Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy at our physiotherapy clinic supports the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal conditions and persistent sports injuries. This non-invasive treatment delivers focused shockwaves to affected areas, addressing what is contributing to the pain.
Specialist Services
Our Shockwave Therapy in Manchester
Every shockwave therapy appointment at our Manchester clinic begins with a focused physiotherapy assessment to identify the underlying cause of pain and determine whether shockwave treatment is appropriate. We regularly support athletes and patients with:
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Used to support persistent heel pain caused by irritation and degeneration of the plantar fascia, helping to stimulate blood flow and promote tissue healing where symptoms have become chronic.
2. Achilles Tendinopathy
Often applied in cases of long-standing Achilles tendon pain to encourage tissue regeneration, improve local circulation, and support recovery when symptoms have not settled with loading alone.
3. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
May help manage shoulder pain linked to rotator cuff irritation by reducing chronic inflammation and supporting tendon healing to improve movement and functional use of the shoulder.
4. Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow
Commonly used for persistent elbow pain caused by repetitive loading, helping to stimulate healing within degenerative tendon tissue and reduce pain during gripping or lifting activities.
5. Shin Splints
May form part of a wider rehabilitation approach for chronic shin pain by addressing local tissue irritation and supporting recovery alongside appropriate load management.
6. Trochanteric Bursitis
Used to support lateral hip pain by targeting chronic soft tissue irritation around the hip, helping improve comfort with walking, standing, and daily activities.
How We Assess
How We Assess Your Injury
At Elite Performance Physio MCR, our physiotherapy assessment considers the factors contributing to ongoing pain and tissue strain to determine how shockwave therapy can support healing and long-term recovery.
Our Assessment
Our shockwave assessment forms part of our wider physiotherapy services, focusing on identifying whether this treatment is suitable for your condition and how it should be integrated into your rehabilitation.
This may include:
- Clinical assessment of pain location, symptoms, and tissue sensitivity
- Evaluation of movement, loading patterns, and functional limitations
- Identification of chronic inflammation, tendon pathology, or delayed healing response
This allows us to determine the most appropriate treatment approach and ensure shockwave therapy is delivered safely and effectively.
Why This Helps Our Physiotherapists
Through targeted assessment, our physiotherapists are able to:
- Identify chronic tissue irritation or overload contributing to persistent pain
- Select appropriate treatment parameters for shockwave delivery
- Support safe and progressive return to activity and sport
Our physiotherapists use this understanding to guide personalised care and informed treatment progression.
Our Approach
How Shockwave Therapy Works
As part of your physiotherapy programme, we follow defined clinical stages to ensure extracorporeal shockwave therapy is introduced at the right time to support recovery.
Step 1: Initial Physiotherapy Assessment
We assess your symptoms, injury history, and functional limitations to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.
Step 2: Identification of Tissue Pathology
We identify the affected tissue and contributing factors such as chronic overload, inflammation, or delayed healing.
Step 3: Targeted Shockwave Therapy Treatment
Focused acoustic waves are delivered to the affected area to stimulate blood flow, support collagen production, and promote the body’s natural healing response within tendons, bone, or soft tissue.
Step 4: Integrated Rehabilitation & Progression
Shockwave therapy is combined with other physiotherapy treatments, exercises, and load management strategies to support recovery, reduce recurrence, and guide safe return to activity.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do
Hear from clients who have elevated their performance and long-term well-being with our expert-led care.
“Block book appointments to avoid disappointment! A professional vocalists best kept secret!! Dan has become a staple to my busy life as a performer. I try to book in as regular as possible if he has a slot available. Dan is amazing, the best in the business. I always leave feeling more relaxed, with clearer tone and ready for performance mode again. I have recommended him to other performers, reluctantly because i want to always make sure I can get an appointment. Thank you Dan!”
Chesqua - Professional Singer
“Dan is without doubt one of the best in his field of work. His knowledge and expertise is second to none. He has helped me not only physically by putting together a specialised plan for my injuries, but also mentally helping me understand by explaining everything throughly and intricately. Dan is warm, friendly and he genuinely cares about each of his clients. My sessions with Dan have not only begun to heal my injuries, but I have built strength, gained knowledge and it’s boosted my confidence. I come out of my sessions with spring in my step!”
Laura Harrison - Professional Music Theatre Performer
“After struggling with my knee for a few months, Dan popped round to make an assessment. He was clear, thoughtful, understood my lifestyle and my desire to get moving. He provided advice, guidance and hands on treatment that helped deal with the swelling and pain. I have recommended him to my son and you only do that when you trust someone to make a difference. Thank you Dan.”
Clare Hayward -Director At Cirus
“I’ve had the pleasure of being treated by Dan on two separate jobs, where he looked after my feet and voice. In only a few sessions I regained total mobility in my feet in a physically intensive show, and more recently have been making use of his vocal massage skills for a vocally demanding role. Dan has an amazing way of finding the crux of the issue and will resolve it with ease, reassurance and expertise. I would recommend Dan to anyone!”
Jed Berry - West End actor
“Dan is an extraordinarily effective physio who has helped me immediately with various joint and muscle problems over the last year and a half. In addition to the treatment he clearly explains the cause of the problems and gives exercises focusing on prevention of reoccurrence and strengthening of the area involved. I feel in great shape thanks to the treatment, core exercises and the inspiration he has given me to get back to running and exercising.”
A. Zuntz - Professional violinist
“An actress friend recommended Dan to me as I needed a vocal massage. I was on tour and my voice was getting tired. I didn’t think I would find someone in Manchester but then my friend told me about Dan. He was amazing. A really nice guy, I immediately felt comfortable and relaxed and he was so good. My voice felt so much better the next day. After that I saw him weekly, not just for my voice but for all the injuries I was sustaining on tour. He fixed my neck, back and calf, and I can’t thank him enough!”
Hayley Tamaddon - Professional actor
“I was referred to Dan by an NHS Speech and Language Therapist for laryngeal physiotherapy. Not only has Dan really helped me with this side of things, but he has also provided manual therapy and exercises for symptoms caused by autoimmune conditions and chronic pain. I am appreciative that Dan has liaised with the other healthcare professionals involved in my care as part of a holistic approach, and they have also appreciated this. He is honest and will tell you if something is likely to help or not and what may be realistic, and reviews your goals with you regularly. I would recommend him to anyone.”
Alexandra Brown - NHS psychologist
“Daniel has a real ability to understand his clients’ needs and implement the most powerful and integrative treatments. Superb in communication and application, he makes a real and lasting difference for successful recovery and physical development. With specific and varying needs, I always come away feeling empowered and reinvigorated. Dan’s the man and I will travel far and wide to get an appointment. Thanks Daniel!”
Rik Makarem - Professional actor
“Dan has helped me a lot with my piano playing related injuries and has gone further than any other physio I’ve had to combat the problem. I return regularly not only to maintain my wellbeing but to have a catch up too. I highly recommend Dan to anyone!”
Mackenzie Paget - Classical pianist
FAQs
Your Questions About Shockwave Therapy
What is shockwave therapy used for?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is used to treat persistent musculoskeletal pain and tendon-related conditions by stimulating the body’s natural healing response. At our Manchester clinic, it is commonly used to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and other long-standing soft tissue injuries.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Some discomfort can be felt during treatment, especially over sensitive areas, but this is usually brief and well tolerated. Treatment intensity is adjusted based on comfort and clinical response.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated, symptom duration, and response to therapy.
Is shockwave therapy used on its own?
No. Shockwave therapy is integrated into a wider physiotherapy plan, alongside exercises, load management, and other treatments where appropriate, to support long-term recovery.
Do I need a referral to book shockwave therapy?
No referral is required. You can book directly with our physiotherapy team for assessment to determine whether shockwave therapy is suitable for your condition.