Shockwave Therapy
Redrock Physio in St Albans
Effective Treatment For Stubborn Tendon Pain
Shockwave Therapy (Radial Shockwave) is a highly effective treatment for long-standing tendon pain, especially when symptoms haven’t improved with stretching, massage or strengthening alone.
We use the Storz MASTERPULS® MP100 system, one of the most widely used, research-supported devices in musculoskeletal rehab.
What Shockwave Helps With
Shockwave is most effective for:
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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)
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Gluteal tendinopathy
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
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Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
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Plantar fasciopathy
It can reduce pain and help the tendon adapt better to load, making rehabilitation more effective.
Why Redrock Physio Uses Shockwave
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Excellent results for GTPS and gluteal tendons
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Works well alongside targeted strength programmes
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Useful when symptoms flare during increased activity
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Helps patients who’ve plateaued with rehab alone
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Quick, efficient, minimal downtime
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Strong research base for tendon conditions
We do not use shockwave as a standalone treatment — it’s always integrated into a personalised rehab plan.
How Shockwave Works (in simple terms)
Shockwave delivers mechanical pulses into the affected tendon.
This helps by:
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Reducing pain sensitivity
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Improving tissue tolerance
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Stimulating tendon repair processes
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Allowing better engagement with strengthening exercises
It is not a miracle cure, but used correctly, it can significantly accelerate progress.
What to Expect in a Session
A typical session includes:
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Assessment of your tendon pattern
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Identifying the most sensitive and overloaded zones
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Dose-controlled shockwave treatment (3–4 minutes)
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Mobility or loading drills to reinforce change
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Clear guidance on what to do between sessions
Most patients feel a reduction in pain or improved movement within a few sessions.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
Most tendon conditions respond within:
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3–6 sessions, usually weekly
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Combined with a targeted strengthening plan
For complex cases (GTPS, proximal hamstring) you may need a longer programme, but improvements are usually seen early.
When Shockwave is Not the Right Choice
Shockwave is not recommended for:
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hip osteoarthritis
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hip impingement (FAI)
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acute muscle tears
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sharp joint pain
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nerve-related leg symptoms
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low back pain
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sciatica
It is specifically for tendon and enthesis pain, not joint pathology.
If shockwave isn’t right for your condition, we will explain why and guide you to the correct pathway.
Evidence & Guidelines
Shockwave is supported by research and clinical guidelines for tendon conditions including:
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GTPS / gluteal tendinopathy
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Patellar tendinopathy
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Plantar fasciopathy
References (safe external links):
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NICE evidence summary: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg623
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Physiopedia overview: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Extracorporeal_Shockwave_Therapy
We only recommend shockwave where evidence shows benefit.
Related Conditions We Treat
Meet Your Clinicians
Meet Your Clinicians Kieran Cummins, Chartered Physiotherapist & Lead Clinician Experienced in tendon rehabilitation and shockwave integration. Anna Anders, Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor Advanced rehab and gluteal tendon loading specialist.
 Kieran Cummins Chartered Physiotherapist & Lead ClinicianExperienced in tendon rehabilitation and shockwave integration. |  Anna Anders, Physiotherapist & Pilates InstructorAdvanced rehab and gluteal tendon loading specialist. |
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Book Your Shockwave Appointment
If you’ve been struggling with tendon pain and rehab hasn’t fully solved it, shockwave could be the missing piece.
Or contact us directly:
Call - 01727 309 915
email - info@redrockphysio.co.uk