Tendon Pain That Won’t Quit? Shockwave Therapy Might Be the Solution

If you’re struggling with ongoing tendon pain—like Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy, or plantar fasciitis—you’re not alone. These types of conditions are incredibly common, frustratingly persistent, and often resistant to traditional treatment.

You may have tried rest, ice, stretching, rehab exercises, maybe even a few rounds of physiotherapy… only for the pain to return the moment you get active again.

That’s where shockwave therapy could be a game-changer.

💢 Why Tendon Pain Can Be So Stubborn

Tendons are strong, fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone. When they’re healthy, they help you move efficiently and pain-free. But when tendons become overloaded—due to repetitive activity, poor biomechanics, or training errors—they can become irritated or damaged.

This leads to tendinopathy, a condition where the tendon becomes thickened, stiff, and painful. Over time, the body may struggle to heal the tissue on its own, especially if inflammation isn’t the main issue anymore. This is often the case with chronic tendon pain.

Traditional treatments like rest and ice may help temporarily, but they don’t always stimulate the deeper healing that the tissue needs. And that’s exactly where shockwave therapy shines.

⚡ What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy (also called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT) uses acoustic sound waves to deliver targeted energy to the affected area. These pressure waves penetrate the soft tissue, stimulating the body’s own repair mechanisms.

In simple terms: shockwave therapy restarts the healing process, even in areas that have been stuck in a cycle of pain for months—or years.

🧠 How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy works by:

• Increasing blood flow to the injured tendon

• Stimulating collagen production, which tendons need to repair

• Breaking down calcified or fibrotic tissue that may be contributing to pain

• Desensitising nerve endings to reduce pain perception

• Kickstarting the healing cascade, even in long-term cases

It's a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that doesn’t require any downtime—which means you can get back to light movement and recovery straight away.

💥 What Conditions Can It Help?

At Oak Health Osteopathy, we use shockwave therapy to treat a range of tendon-related issues, including:

• Achilles tendinopathy (pain at the back of the heel)

• Plantar fasciitis (pain under the heel or foot)

• Tennis elbow (pain on the outside of the elbow)

• Golfer’s elbow (pain on the inside of the elbow)

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy (shoulder pain, especially when lifting the arm)

It’s particularly effective for chronic cases—meaning pain that’s been around for more than 6 weeks, often much longer.

✅ What Does a Treatment Involve?

A typical shockwave session lasts about 15–20 minutes. During treatment, a handheld device is used to deliver pulses to the affected area. Most patients describe the sensation as a firm tapping or mild flicking—noticeable but very manageable.

You may feel some discomfort during treatment (especially in very sensitive areas), but it’s short-lived and temporary. The intensity is always adjusted to suit your comfort level.

Best of all, there’s no downtime. You might feel a little soreness afterwards, but most people resume daily activity immediately.

📈 How Many Sessions Do You Need?

Most people respond well within 3 to 6 sessions, spaced weekly.We assess your progress after each appointment and tailor the treatment plan to your individual response. You’ll often start to feel improvements after just a couple of sessions—but lasting change typically builds over time.

Shockwave therapy isn’t a magic wand, but when combined with the right advice and rehab support, it’s a powerful tool for long-term recovery.

💬 What Our Patients Say

We’ve seen fantastic results in clinic from people who’d been dealing with tendon pain for months—sometimes even years—with little success from other treatments. For many, shockwave therapy was the missing piece in their recovery.

🙌 Is It Right for You?

Shockwave therapy is safe, evidence-based, and effective for a wide range of tendon conditions. If you’ve tried rest, rehab, or other therapies without results—or if you’re looking to avoid injections or surgery—it could be just what you need to get back on track.

Not sure if it’s suitable for your case? We’ll assess your condition thoroughly before beginning any treatment, and we’re always happy to answer questions during a consultation.

📍 In Summary

If you’ve been living with tendon pain that flares up every time you try to move forward—don’t give up.Shockwave therapy may be the treatment that finally helps you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love.

🗓 Book Your Appointment

Curious about whether shockwave therapy is right for you?📞 Contact us today or book online to schedule your first consultation at Oak Health Osteopathy, Cheadle Hulme.

Let’s get you back on your feet—without the pain.