsening rapidly, such as increasing pain, swelling, or stiffness, despite initial treatment.
Severe pain is limiting activity
If the pain is severe enough to significantly limit daily activities and traditional treatments have not provided adequate relief after a few weeks.
History of chronic tendinopathy
For individuals with a history of chronic Achilles tendinopathy or multiple recurrences as they might be at higher risk for prolonged or repeated issues.
Degenerative changes or calcification
If imaging investigations (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) reveal degenerative changes in the Achilles tendon (tendinosis) or calcifications.
To avoid surgery
For clients who want to avoid surgery or are not candidates for surgical intervention.
Early use of focused shockwave therapy can reduce pain and stimulate tendon healing, preventing progression to chronic tendinopathy.
FAQs – Achilles Tendinopathy & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Is focused shockwave therapy painful?
A: Most clients experience a tingling or throbbing sensation. The intensity of the treatment will be adjusted to your pain tolerance.
Q: How long do sessions last?
A: Each session lasts 30 minutes and includes therapy plus reassessment of response to treatment.
Q: Can I resume normal activities after focused shockwave therapy?
A: Most clients return to normal activities immediately after treatment, though we recommend reducing intense exercise/activity on the treated area for a few weeks if the condition is chronic.
For more answers to common questions, see our FAQs page
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Achilles Testimonials
Our Specialist Focused Shockwave Clinic
Be Vibrant Physio is a leading UK provider of advanced Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (F-ESWT).
Based in Richmond, London, our clinic is a specialist hub equipped with world-class Storz Medical technology.
We routinely welcome clients from across Greater London, the UK, and international visitors seeking expert clinical protocols.
Situated a short walk from Richmond Station, we are easily accessible via the District Line, Overground, and National Rail, with 90 minutes of complimentary parking available nearby.
After 2.5 years of problems with my collarbone, the shockwaves helped me immensely. Nim was great and very professional throughout - before and after pics!
I was unable to play tennis due to hamstring tendinopathy for many months and it did not improve until I had a course of shockwave treatments which have been very successful. Nim is very pleasant and is genuinely interested and enthusiastic about seeing an improvement in your condition. She is very knowledgeable and information and advice she gives is always based on up to date research.
I was recommended focused shockwave therapy for a hamstring tendinopathy that had not been resolved through traditional physio. I found Nim, and her treatment has been excellent. After years of pain, I am delighted with the results. She is so knowledgeable and I've learnt a lot from her. How I approach sports training has changed forever for the good! She is also a lovely and interesting person to talk to: I always learned something new in each treatment session.
It’s difficult to know where to start but I found Nim after hearing a podcast about shockwave therapy, Google led me there and my first meeting with her gave me the reassurance to give her a go.
I suffered a spinal fracture nearly ten years ago, recurring sciatica, lower back pain, daily aches and stiffness. A diagnosis of arthritis and years of chiropractors, osteo’s, physio’s and rheumatologists.
Nim took one look at me and noticed my pelvic twist, my imbalance caused from years of compensating for pain. Coupled with focused shockwave to repair the damage that never properly healed and targeted stretches, nothing rocket science or hard to fit in to a busy schedule. Now I am pain free for the first time that I can remember, my mobility has returned and the ‘arthritis’ gone.
Thankyou Nim, you are a true healer and proof that there is help out there if you are strong and willing enough to refuse a lifelong diagnosis and find the help you need. 11 stars from me.
I was told how good Nim was by another satisfied client which was why I decided to finally tackle a decades old problem - a horrible crunchy rotator cuff which was limiting my arm movement. The shockwave therapy really works and Nim is both very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, supporting the therapy with a programme of exercises to do at home. I've got far more movement in my shoulder now, thanks to Nim!
