Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy icon

Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment for Achilles tendinopathy, providing pain relief, promoting tendon healing, and improving overall function with faster recovery times.

When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and activity modification, it provides a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of Achilles tendinopathy.

Early treatment with fSWT can potentially prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT

What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition characterised by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the body that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse, repetitive stress, biomechanical issues, or degenerative changes in the tendon can often cause an Achilles tendinopathy.

If you think you have an Achilles tendinopathy and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.

How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Achilles Tendinopathy

  • Promotes healing and tissue repair
  • Reduces pain and inflammation
  • Breaks down fibrotic tissue and calcifications
  • Improves tendon function and mobility

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 Achilles Tendinopathy

Typical Course

A course of shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.

Intensity And Frequency

The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tendinopathy.

Minimal Downtime

Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.

Post-Treatment Sensation

Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy

Non-Invasive

Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.

Effective Pain Relief

Many clients experience significant pain reduction after just a few sessions, improving their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

Accelerated Healing

The therapy promotes faster healing of the Achilles tendon, often reducing the overall recovery time compared to other treatments.

Long Lasting Results

By addressing the root causes of Achilles tendinopathy, focused shockwave therapy combined with physiotherapy provides long-term relief and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.

High Success Rate

Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating Achilles tendinopathy, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.

When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy

Quick return to active work or lifestyle

For individuals with a high level of physical activity who need to return to training or work quickly and the condition is interfering with their performance.

Condition rapidly worsening

If there are signs that the tendinopathy is worsening rapidly, such as increasing pain, swelling, or stiffness, despite initial treatment.

Severe pain is limiting activity

If the pain is severe enough to significantly limit daily activities and traditional treatments have not provided adequate relief after a few weeks.

History of chronic tendinopathy

For individuals with a history of chronic Achilles tendinopathy or multiple recurrences as they might be at higher risk for prolonged or repeated issues.

Degenerative changes or calcification

If imaging investigations (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) reveal degenerative changes in the Achilles tendon (tendinosis) or calcifications.

To avoid surgery

For clients who want to avoid surgery or are not candidates for surgical intervention.

Early use of focused shockwave therapy can reduce pain and stimulate tendon healing, preventing progression to chronic tendinopathy.

No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.

Customer Reviews

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Philippa Baxter
Torn Rotator Cuff

I tore my rotator cuff several years ago and despite all the physio the hospital gave me and pain injections I was still left sore and frustrated. It never seemed to heal properly and exercise aggravated it. My Osteopath recommended Shock Wave Therapy.

I can safely say (without exaggeration!) that the treatment with Nim has changed my life! I booked a course and Nim explained everything really clearly, I was skeptical because nothing else had worked. I’m so grateful to Nim because I can now move freely and get back to proper exercise!

I would highly recommend Nim and the Shock Wave Therapy treatment .

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Phoebe Sleet
Fantastic results for sciatica

I had a bad run in with sciatica earlier this year and I cannot recommend Nim enough. I couldn't sit upright or walk for more than a few minutes at a time before the pain would make me have to lie flat again, so I booked here because it was close enough to my flat that I felt like I could probably hobble over.

I'm glad I did, because Nim was fantastic. I've seen a couple of other physios a few years ago for a hamstring issue and they'd usually do a couple of sessions of massage, recommend a couple of stretches and send me off. Nim preferred to try and work out the root of my problem from the first session and came up with a treatment plan that has worked fantastically and fixed a couple of other issues that weren't bad enough for me to seek treatment. I went from bedbound with pain to being able to do normal activities pain-free, which has been a huge relief.

Thank you Nim!

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Paul Harris
Impressive Achilles tendinopathy treatment

As a keen tennis player, I had been suffering from painful Achilles tendinopathy with bursitis for several frustrating months.
I had spent lots of money with many physios and tried numerous treatments without much success. I was running out of ideas!
Nim’s approach to my condition was very positive, knowledgeable and caring. She explained in detail the cause of my injury and we agreed a course of treatment.
After one or two sessions with Nim’s superb Focused Shockwave Therapy machine and physio the pain had dramatically reduced.
I am now on a programme of treatments and exercises with full recovery, at last, in sight.
For Focused Shockwave Therapy and physiotherapy, I highly recommend Nim. Thank you Nim!

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Adrian Wallbank
Miracle cure for herniated discs

Nim's magic machine (focused shockwave) is nothing less than miraculous. I first saw Nim 2 years ago with 3 lumbar herniated and degenerated discs, degenerated facets joints and invertebratal endplate degeneration (all confirmed by MRI). The only option I was being offered was spinal fusion once I was in a wheelchair. I had just 6 sessions and I was completely cured and returned to my weightlifting. 2 years later and an accident at work and unfortunately I had new sciatica pain and a new MRI. The MRI confirned a recurring disc protrusion pressing on a nerve and I was pretty much bedridden and in extreme pain. HOWEVER, the new MRI confirmed that one of discs Nim had previously treated was now perfect and rehydrated, the facet joints were normal, the stenosis was cured and the end plates were now only "mildly" degenerated (and the others were cured). To my mind this is absolute scientific, MRI proven testimony to the effectiveness of shockwave. Nim and I are now on our 5th session and I've gone from extreme pain, unable to even wash myself, and lying on the clinic floor crying out in agony (despite very strong painkillers), to being up and about and walking each day. I'm hoping to be back to normal after a few more sessions. For anyone with disc issues seeking to avoid surgery, I can't recommend Nim highly enough! Thanks Nim!

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Emma
Excellent Service

I just recently finished treatment with Nim after suffering with plantar fasciitis and then just as I was due to begin treatment, I unfortunately sprained my foot. Nim’s knowledge and guidance was invaluable and her focused shockwave machine, a godsend. Nim was so supportive and approachable for me in a time that I found difficult both physically and mentally and she was a wonder to work with! After extensive research into other, perhaps less costly options for plantar fasciitis, I decided to bite the bullet after seeing so many great reviews and I’m so glad that I did, I’d never look back now! The treatment has delivered results even better than I could have hoped! Thank you so much Nim !