Shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is an evidence-based treatment used to manage persistent tendon & soft-tissue conditions that have not fully responded to traditional conservative care. At MH Sports Podiatry, shockwave therapy is primarily used for chronic, load-related conditions such as plantar heel pain & tendon disorders, where tissue healing has become impaired & pain limits activity. The treatment delivers controlled acoustic waves to the affected tissue, stimulating a local biological response that promotes tissue repair, improves blood flow & reduces pain sensitivity.
Before shockwave therapy is recommended, a thorough Sport & MSK Podiatry assessment is completed to confirm diagnosis & ensure the treatment is appropriate. Shockwave is not suitable for all conditions & is most effective when symptoms have been present for several months rather than in acute inflammatory presentations. Treatment protocols are tailored to the individual & the condition being treated, typically delivered over a series of sessions, with careful monitoring of symptom response & functional improvement throughout the process.
Importantly, shockwave therapy is never used in isolation at MH Sports Podiatry. It is integrated into a wider management plan that may include load modification, rehabilitation exercises, footwear advice & where indicated, PHITS custom foot orthoses. This combined approach ensures that while shockwave therapy helps stimulate tissue healing & reduce pain, the underlying mechanical & loading factors contributing to the condition are also addressed, supporting a more confident return to activity.
Shockwave Therapy can help with
Shockwave therapy is used at MH Sports Podiatry for selected chronic & load-related conditions, following a thorough clinical assessment to ensure suitability. Conditions commonly treated include:
- Plantar Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciopathy / Plantar Fasciitis)
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Patellar Tendinopathy
- Chronic Myofascial Pain in the Foot & Lower Leg
Benefits of shockwave therapy
Individuals with Persistent Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciopathy)
Individuals with Persistent Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciopathy)
Individuals with Persistent Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciopathy)
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for people with long-standing heel pain that has not fully responded to rest, footwear changes or exercise-based rehabilitation. Chronic plantar heel pain is often related to reduced tissue capacity & ongoing overload rather than acute inflammation. Shockwave therapy helps stimulate tissue healing, improve blood flow & reduce pain sensitivity, making it a valuable option when symptoms have become persistent or recurrent.
Runners with Chronic Tendon Pain
Individuals with Persistent Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciopathy)
Individuals with Persistent Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciopathy)
Runners experiencing ongoing tendon-related pain, such as Achilles or patellar tendinopathy, may benefit from shockwave therapy as part of a structured management plan. Tendon pain is often load-related & can be slow to settle, particularly in high-mileage or performance-focused runners. Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain & improve tolerance to loading, allowing rehabilitation & strength work to progress more effectively.
Active Individuals with Long-Standing Soft Tissue Injuries
Patients Who Have Not Responded to Traditional Conservative Care
Patients Who Have Not Responded to Traditional Conservative Care
Shockwave therapy can be beneficial for active individuals with chronic soft tissue conditions where healing has stalled. This includes conditions involving poor tissue regeneration or sensitivity to load. By stimulating a local healing response, shockwave therapy can help reduce pain & improve function, particularly when combined with appropriate rehabilitation, footwear modification or orthotic support.
Patients Who Have Not Responded to Traditional Conservative Care
Patients Who Have Not Responded to Traditional Conservative Care
Patients Who Have Not Responded to Traditional Conservative Care
Shockwave therapy is often considered when standard conservative treatments, such as rest, manual therapy, exercise & activity modification, that have not provided sufficient relief. It offers a non-invasive, evidence-based alternative that can reduce the need for more invasive interventions. At MH Sports Podiatry, shockwave therapy is only recommended following thorough assessment & is always integrated into a wider treatment plan to address the underlying mechanical & loading factors contributing to symptoms.
FAQs
Do I need to be an athlete?
No. We help anyone who wants to recover from injury, move without pain & perform better in daily life or sport.
Do you assess suitability for running shoes? Yes, 3D gait analysis explores shoe categories including cushioned vs stability, carbon-plated racing models, minimalist footwear, providing objective data needed to make the right choices.
How long until I recover from pain or improve performance? Pain often improves within weeks when load drivers are addressed. Performance changes depend on your starting point & adherence. We will outline milestones & re-test dates.
Can I bring previous scans or reports?
Absolutely. They help us integrate your history & focus testing where it matters.
What is your cancellation policy? We require a minimum of 24 hours' notice for cancellation or rescheduling. Missed appointments or cancellations received with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full consultation fee.
What should I bring? For any assessment, please bring your primary sports footwear, any relevant custom orthoses & shorts/clothing that allow clear viewing of your lower limb.
