At West London Physiotherapy we specialise in treatment using Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) – a safe, non-invasive treatment designed for stubborn tendon, ligament, and soft tissue conditions that haven’t responded to rest or traditional physiotherapy.
Shockwave therapy uses targeted acoustic energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. It has been shown to:
It’s often the missing step that helps patients avoid injections or surgery.
Most patients begin to notice improvement after just a few sessions, with continued healing and progress over the following weeks.
Yes. ESWT is clinically proven and used in physiotherapy clinics worldwide. Side effects are mild and temporary — most patients experience only mild soreness or slight redness at the treated area for 24–48 hours. Our physiotherapists are trained specifically in shockwave application and will assess your suitability before treatment begins.
Many patients notice meaningful improvement after 2–3 sessions. Because shockwave stimulates a healing response, your body continues to improve in the 6–12 weeks after treatment even once the course ends. We will monitor your progress throughout and adjust if needed.
Shockwave is not suitable if you are pregnant, have blood clotting disorders, an active infection at the treatment site, a tumour near the area, or a cardiac pacemaker. We conduct a thorough clinical assessment before every course of treatment to confirm it is safe and appropriate for you.
Yes — most major health insurers recognise shockwave therapy. We recommend confirming directly with your insurer in advance, and our team can provide the relevant procedure codes to help with your claim.
In many cases, yes. Shockwave therapy is often the recommended step before considering cortisone injections or surgery for tendon and soft tissue conditions. Studies show success rates of 70–80% for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. If shockwave is appropriate for your condition, we will tell you honestly whether we believe it can help you avoid more invasive options.
Please see our pricing page for full details, or call our team on 020 7937 1628. Shockwave is usually delivered as a course of 3–6 sessions, often combined with physiotherapy, and the total cost compares favourably with the alternative of ongoing injections or surgery.
