Shockwave Therapy In St Albans
Redrock Physio
Target stubborn tendon and soft-tissue pain with a research-backed treatment trusted by elite sports medicine—no injections, medication, or surgery needed.
How Shockwave Therapy Can Help You Recover
If you've been dealing with persistent tendon or joint pain that hasn’t improved despite rest, rehab, or other treatments, you’re not alone. These types of injuries can be frustrating, especially when they stop you from working, exercising, or just moving comfortably.
​
Shockwave therapy offers a solution. It uses high-energy sound waves to kickstart your body’s natural healing response. By boosting blood flow, breaking down scar tissue, and reducing pain signals, it can help relieve symptoms and promote long-term recovery—even in chronic conditions.
​
At Redrock Physio, we use the MASTERPULS® MP100 a clinically trusted shockwave machine, as part of our integrated physiotherapy treatment. Shockwave is used alongside manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and load management to enhance tissue healing and accelerate recovery. By combining it with your personalised rehab plan, we help activate stubborn areas and improve outcomes in conditions that have plateaued with other treatments.
Seeing How Shockwave Therapy Can Help You
If you're not sure whether shockwave therapy is right for your pain or injury, this short video gives you a clear idea of what to expect. It walks you through how the treatment works, what it feels like during a session, and how it fits into a full recovery plan. A helpful starting point if you're weighing up your options.
Your Treatment Journey
-
Assessment & Diagnosis: 45 min physiotherapy consultation to confirm ESWT suitability.
-
First Session: Targeted shockwave delivered, combined with manual therapy & rehab advice.
-
Follow‑Ups: Weekly sessions to maintain gains and progress your loading programme.
-
Review: Outcome measures & next‑step plan.
​
Most people feel improvement after just one or two sessions.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
-
Achilles tendinopathy
-
Plantar fasciopathy (heel pain)
-
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip)
-
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
-
Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
-
Tennis/golfer’s elbow
-
Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
-
Trigger points and soft tissue tightness
-
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
-
Non-union of long bone fractures
-
Avascular necrosis (hip)
-
Knee osteoarthritis
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
Most people require between 1 to 3 sessions. In some cases, up to 5 treatments may be recommended depending on your response and the severity of your condition. Sessions are typically once per week for the first three, with any further sessions spaced every two weeks to give your body time to respond.
What’s the difference between shockwave and massage or needling?
Shockwave therapy produces a focused pro-inflammatory effect that helps to restart the body's natural healing response something that manual therapy or dry needling cannot replicate in the same way. It’s particularly effective when healing has stalled.
Do I need to stop my normal rehab/exercise?
Most people require between 1 to 3 sessions. In some cases, up to 5 treatments may be recommended depending on your response and the severity of your condition. Sessions are typically once per week for the first three, with any further sessions spaced every two weeks to give your body time to respond.
Are there any risks?
Shockwave therapy is generally safe but not suitable for everyone. It should not be used over areas with tumours, infections, or near open growth plates. People with blood clotting disorders, nerve damage, joint replacements (especially within the first 12 months), or those who are pregnant should avoid treatment. Your physiotherapist will assess your medical history and condition to ensure shockwave is appropriate for you.
Should I use ibuprofen or ice after treatment?
We recommend avoiding anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or applying ice after shockwave therapy. The treatment is designed to create a pro-inflammatory response to stimulate healing, and reducing this reaction can lessen its effectiveness. Mild soreness is normal and usually settles within 24–48 hours.
