Shockwave Therapy for Bursitis

Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for bursitis, offering pain relief, reduced inflammation, enhanced tissue healing, and 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 bursitis, enabling clients to return to their daily activities with improved joint function and comfort.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Bursitis?
Bursitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the bursa, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints.
Bursitis commonly affects areas like the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. It can be caused by repetitive motion, prolonged pressure, or direct trauma to the area, and is often accompanied by pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
If you think you have Bursitis 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 Bursitis
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes healing and tissue regeneration
- Breaks down calcification
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 Bursitis
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for Bursitis usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. 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 condition.
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 Bursitis
Non-Invasive and Safe
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating Bursitis, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with invasive procedures.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, which can improve their ability to perform daily activities and engage in exercise with less discomfort.
Accelerated Healing
By promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, focused shockwave therapy can speed up the healing process and provide longer-lasting relief compared to traditional treatments.
Improved Joint Function
As pain decreases and inflammation subsides, clients often regain better function and strength in the affected joint, enabling them to return to their regular activities more confidently.
Reduced Dependence on Medication
Effective pain management through shockwave therapy may decrease the need for pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication, minimising potential side effects.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating Bursitis, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Bursitis
Fast recovery
If you have a physically demanding lifestyle or job and need to recover quickly without prolonged downtime due to the condition.
Significant pain is restricting function
If the bursitis causes significant pain that interferes with daily activities, such as walking, working, or sleeping, and the client seeks faster symptom relief.
To avoid injections
If there is a preference to avoid repeated corticosteroid injections due to potential side effects (e.g., tissue weakening, increased risk of infection) or a desire to limit their use, or if you have received corticosteroid injections, but symptoms have either not improved or only provided temporary relief.
Chronic, recurrent symptoms
If you have chronic or recurrent episodes of bursitis, which continue to return despite using traditional treatments.
Continued symptoms
If you continue to experience pain and swelling in the affected joint despite several weeks (4-6 weeks) of standard treatments such as rest, ice, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Focused shockwave therapy applied early can reduce inflammation and pain in the affected bursa, helping to restore normal movement and function.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.

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!
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 !
I play semi-professional cricket and was struggling with a tennis elbow injury. At first, I wasn’t sure if treatment would work, but after receiving care from NIM, I’m genuinely impressed with the results. She guided me with confidence, which really helped boost my own belief in the recovery process.
After just four weeks, the improvement was remarkable. I’m now back playing cricket pain-free. I truly appreciate her support and expertise — highly recommended! Coming from Manchester every week definitely worth for me .
Thank you so much, NIM!
I've been struggling with quadricep tendinopathy for some time, and after receiving shockwave therapy from Nim, I’ve finally been cured! Her treatment was professional, effective, and tailored to my needs. I'm now pain-free, I highly recommend her expertise!
I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain and sciatica for years, and after trying countless treatments, I finally found real relief here. Nim has been fantastic from start to finish — professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. I recently had a series of shockwave therapy sessions combined with physiotherapy, and the results have been impressive. I’ve noticed a real reduction in pain and stiffness, and I’m finally able to move more freely again. Highly recommended to anyone struggling with long-term back issues!