Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Hamstring Tendinopathy
Experiencing a deep, dull ache in the back of your leg?
Our specialist clinic in Richmond provides advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) for hamstring tendinopathy, helping clients across London and throughout the UK return to comfortable movement and daily activities.
Hamstring tendinopathy can occur either at the top of the tendon (proximal) near the sitting bone, or lower down near the knee (distal). Proximal cases often present with deep gluteal or sitting pain, while distal cases may cause discomfort around the back or sides of the knee.
Because parts of the hamstring tendon - particularly proximally - sit deep beneath the gluteal muscles, effective treatment requires a precise approach. High-energy focused shockwave therapy allows us to deliver targeted energy to these deeper structures, helping to stimulate repair and reduce persistent pain.
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 Hamstring Tendinopathy?
Hamstring tendinopathy involves irritation, thickening, or small micro-tears within the tendon, either at the top (proximal) near the sitting bone or lower down at the knee (distal).
It typically develops gradually due to repeated loading rather than a single injury, and is common in runners, sprinters, and active individuals. Prolonged sitting or sudden increases in training load can also contribute.
Proximal cases often present as a deep, localised ache beneath the buttock, particularly when sitting or during activities like lunging or uphill running. Distal cases are more likely to cause pain around the back or sides of the knee, especially during acceleration, deceleration, or after activity.
With high-energy focused shockwave, we can target the affected area of the hamstring tendon - whether near the sitting bone or the knee - to help re-activate the body’s natural healing response.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying the Source of Hamstring Pain
Hamstring tendon pain can overlap with other conditions depending on whether it is felt higher under the glutes or lower near the knee, so accurate assessment is essential. We distinguish it from:
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Pain felt deeper in the pelvic floor or frontal pelvic region.
- Muscle Strains: A sudden tear in the muscle belly rather than chronic tendon wear.
- Patellar Tendinitis: Overuse of the patellar tendon causing pain at the front of the knee, which can occasionally be mistaken for distal hamstring pain.
- Sciatica: Nerve irritation that causes radiating pain rather than a localised ache.
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 Hamstring Tendinopathy
- Deep tissue penetration
- Tendon repair
- Reduces pain
- Increases blood flow
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 Hamstring Tendinopathy
With years of hands-on experience treating hamstring tendinopathies with clients from Richmond, across London, and throughout the UK, we tailor every treatment plan to match 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 Hamstring Tendinopathy
Improved Tendon Function
As pain decreases and inflammation subsides, clients often regain better function and strength in their hamstring tendons, enabling them to return to their regular activities more confidently.
No Injections Required
A safer, regenerative alternative to steroid injections, which can actually weaken the hamstring tendon over time.
Effective Pain Relief
Reduces the aches associated with a hamstring tendinopathy, making sitting or driving more manageable.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating hamstring tendinopathy, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Hamstring Tendinopathy
Recurrent or persistent symptoms
In cases where the tendinopathy is recurrent or has persisted for more than 3-6 months despite traditional treatments.
Tendon degeneration
If imaging investigations such as MRI or ultrasound show signs of tendon degeneration (tendinosis) or calcific deposits within the hamstring
tendons.
Pain when sitting or running
If you feel a pull or ache sitting on hard surfaces, during long drives or when running or power-walking.
Fast Recovery
If there is a need for quick recovery, such as an upcoming event, competition, or work-related requirement.
Early use of focused shockwave therapy can help reduce pain, improve tendon healing, and prevent the condition from progressing to a chronic or degenerative stage.
FAQs – Hamstring Tendinopathy & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Can you reach the tendon through the gluteal muscles?
A: Yes. This is exactly why we use focused technology. We ensure the maximum energy is delivered at the appropriate depth, reaching the hamstring tendon directly.
Q: Is the treatment uncomfortable given the location?
A: You will feel a deep, pulsing sensation but we always work within your pain tolerance.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Hamstring tendons are thick and take time to remodel. We typically recommend 5 to 8 sessions for long-standing proximal hamstring issues.
Q: Should I stop stretching my hamstrings?
A: Not necessarily. After your initial assessment and during the course of your treatment sessions, we will advise you on the best movement patterns to support your shockwave recovery, and provide you with stretch programs or exercises at appropriate stages during your treatment plan.
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.
Hamstring 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!
