Shockwave Therapy in Crouch End, London

There are no known major side effects with shock wave therapy, and most patients experience a reduction in their existing pain after the early sessions. Rarely, mild pain or discomfort can be experienced after treatment, and it may last for up to 24 hours. Skin redness in the treatment zone is also common and settles within hours.

Injuries typically take 3 to 4 treatments for a good resolution, usually delivered weekly. Reports show that about 80 % of patients experience a marked reduction in pain and a return to normal function after only 3 to 4 sessions. A small subset benefit from an additional 1 to 2 top-up sessions where reassessment supports it; we are not interested in selling sessions you do not need.

The strongest evidence is for chronic tendinopathies — Achilles, patellar, plantar fascia, gluteal, tennis elbow, golfers' elbow, and shoulder rotator-cuff tendinopathy. We also treat trochanteric pain syndrome, calcific tendinopathy, and stubborn myofascial trigger points. We will tell you honestly if your case is outside the strong-evidence zone.

The Lika Vario Pro is a clinical-grade, well-tested radial shockwave device with a strong evidence base in musculoskeletal medicine. Different probe applicators let us treat both superficial tendons (e.g. tennis elbow, plantar fascia) and deeper structures (gluteal, hamstring, shoulder) without changing machines. It is the device our clinical team has the most experience with.

Shockwave therapy is available privately and through most major UK insurers when clinically indicated — Bupa, Cigna, Vitality, WPA, and Simply Health all reimburse with prior authorisation. NHS access is limited and varies by region; if your case is severe enough to need the NHS pathway we will tell you and refer accordingly. NICE has specific interventional procedures guidance for shockwave (IPG312) you can read for context.