Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy
for Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia)
Do simple activities like sitting down to eat, relax, or travel leave you with sharp or throbbing pain?
Our specialist clinic in Richmond provides advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) for Coccydynia, offering a highly effective way to resolve chronic tailbone pain without the need for invasive injections or surgery.
Tailbone pain is chronic inflammation of the ligaments and tendons that attach to the coccyx.
Because this area is bony and highly sensitive, precision focused shockwave allows us to target it accurately. This helps reduce local nerve irritation and supports the healing of the small ligaments around the tailbone.
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 Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia)?
Tailbone pain, also known as Coccydynia, is characterised by pain in the coccyx (tailbone) area, which can be triggered or exacerbated by
trauma, prolonged sitting, or activities that put pressure on the tailbone.
Coccydynia can result from several causes, including:
- Trauma: Injury from falls or direct impact to the tailbone.
- Prolonged Sitting: Sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods can strain the tailbone.
- Childbirth: Pressure on the coccyx during childbirth can lead to injury and subsequent pain.
- Degenerative Changes: Ageing can lead to wear and tear on the coccyx, causing pain.
- Infections or Tumours: Infections or tumours in the area can cause pain.
High-energy focused shockwave allows us to direct energy precisely to the coccyx and surrounding ligaments.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Pain When Sitting
Pain at the very base of the spine can be confused with:
- Slipped Disc: Low lumbar issues that refer pain to the sacrum.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: Tension in the pelvic floor muscles that attach near the tailbone.
- Sciatica: Nerve irritation that can cause a shooting pain sensation in the gluteal muscles.
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 Tailbone Pain
- Promotes healing
- Promotes tissue regeneration
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Reduces muscle tension
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 Tailbone Pain
With many years' experience treating Coccydynia with clients from Richmond, Greater London and across the UK, we create treatment plans tailored to your specific symptoms and outcome 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 the Coccyx
Non-Invasive
A safe alternative to local steroid injections or manual manipulation of the tailbone.
Avoid Coccygectomy
Many of our clients find significant relief with fSWT, avoiding the extreme measure of surgical tailbone removal.
Targeted Relief
We can identify the exact point on the tailbone and focus the energy directly on the source of the pain.
Improved Quality of Life
Aimed at getting you back to sitting comfortably, driving, and exercising without aids such as a doughnut cushion.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Tailbone Pain
Pain when sitting
Especially on hard chairs or when leaning back.
Pain when standing up
If the transition from sitting to standing causes a sharp, stabbing sensation.
Post-traumatic pain
If your pain from a fall hasn't fully settled after several months.
Post-partum pain
If tailbone pain has persisted long after childbirth.
Focused shockwave therapy may provide early relief from pain and promote healing of the soft tissues around the coccyx, improving comfort and function.
FAQs – Tailbone Pain & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Is the treatment embarrassing or invasive?
A: We understand this is a sensitive area. The treatment can be performed over your underwear if preferred, and you will be positioned comfortably on your front. It is a strictly external, non-invasive procedure that focuses energy through the skin into the bone and ligaments.
Q: Is it painful on such a bony area?
A: You will feel a localised pulsing sensation. Focused shockwave technology allows us to adjust the targeted treatment to your pain tolerance and comfort levels.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: For chronic coccydynia, we typically recommend at least 5 to 8 sessions. Because the tailbone is under constant pressure from daily sitting, it takes time to fully break the inflammatory cycle.
Q: Can I use my coccyx cushion during the treatment course?
A: Absolutely. We encourage you to continue using any supportive cushions that help you stay comfortable while the shockwave therapy works to heal the underlying tissue.
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.
Tailbone Pain Testimonial
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!
