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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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If you’ve been struggling with tendon pain and rehab hasn’t fully solved it, shockwave could be the missing piece.
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Or contact us directly:
Call - 01727 309 915
email - info@redrockphysio.co.uk