Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Struggling with a persistent ache on the outside of your elbow that makes gripping a racquet or even a cup painful?
Our specialist clinic in Richmond provides advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), helping clients nationwide resolve chronic tendon pain and return to normal function.
Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by the overloading of the tendons that join your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow. Despite the name, it is frequently caused by repetitive daily tasks, office work, or manual labour.
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment, with clinical studies demonstrating improvements in pain and function in chronic tennis elbow when traditional treatments have failed. [Source: PubMed Lateral Epicondylitis 2020]
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 Tennis Elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis involves small micro-tears and degeneration of the extensor tendons on the outer part of the elbow. This leads to a weakened grip and a sharp, burning sensation when extending your wrist or fingers.
Because the extensor muscles associated with tennis elbow are typically in frequent use, they don't often get an opportunity to rest sufficiently to heal. Our high-energy focused shockwave therapy reduces pain and inflammation, and triggers healing directly at the site of the injury, allowing a quick return to daily activities and sports.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Outer Elbow Pain
While lateral elbow pain is frequently attributed to tennis elbow, it is essential to differentiate it from other underlying conditions, such as:
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Trigger points in the forearm muscles that can mimic tendon pain.
- Triceps Tendinopathy: Pain is felt on the olecranon (the bony prominence at the back of the elbow).
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 Tennis Elbow
- Reduces Pain & Inflammation
- Promotes Tissue Healing
- Breaks Down Scar Tissue
- Improves Functional Ability
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 Tennis Elbow
We’ve been treating tennis elbow 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 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 Tennis Elbow
Clinically Proven Success
Focused shockwave therapy has some of the highest success rates in clinical literature for chronic lateral epicondylitis.
Fast Return to Activity
Ideal for those whose lifestyle or work requires repetitive hand and wrist movements, and long periods of downtime is not an option.
Avoid Steroid Injections
Steroids can weaken the tendon over time; focused shockwave is a regenerative alternative that actually strengthens the tissue.
Precision Targeted Treatment
Unlike percussive radial shockwave therapy, focused shockwaves deliver high energy directly to the tendon without causing pain to the sensitive skin over the elbow.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Weakness in grip
If you find yourself dropping things or struggling to turn a door handle.
Pain extending the wrist
If lifting a kettle or typing for long periods causes a burning ache.
Chronic symptoms
If your elbow pain has persisted despite alternative traditional treatments.
Tenderness to touch
If the bony bump on the outside of your elbow is extremely sensitive to pressure.
Fast recovery
If there is a need for quick recovery, such as an upcoming event, competition, or work-related requirement.
Focused shockwave therapy applied at an early stage can alleviate the pain associated with tennis elbow and promote healing, preventing the condition from becoming chronic.
FAQs – Tennis Elbow & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Can I keep playing tennis during my treatment course?
A: We usually advise rest if possible. You can remain active, but we may suggest reducing your playing time or intensity for a few weeks to allow the tendon to respond to the shockwave treatment.
Q: Is the treatment painful on the outer elbow?
A: Most clients describe a pulsing or tingling sensation. Because our technology is focused, we can pinpoint the energy into the tendon, making it significantly more comfortable than radial devices.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: We advise a minimum of 5 to 8 sessions for tennis elbow treatment. The exact number required will depend on the characteristics of the tendinopathy.
Q: Is this treatment just for sports and athletic people?
A: Absolutely not. Repetitive use of the forearm muscles are major causes of tennis elbow. Focused shockwave is highly effective at treating the overuse tendinopathy caused by everyday activities, not just sports.
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.
Tennis Elbow 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!
