What Is Shockwave Therapy
How Radial and Focused Shockwave Treatments Help Chronic Pain Heal Faster
If you're dealing with pain that won’t shift, like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles issues or stubborn shoulder pain - you might have come across shockwave therapy.
But what is it, and how does it work?
At Body Zest, we offer both Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy, tailoring treatment to your condition and needs. Here's everything you need to know about this powerful, non-invasive therapy for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves (not electric shocks) to stimulate healing in injured or inflamed tissues. These sound waves are applied via a handheld device to the surface of the skin.
At Body Zest, we offer two clinically recognised types:
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) – disperses energy over a broader area, ideal for surface-level or larger regions.
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) – delivers more precise, deeper energy to target specific tissues, including smaller tendon insertions or calcific areas.
Both types are safe, evidence-backed, and used worldwide to treat chronic pain and slow-healing injuries.
What Conditions Can It Help?
Shockwave therapy is particularly helpful for soft tissue injuries and tendinopathies that haven’t responded well to rest, stretching or manual therapy.
We often use it to treat:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinopathy
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Rotator cuff issues and calcific tendinitis
Gluteal tendinopathy
Hamstring pain
Shin splints
It can also be used in combination with manual therapy and rehab for enhanced results.
How Does It Work?
Shockwave therapy supports the body’s natural healing by:
✅ Stimulating blood flow
✅ Promoting collagen production
✅ Breaking down scar tissue and calcification
✅ Reducing nerve sensitivity
✅ Enhancing cell regeneration
The result? Reduced pain and inflammation, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes.
Radial vs Focused Shockwave: What’s the Difference?
At Body Zest, your therapist will assess which option is best, and may use both in your treatment plan.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is backed by research and approved by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for several conditions.
It’s:
Drug-free
Non-surgical
Minimal side effects
Requires no downtime
You may experience mild tenderness or redness post-treatment, but this is typically short-lived.
What Does a Typical Session Look Like?
Assessment: Your osteopath or therapist will confirm the diagnosis and explain the process.
Treatment: Shockwave therapy is applied to the affected area, sessions usually last around 20 minutes.
Recovery Plan: You'll get guidance on movement, pacing, and rehab to support your results.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and how your body responds. Most people need around6 sessions, spaced about a week apart, but this can vary.
You may start to feel improvement after 1–2 sessions, with more noticeable results building over time.
When Is Shockwave Not Suitable?
Shockwave therapy isn’t recommended if you:
Are pregnant
Have a blood clotting disorder
Recently had a steroid injection in the treatment area
Have an open wound, infection, or tumour near the site
We’ll always screen you beforehand to make sure it’s safe and appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Shockwave therapy isn’t just about pain relief, it’s about addressing the root of chronic issues and reactivating your body’s natural ability to heal.
Whether you're a runner battling plantar fasciitis or someone with shoulder pain from desk work, shockwave therapy could be the missing link in your recovery.
At Body Zest in Banstead, we combine radial and focused shockwave treatments with expert hands-on care, rehab support and a tailored approach - so you can feel better and stay better.
Book to see one of our osteopaths here.