Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Heel Spurs
Are you living with the sharp, needle-like pain of a heel spur?
Our specialist clinic in Richmond provides advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) to address both the pain and the underlying bony growth.
Recent clinical research has now confirmed what we see in practice: focused shockwave is not only effective for pain relief but can also lead to a measurable reduction in the size of the heel spur itself. [Source: PubMed Heel Spurs 2023]
While other treatments focused solely on managing the pain, our focused shockwave therapy provides a non-invasive way to reduce the calcification and restore the health of the surrounding tissue.
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 A Heel Spur?
A heel spur (calcaneal spur) is a bony protrusion (calcium deposit) that develops on the underside or back of the heel bone. Often associated with long-term plantar fasciitis, these spurs can cause intense discomfort with every step.
Heel spurs typically form where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. Under chronic tension, the body compensates by laying down calcium to reinforce the area. Over time, this creates a sharp bony hook.
Because the spur is a dense, mineralised structure, it responds well to the high-energy precision of focused shockwave. Unlike radial devices, which dissipate energy at the skin's surface, fSWT sends a concentrated acoustic wave deep into the heel. This causes the bone spur to fragment, and encourages the body to re-absorb the calcium deposits, leading to the structural changes now being seen in recent medical studies.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Your Heel Pain
Heel pain can be complex, and a spur is often just one part of the picture. We help you distinguish between:
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the soft tissue under the foot, often occurring alongside a spur.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain at the back or underside of the heel.
Not sure which condition is causing your heel 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 Heel Spur
- Stimulates healing
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Breaks down calcifications
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 Heel Spur
We’ve been treating heel spurs with focused shockwave therapy since 2017 for clients in Richmond, across London, and UK-wide, developing personalised treatment plans designed around 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 Heel Spur
Visible Structural Changes
New research and clinical experience show that fSWT can actually reduce the size of the spur over time.
Avoid Surgery
Provides a highly effective alternative to "heel spur resection" surgery, which carries risks of nerve damage and long recovery times.
Fast Return to Mobility
Most clients find they can walk with significantly less stabbing pain after their first few sessions.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Heel Spur
Pain when stepping
If it feels like you are treading on a sharp nail.
Severe pain restricting function
If heel spurs cause severe pain that significantly limits the ability to walk, stand, or perform daily activities.
Chronic recurrence
If your heel pain keeps coming back despite using orthotics or stretching.
No surgery or injections
For clients who prefer to avoid invasive treatments like corticosteroid injections, surgical intervention or are not candidates for surgery.
Focused shockwave therapy applied early can break down calcium deposits, relieve pain, and improve mobility in the heel, potentially avoiding surgical interventions.
FAQs – Heel Spurs & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Can shockwave really make a bone spur smaller?
A: Yes. While it was once thought that spurs were permanent, recent research and clinical observations (including at our own clinic) show that high-energy focused shockwave can break down the calcium and stimulate resorption, leading to a reduction in the spur's size.
Q: Is the treatment painful?
A: Treating a bony spur can be sensitive. We start at a low energy level and gradually increase it as the area desensitises. We always work within your pain tolerance.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: To see structural changes in a bony spur, we typically recommend a course of at least 5 to 8 sessions. The total number of sessions required will depend on the size of the spur.
Q: Will the spur come back?
A: By treating the spur and the soft tissue condition that may have caused it (such as plantar fasciitis), fSWT provides a long-term solution. We will also give holistic advice if appropriate (for instance footwear) to reduce the risk of recurrence.
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.
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!
