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.

Shockwave Therapy Image
Shockwave therapy on a leg
A person performing shockwave therapy on a person's back

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.

A person performing shockwave therapy on a person's back

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.

Dan Turnell Physiotherapist consulting with a client
Dan Turnell Physiotherapist consulting with a client
Shockwave therapy on a foot
Shockwave therapy on a foot

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.

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.