Shockwave Therapy at Wellbeing Centres
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that can help with persistent tendon and soft tissue pain. It is often used when symptoms have been hanging around for a while and have not improved enough with rest, exercise rehab, manual therapy or activity modification.
At Wellbeing Centres we use shockwave as part of a wider physiotherapy plan, not as a stand alone quick fix. That means you get the right loading programme, advice and progressions alongside the treatment so results are more likely to stick.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave therapy uses controlled sound wave pulses delivered through a handheld device. The aim is to stimulate a healing response in the irritated tissue by encouraging circulation and tissue repair processes.
Each session is short, typically just a few minutes on the treatment area. Most people describe it as a firm tapping sensation. The intensity can be adjusted to keep it tolerable while still effective.
What can shockwave therapy help with?
Shockwave is commonly used for stubborn tendon and tendon related pain, including:
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Plantar heel pain (plantar fasciitis or plantar fasciopathy)
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Tennis elbow
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Patellar tendinopathy (tendon pain below the kneecap)
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Calcific tendinopathy (calcium build up in a tendon)
If you are not sure whether shockwave is suitable for your issue, we can advise after an assessment.
What to expect from your appointment
1) Assessment first
We will talk through your symptoms, what makes them better or worse and what you have already tried. We will also check whether shockwave is appropriate and safe for you.
2) The treatment
A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and the shockwave head is placed over the target area. Treatment time is usually around 3 to 10 minutes depending on the area and condition.
3) Rehab plan alongside it
For most tendon problems, the best outcomes come from combining shockwave with progressive strengthening and load management. We will guide you on what to do between sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people have a short course of treatment, commonly 3 sessions spaced about 1 to 2 weeks apart although this can vary depending on the condition and how your body responds.
Improvements are often gradual and can continue to build over the weeks after your course has finished.
Aftercare and downtime
Most people can return to normal daily activities straight away. We usually recommend keeping things sensible for the first 48 hours, avoiding heavy impact or intense loading on the treated area while it settles.
It is normal to feel temporary tenderness or aching after treatment. Any side effects are usually mild and short lived but we will talk you through what is normal and what is not.
When shockwave may not be suitable
Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone. You may not be able to have ESWT if you are pregnant, take certain blood thinning medicines, have a clotting disorder, have an infection at the treatment site, have had a recent steroid injection in the area or are under 18. We will screen properly before starting.
Availability
Shockwave therapy is currently available at our Crouch End clinic (Crouch Hill) and Wandsworth Clinics
Use the Book Now button to choose an appointment time or contact us if you would like advice on whether shockwave is the right next step.
This service is available at the following clinics:
Rating
Miss Gulati has been extremely helpful with my recovery after my motorcycle accident, asked the right questions to ensure she knew exactly which areas needed to be targeted and also helped give a clear physio plan of exercises to do to ensure full recovery
I highly recommend Harneet from The Wellbeing Centre in Wandsworth for anyone seeking expert physiotherapy care. She quickly identified the root cause of my pain, provided effective treatment, and guided me through a tailored strengthening program that supported my recovery. Harneet is incredibly attentive to how I’m feeling and how I’m progressing, always adjusting the treatment to suit my needs. I'm truly grateful for her knowledge, professionalism, and compassionate care throughout the process.
I had a very positive experience with my physiotherapist, who truly went above and beyond in helping me recover from a hamstring strain. From the very first session, she was incredibly knowledgeable, polite, and supportive, taking the time to understand my specific needs and goals. Her treatment plan was tailored and effective, combining hands-on therapy with clear, easy-to-follow exercises and tutorials that helped me regain flexibility and balance. I never felt rushed, and and still attend beyond recovery for better health. She deserves recognition and support for the amazing work she does. I recommend highly.
I have had a very positive experience with Harneet. The plans she has developed to help my shoulder injury have made a significant difference. I would recommend wellbeing centres to anybody looking for a reputable physio.
Harneet is an amazing physio - I would highly recommend this practice for physiotherapy treatments.
I had a couple of sessions with Edwin to build a recovery program after some surgery. He was friendly and positive, and did a great job. Using sports massage techniques, ultrasound, and targeted exercise, he helped loosen up my wound and get me exercising regularly again. I highly recommend him!
Mrs Daniela was an amazing Physio She was very delicate yet thorough very kind yet precise wanted and did go above and beyond and no doubt I feel better and I can't be more thankful Thank you D
Convenient and easy to get to, good customer service for booking and changing appointments, and physio Daniella was great!
Daniela was amazing! I came in with two problems - upper back and lower back. She sorted out both. During the sessions she works on the area and gives you exercises after the session so no time is wasted on something you could be doing at home. I feel much better and continue doing my exercises for maintenance.
Excellent physio massage and therapy with lots of various exercises given each week that have helped to heal the ruptured ACL and liagaments of my knee. Couldn't have had a more understanding or kind physiotherapist.
Had several sessions with Daniela. Already after first visit I felt relief in my lower back, which had been torturing me for a while so far. After treatment has been completed, I was back to my normal life with a lot of activities and sports. I highly recommend wellbeing center Wandsworth and Mrs Daniela Campelo in particular as an experienced professional! Thank you for healing my back ♥️
Danielle is an excellent physiotherapist. I have recently completed six session on my shoulder and neck and the on hands treatment was such a huge relief. She targetted the pain and made me feel so much better. She gave me some great exercises on an app so easy to use. She has a lovely calm nature that makes the whole experience, very enjoyable.
Five star service - I was struggling to find anywhere to diagnose the complex issues I was facing until I found Wellbeing Centres. Would recommend.
Excellent treatment from Daniela to help loosen my upper back area. Also, the receptionist was always welcoming and on hand to answer queries if needed
Daniella was great at understanding my condition even months after my original injury. The treatment and exercise plan always felt like the right level of difficulty to improve week on week. Roxana on reception was so welcoming and always made the trip more cheery! Would highly recommend.
I was seeing Daniela.I sprained my ankle pretty badly.Daniela is very professional and knowledgeable,my mobility and flexibility improved a lot. Both Daniela and Roxana at the reception are very friendly and kind. Thank you
Great team, very responsive. Daniela is an excellent physio, she helped me get back to my activities in no time - super grateful!
I had my first two sessions with Daniela to recover after a knee injury. She did a thorough assessment and gave me a complete exercise plan to get on with. I saw improvements after one week and am looking forward to continuing to strengthen my knee with her help. She is a knowledgeable and warm professional, I would thoroughly recommend her.
Very good experience at Wellbeing Centres Clapham Junction. Helpful, professional and caring, with personalised treatments. Roxana and Daniela are very welcoming and professional.
Wonderful experience at the Battersea Wellbeing Centre. Roxana always greeted with a friendly smile and was very friendly and helpful. Daniela was a great physio - professional and lovely to chat to. My ankle feels as good as new and Daniela was amazing at helping get it back to normal again. Will definitely go back should I need additional physio treatment.
Thank you for expertly getting me off crutches and back to running after a knee op. Prompt and friendly communication from the reception team at all times. Hugely grateful.
I had an amazing experience at the Well-being Centres. Daniela is absolutely brilliant physio and will totally help with any pain you are experiencing. I am recommending 100%!
I had a very good experience with Wellbeing Centre, in falcon road. Roxana (receptionist) and Danielle (physiotherapist) are both very friendly, professional and attentive. Danielle knows what she's doing and she will give you exercises via and app/browser, so it's easy to keep trak of it. They send you reminders by email within 24 hours of the appointment date and once they even reschedule my appointment when I completely missed my time slot. I would highly recommend it. Sadly, I'm moving out and won't be able to keep going to this centre.
The Clapham Junction branch staff are absolutely amazing! At the time it was difficult to get any physiotherapy appt and I was experiencing severe pain in my lower back. Roxana went extra mile to try and fit me in at earliest possible date and she called me straight away when another client cancelled. I was able to see physio Daniela, who was very professional and thorough in her assessment of my case. She has loads of hands-on experience and what's most important, she approaches each case holistically. She's made a he difference to my wellbeing and I'm grateful for the help received when my back needed it most!
Amazing, attentive and caring staff. Booking system is easy to utilise and love how attentive the staff are if cancellations happen. Overall, a fantastic experience here with the physio and receptionist
Excellent personalised, professional & caring service delivered . Thank you Daniela,Roxana & team.
Really great physio and friendly staff. Had a shoulder and back injury and has made a great difference.
I have been seeing Daniella for a number of physio issues over the years and she completely knows what she is doing and always correctly identified the problem (even for some I already went to other physios for without improvement) to help me remediate and rehabilitate.
I visited this place requiring physiotherapy. I found a small, clean, calm oasis very conveniently located near to Clapham Junction. The staff are superb, professional, friendly and attentive. My pain has disappeared and I have simple instructions on how to avoid it in future. I strongly recommend this practice.
Very poor physio treatment. The therapist seemed unexperienced with hardly any communication about my situation.
Caring and professional, I've really appreciated the input of Physiotherapists at 'Stepping Stones'. The supportive and effective treatment really has helped me on my healing journey. And the Customer Care is fantastic!
Our FAQs
What is shockwave therapy?
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Does shockwave therapy hurt?
