When to Try Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendon Pain

Athlete experiencing Achilles tendon pain in need of shockwave therapy for relief and recovery.

If you’re struggling with persistent Achilles tendon pain that just won’t shift, you’re not alone. Achilles tendinopathy is common, especially in people who enjoy running, walking long distances, or have suddenly increased their activity levels. At Redrock Physio, we often see patients who’ve tried rest, stretching, or strengthening without enough relief. That’s where shockwave therapy can be a game-changer.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic (sound) waves to the affected area. These waves stimulate blood flow, reduce pain, and encourage healing in the tendon. It doesn’t involve needles or medication and can be done in the clinic with minimal fuss.

Shockwave is particularly helpful for long-standing tendon problems where the usual treatment options haven’t worked well. It can help to trigger the body’s natural healing response by encouraging new blood vessels and tissue repair in the damaged tendon.

When Should You Consider It?

Shockwave isn’t the first treatment we jump to – and it shouldn’t be. It’s best suited for patients who:

• Have had Achilles tendon pain for more than 3 months

• Have tried a structured rehab programme with limited progress

• Are showing signs of chronic tendinopathy (thickening, stiffness, pain with loading)

• Are active and want to return to sport or exercise without ongoing flare-ups

If this sounds familiar, shockwave may be a useful addition to your treatment plan.

What Does the Research Say?

According to clinical studies, shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy has shown good results in reducing pain and improving function. It’s particularly effective when combined with progressive loading exercises.

Recent research supports this approach:

• A 2023 meta-analysis of 45 clinical studies found that shockwave therapy produced a standardised mean difference of 1.38, indicating a significant reduction in pain for chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

• A 2018 review of randomised controlled trials concluded that shockwave can improve pain and functional outcomes for at least three months, especially when combined with exercise.

• A 2022 review noted that adding shockwave therapy to a tendon loading programme resulted in a clinically important 10-point improvement on the VISA-A questionnaire – a tool commonly used to assess Achilles tendon function.

  
  

You won’t get results overnight, but after 3 to 6 sessions, many patients report a noticeable improvement.

Shockwave as Part of a Full Rehab Plan

It’s important to understand that shockwave therapy isn’t a standalone fix. It works best when integrated into a structured physiotherapy programme. At Redrock Physio, we combine shockwave with the fundamentals of tendon rehabilitation – this includes strength-based loading, stretching, progressive exercises, and advice on pacing and biomechanics.

Shockwave can help reduce pain and kickstart healing, but long-term recovery still depends on restoring tendon strength and load tolerance. We work with you to build a personalised plan that addresses the root cause of your symptoms and supports your goals – whether that’s returning to sport or just walking pain-free again.

What to Expect at Redrock Physio

At Redrock Physio in St Albans, we use the MASTERPULS® MP100 shockwave system – a trusted device in sports and MSK medicine. During your first session, we’ll assess your condition, talk you through the treatment plan, and deliver your first round of therapy if appropriate.

We usually recommend weekly sessions for 3 to 4 weeks, depending on your symptoms and goals. Shockwave therapy is an add-on to your physiotherapy plan, so we continue to guide you with exercises and recovery advice throughout.

Is It Painful?

Some patients find it uncomfortable, but it’s usually well tolerated. The treatment lasts just a few minutes and doesn’t require any recovery time afterwards.

Should You Try It?

If your Achilles pain is affecting your training, your work, or just your everyday movement – and you feel like you’ve tried everything else – then shockwave therapy might be the missing link.

We’ll never overpromise, and we’ll always make sure it’s the right time and approach for your situation. You can find more about how we use shockwave therapy as part of our personalised approach to tendon rehabilitation on our website.

Redrock Physio – St Albans Physiotherapy & Rehab

Helping people move better, with less pain and more confidence.

References and Further Reading:

• Physio-Pedia – Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

• Mani-Babu S, et al. (2015). The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in lower limb tendinopathy: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med.

• Gerdesmeyer L, et al. (2008). Physical therapy and shockwave treatment for Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med.

• Al-Abbad H, Simon JV. (2013). The effectiveness of ESWT in managing Achilles tendinopathy. Foot and Ankle Clinics.