Up to 90% Success Rate

Shockwave Therapy London

Our Marylebone clinic offers expert ESWT treatment for chronic tendon and muscle conditions, including plantar fasciitis, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, and sports injuries. We provide evidence-based shockwave therapy to help you recover faster and return to the activities you love.

Our approach aims to identify and treat the underlying cause, providing prompt relief and a comprehensive treatment plan for long-term results.

Clinically Led

Our Shockwave Therapy is provided exclusively as a rehabilitative tool by HCPC-registered Physiotherapists, following an initial clinical assessment to ensure the treatment is appropriate for your condition.

Holistic Approach

We firmly believe in overall physical fitness as such we take a holistic approach to treating you.

Hands-on Treatment

We are experienced in a range of manual techniques to immediate pain relief from your symptoms.

Supporting recovery
after muscle injury

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment used to help manage a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. It uses controlled high-energy sound waves applied to painful or sensitive areas of the body. These sound waves provide a strong mechanical stimulus to the tissues, which can help improve local blood flow (perfusion), reduce pain sensitivity, and support tissue recovery — particularly in areas that have become stiff, under-perfused, or slow to respond to exercise alone.

After a muscle tear, healing tissue and surrounding muscle can become poorly perfused, particularly during activity. This relative ischaemia can contribute to:

Ongoing pain or tightness
Early fatigue during exercise
Reduced tolerance to stretching or strengthening

Shockwave therapy may help by improving local tissue perfusion, reducing pain sensitivity, and supporting a return to progressive loading as part of rehabilitation.

How shockwave therapy works

Reduces muscle tone & guarding

Shockwave therapy works by delivering focused mechanical energy into targeted tissues. This stimulus encourages the body to “pay attention” to the area by:

Shockwave therapy helps optimise the tissue environment, making it easier for the body to respond to rehabilitation and loading.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Non-Invasive

No surgery, no injections, no downtime. Return to daily activities immediately after treatment.

Proven Effective

80-90% success rate for chronic tendon conditions. Evidence-based treatment backed by clinical research.

Fast Recovery

Most patients see improvement within 3-6 sessions over 3-6 weeks. Significantly faster than passive treatment alone.

Long-Lasting Results

Promotes actual tissue healing and regeneration, not just symptom suppression. Results last long-term.

Minimal Side Effects

Safe treatment with temporary mild discomfort only. No medication-related side effects or injection risks.

Alternative to Surgery

Effective option for chronic conditions that haven’t responded to conservative treatment, avoiding surgery.

Treatment goals

What shockwave therapy is used for

Shockwave therapy is most commonly used for persistent or chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially when symptoms have not improved with rest, exercise, or other conservative treatments. It may be helpful for:

Tendon injuries (tendinopathies)
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Spinal pain conditions, particularly where muscle or soft-tissue sensitivity contributes to symptoms
Certain shoulder conditions, including tendon-related pain
Ongoing pain or stiffness following muscle tears (such as hamstring or calf injuries).
In post-injury cases, shockwave therapy may help improve local circulation and load tolerance in and around the affected area.
Our shockwave therapy protocols are supported by clinical research and follow best practice guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. We use medical-grade equipment meeting International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment standards.

At our Marylebone clinic, you’ll experience shockwave therapy delivered by experienced physiotherapists in a modern, purpose-built treatment environment. Here’s what sets our London clinic apart:

How treatment is carried out

During treatment, a clinician applies a handheld shockwave device to the skin over the affected area, usually using a gel to help transmit the sound waves. The device delivers a series of controlled shockwaves that penetrate the underlying tissue.

Shockwave therapy helps optimise the tissue environment, making it easier for the body to respond to rehabilitation and loading.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy

How much does shockwave therapy cost in London?

Sessions start from £53.75 when purchased as part of a treatment package.

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Most patients experience some discomfort during treatment, described as a tolerable deep pressure or tapping sensation. The intensity is adjustable, and we work with you to ensure treatment remains within your comfort zone. Any discomfort typically subsides within 24-48 hours after treatment, and many patients report feeling immediate relief from chronic pain. The temporary discomfort is significantly outweighed by the long-term benefits.

How long does shockwave therapy take to work?

Many patients notice improvement within 24-72 hours after their first session, though full benefits typically develop over 3-6 sessions. Acute conditions may respond faster (3-4 sessions), while chronic tendinopathies often require 5-6 sessions for optimal results. The healing process continues for several weeks after your final session as your body regenerates tissue. Most patients achieve substantial pain reduction and functional improvement within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment.

What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?

ESWT is highly effective for chronic tendon conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and patellar tendinopathy. It’s also effective for calcific shoulder conditions, chronic muscle strains, and some forms of spinal pain where soft tissue sensitivity contributes to symptoms. We assess your suitability during an initial consultation.

How does shockwave therapy compare to steroid injections?

Unlike steroid injections which provide temporary pain relief by suppressing inflammation, shockwave therapy promotes actual tissue healing and regeneration. While injections may offer faster initial relief, shockwave therapy provides longer-lasting results by addressing the underlying tissue damage. Many patients choose shockwave therapy after unsuccessful injection treatments. The non-invasive nature of shockwave therapy also means no injection-related risks or repeated procedures.

Do I need a referral for shockwave therapy?

No referral is required. You can book directly with Optimove Clinic for shockwave therapy assessment and treatment. However, we recommend bringing any relevant medical imaging (ultrasound, MRI, X-rays) if you have them, as this helps us plan your treatment more effectively. Our experienced therapists will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if shockwave therapy is the right treatment for your condition.

Can I exercise after shockwave therapy?

We recommend avoiding vigorous exercise for 48 hours after each shockwave therapy session to allow your body to begin the healing process. Light activities and daily movements are fine. After this initial period, we typically encourage a gradual return to activity, with specific guidance provided based on your condition and treatment response. Progressive loading is an important part of the rehabilitation process and will be incorporated into your personalised recovery plan.

Are there any side effects of shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is generally very safe with minimal side effects. You may experience temporary redness, mild swelling, or tenderness in the treated area for 24-48 hours after treatment. Some patients report temporary numbness or tingling, which resolves quickly. Bruising is rare but possible. Serious complications are extremely rare. We’ll discuss your medical history to ensure shockwave therapy is appropriate for you.

Shockwave Therapy London