Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy in Crouch End and across our four London and Henley clinics: a focused, non-invasive treatment for chronic tendinopathies — Achilles, patellar, plantar fascia, tennis and golfers' elbow, gluteal, shoulder — using the Lika Vario Pro under HCPC-registered physiotherapy oversight, with about 80 % of patients reporting meaningful pain relief after 3 to 4 sessions.
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The short answer
What this treatment is
Areas treated
What's included
- Lika Vario Pro — a well-tested, results-heavy clinical-grade ESWT device
- Delivered by HCPC-registered physiotherapists, integrated with rehab from day one
- Strong evidence base for Achilles, patellar, plantar fascia, gluteal, and elbow tendinopathies
- Typical course of 3 to 4 treatments of about 10 minutes each
- About 80 % of patients report marked pain reduction by session 4 (clinic data; see references below)
- Defined contraindication list screened at every visit — pregnancy, anticoagulants, malignancy, certain implants
Patient journey
What to expect
Consultation & preparation
Eat normally beforehand, stay hydrated, and wear clothing that lets the treatment area be exposed. Bring any prior scan reports, GP letters, or specialist correspondence. Tell us about pregnancy, anticoagulants, recent surgery, or a malignancy history before the session — these are screened-for contraindications.
During treatment
Aftercare
Mild redness or skin warmth in the treatment area for a few hours is normal. You can resume light activity the same day; avoid heavy training of the treated tendon for 24 to 48 hours and follow the loading programme as prescribed via Track Rehab.
Transparent, all-in pricing
Written and medically reviewed by Tom Astley , Sports Physiotherapist & Clinical Director · BSc Physiotherapy (Coventry, 2008) · BSc Health, Exercise & Sport (UWIC, 2005) · Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
FAQ
Common
questions
Does shock wave therapy have side effects or cause pain?
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.
How many sessions will I need?
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.
What conditions does shockwave treat?
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.
Why is the Lika Vario Pro the device you use?
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.
Can I have shockwave on the NHS or through insurance?
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.
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Tom Astley Physiotherapy • Park Road Pools & Fitness, Crouch End, London N8 8JN
BookAppointments typically available within 1–2 weeks