Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Triceps Tendinopathy
Is a sharp pain, swelling or weakness at the back of your arm limiting your everyday activities or stopping you from training?
Whether your pain is located deep in the back of the shoulder or more commonly at the bony point of the back of the elbow, our specialist clinic in Richmond provides advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) to resolve triceps tendinopathies.
The triceps muscle has two primary attachment points: the proximal end at the shoulder and the distal end at the elbow. Overloading these tendons through heavy lifting, throwing, or repetitive manual tasks can lead to inflammation and micro-tears.
Focused shockwave therapy provides a non-invasive medical intervention that stimulates the healing process, regardless of whether your injury is at the shoulder or the elbow.
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
Proximal vs. Distal – Where is your pain?
To treat triceps pain effectively, we must identify which end of the muscle is affected:
- Proximal Triceps Tendinopathy (Shoulder): Pain is felt deep in the back of the shoulder joint, often where the long head of the triceps attaches to the shoulder blade. It is typically aggravated by overhead reaching or pulling movements.
- Distal Triceps Tendinopathy (Elbow): Pain is felt at the very back of the elbow. It is often aggravated by repetitive pushing movements.
High-energy focused shockwave is ideal for treating triceps tendinopathies. It delivers precision energy to the tendon, bypassing the overlying muscle to stimulate the repair of the deep tendon matrix.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Your Arm Pain
It's important to distinguish between triceps-specific issues and other common pathologies:
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Often causes pain in the back and side of the shoulder that can radiate down into the triceps area.
- Shoulder Impingement: Can cause a sharp catch in the back of the arm when lifting overhead, mimicking proximal triceps strain.
- Shoulder Labral Tear: Deep, internal shoulder pain that can feel like a dull ache in the upper triceps.
- Golfer's Elbow: Pain located on the inside of the elbow, which can mimic the pulling sensation of the inner triceps head.
- Tennis Elbow: Pain located specifically on the outside of the elbow, often confused with distal triceps pain.
Not sure which condition is causing your arm 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 Triceps Tendinopathy
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Promotes healing and tissue repair
- Reduces fibrotic tissue and calcifications
- Improves tendon function and mobility
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 Triceps Tendinopathy
With extensive experience treating triceps tendinopathies with clients from Richmond, Greater London and across the UK, we create treatment plans tailored to your specific 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 Triceps Tendinopathy
Restores Everyday Function
Designed to help you get back to pain-free daily tasks, whether that’s reaching into a high cupboard, hanging out the washing, or training at the gym.
Safe, Regenerative Option
Unlike steroid injections - which can sometimes weaken the tendon - focused shockwave therapy encourages your body to actually repair the damaged tissue.
Targeted Relief
We can identify the exact source of the tendinopathy and focus the energy directly to the areas that need it.
Chronic Condition
Highly successful form of treatment even if you've had triceps pain for years.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Triceps Tendinopathy
Pain during pushing
If you feel a sharp ache when pushing doors open or pushing yourself up from a seated position.
Tenderness at the joint
If the very point of your elbow or the back of your shoulder feels bruised and sensitive when bumped or pressed.
Stiffness after activity
If your arm feels tight, heavy, or difficult to fully straighten after a day of gardening or manual work.
Persistent pain despite rest
If you have tried resting the arm for several weeks, but the pain returns as soon as you resume your normal daily routine.
Pain at night
If you find it difficult to get comfortable in bed because of a deep ache in the back of your elbow or shoulder.
Early intervention with focused shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation and stimulate healing in the triceps tendon, potentially preventing long-term damage or functional loss.
FAQs – Triceps Tendinopathy & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Can shockwave help with a partial triceps tear?
A: Yes. Focused shockwave is an excellent tool for stimulating the repair of partial tears at either the shoulder or elbow. For a full rupture, a surgical intervention is typically required.
Q: Is the treatment painful?
A: You will feel a deep, pulsing sensation at the site of the injury. Because we use focused technology, the energy is concentrated inside the tissue, and the intensity of the treatment will be adjusted to your pain tolerance.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Triceps injuries typically respond well within 5 to 8 sessions. We aim to settle the pain and then gradually reintroduce loading exercises.
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.
Triceps 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!
