Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Bursitis
Are you struggling with persistent swelling and pain in your bursas?
Our focused shockwave therapy clinic in Richmond specialises in treating chronic bursitis, providing a highly effective, non-invasive alternative to steroid injections for clients across the UK.
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a sophisticated medical treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to target the inflamed bursa. It works by rapidly reducing inflammation, modulating pain signals, and stimulating the body’s natural healing response in the surrounding soft tissues.
Unlike traditional treatments that merely mask the symptoms, fSWT addresses the underlying irritation to help restore pain-free movement and long-term joint or tendon health.
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 Bursitis?
Bursitis occurs when the bursa - a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues - becomes inflamed. This is common in the shoulder (subacromial), hip (trochanteric), knee (prepatellar), and ankle (retrocalcaneal) often causing sharp pain during movement and a dull ache at rest.
Chronic bursitis can be highly resistant to traditional treatments. Our high-energy focused shockwave is uniquely capable of penetrating deep into the body to reach the bursa directly and help to reduce the inflammation.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Inflammatory Pain
Bursitis can occur at almost any joint, often mimicking deeper structural injuries. We distinguish it from:
- Calcific Tendinitis: Particularly in the shoulder, where hard calcium deposits can cause similar symptoms to a swollen bursa.
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): Pain on the lateral side of the hip or thigh that can be caused by a gluteal tendinopathy or iliotibial band (ITB) friction.
- Ligament Sprains: Pain that follows a specific twisting or overstretching event.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Muscle trigger points that can refer pain to the area directly over a bursa.
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 Bursitis
- Reduces Inflammation
- Pain Desensitisation
- Improves Circulation
- Restores Function
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 Bursitis
With extensive experience in treating bursitis for clients in Richmond, from across London and throughout the UK, we create personalised treatment plans based on 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 condition.
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 Bursitis
Injection Alternative
Many of our clients seek fSWT specifically to avoid repeated corticosteroid injections, which can carry risks for tissue health.
Deep Penetration
Focused shockwave can reach deep-seated bursae (like those in the hip) that standard radial shockwave cannot effectively target.
Rapid Functional Ability Gains
Many clients report an immediate improvement in their range of motion as the acute inflammatory pressure is reduced.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Bursitis
Pain at Night
If you are unable to sleep on your side due to hip or shoulder bursitis.
Persistent Swelling
If the joint feels full or hot and hasn't responded to rest and ice.
Failure of Traditional Care
If you have tried anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or physical therapy without a significant breakthrough.
To Avoid Surgery
If a bursectomy has been suggested and you want to exhaust non-surgical specialist options first.
Focused shockwave therapy applied early can reduce inflammation and pain in the affected bursa, helping to restore normal movement and function.
FAQs – Bursitis & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Will focused shockwave make my inflammation worse?
A: No. While it may feel slightly tender during the session, the high-energy shockwaves help the bursa return to its normal, non-inflamed state.
Q: Can I use focused shockwave if I’ve already had a steroid injection?
A: Yes, but standard clinical guidelines recommend waiting between 7 and 12 weeks after an injection before starting shockwave. This ensures the steroid has settled and allows the shockwave to effectively stimulate the body's natural healing response.
Q: How do I know if my pain is a tendon issue or bursitis?
A: Bursitis pain is often more "diffuse" and can hurt even at rest or at night, whereas tendinopathy usually hurts specifically when you load the muscle. During your initial assessment, we will identify the exact source to ensure the correct diagnosis of your pain.
Q: Is it safe to treat the hip or shoulder area where the bursa is close to the bone?
A: Absolutely. Focused shockwave is incredibly precise. Unlike radial shockwave, which spreads energy, focused technology allows us to point the energy directly at the bursa.
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.
Bursitis 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!
