What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a safe, non-invasive treatment used to help relieve pain and stimulate healing in damaged tendons, muscles and soft tissues. It is commonly used for long-standing tendon problems that have not fully responded to exercise rehabilitation alone.
At The Wellness Hub, our experienced therapists combine shockwave therapy with a personalised rehabilitation programme to help you recover faster and return to the activities you love.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy uses a handheld device to deliver low-energy acoustic waves through the skin into injured tissue. These sound waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and may help by:
- Reducing pain through desensitisation of nerve endings
- Increasing blood flow and cellular activity to promote tissue repair
- Stimulating collagen production and tendon regeneration
- Breaking down calcification associated with chronic tendon conditions
- Encouraging the body to restart stalled healing processes
Shockwave therapy is not a replacement for physiotherapy. Instead, it works best when combined with targeted exercises and expert rehabilitation to achieve long-term results.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Me?
If you’ve been struggling with persistent tendon pain, you may already know how frustrating recovery can be. You work hard on your exercises, symptoms improve, and then one run, walk or gym session seems to put you back at square one.
Shockwave therapy can be an excellent addition to your treatment plan if you have:
- Pain lasting longer than 3 months
- Symptoms that have not fully improved with exercise or rest
- Tendon pain affecting your sport, work or everyday activities
- A desire to avoid injections or surgery
Shockwave Therapy is supported by evidence and recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as an effective treatment option for a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Shockwave therapy helps stimulate healing of the plantar fascia, reduce inflammation and improve mobility, allowing you to return to walking, running and daily activities with less discomfort.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Persistent Achilles tendon pain can make walking, running and exercise difficult. Shockwave therapy promotes blood flow and tissue repair, helping to reduce pain and improve function.
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Also known as lateral and medial epicondylitis, these conditions are caused by repetitive strain around the elbow. Shockwave therapy encourages tendon healing and helps reduce pain associated with gripping, lifting and sports activities.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff injuries can significantly affect sleep and movement. Shockwave therapy can help stimulate healing, reduce pain and restore strength and mobility.
Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy
Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons can cause severe shoulder pain and stiffness. Shockwave therapy has been shown to help break down these calcifications, improving movement and reducing discomfort.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Common in runners and jumping sports, patellar tendon pain can limit performance and daily activities. Shockwave therapy helps stimulate tendon repair and support a faster return to sport.
Hip Bursitis (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome)
Shockwave therapy provides a non-surgical option for reducing pain and inflammation around the hip, helping improve walking, sleeping and exercise tolerance.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Non-invasive treatment
- No injections or surgery required
- Supported by clinical research and NICE guidelines
- Quick treatment sessions
- Minimal downtime
- Helps stimulate the body’s natural healing response
- Can reduce chronic tendon pain and improve function
- Combined with physiotherapy for optimal long-term outcomes

Book your appointment online
We combine Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) with evidence-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help you move better, recover faster and return to the activities you enjoy.
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Our booking system is managed by a third party company, TM3. When clicking any of our booking links you will be redirected to book via their secure website.
Book a Shockwave Therapy Assessment in Berkhamsted
If you’re struggling with persistent tendon pain, heel pain, Achilles pain, tennis elbow, shoulder pain or hip bursitis, our expert physiotherapists at The Wellness Hub, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few common questions we regularly get asked. If you have any additional questions, please get in touch and our friendly team will be happy to help!
Most people experience mild discomfort during treatment, but the intensity can be adjusted to ensure the treatment remains tolerable.
Typically, a course of 3-6 sessions is recommended, depending on your condition and symptoms.
Yes. Shockwave therapy is a safe, evidence-based treatment with minimal side effects. Your physiotherapist will assess whether it is appropriate for you.
Many people begin to notice improvement within a few weeks, although healing and tissue remodelling can continue for several months after treatment.
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