What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment used to stimulate healing, relieve chronic pain and relieve persistent pain in soft tissue injuries.
At Fit2Function Clinics in Oxford Circus and Covent garden, we use radial shockwave therapy to treat chronic tendon and fascia problems that have not responded to rest, exercise or traditional physiotherapy.
It is commonly used to avoid injections or surgery and kickstart the healing process when recovery has stalled.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Radial shockwave therapy uses controlled acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
These pressure waves:
- increase blood flow to injured tissue
- stimulate tissue regeneration
- reduce pain sensitivity
- break down chronic tissue irritation
Shockwave therapy is widely used in sports medicine and orthopaedics and is effective for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow and patellar tendinopathy.
At our Oxford Circus and Covent Garden clinics, shockwave therapy is always delivered as part of a wider, evidence-based treatment plan rather than as a standalone solution.
It’s a safe, effective solution for long-term injuries that haven’t responded to more traditional treatments.
Who Is Shockwave Therapy For?
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for people suffering from long-standing soft tissue and tendon conditions, especially where pain has been present for several months or more.
It is commonly used to treat:
- plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- tennis and golfer’s elbow
- patellar tendinopathy
- rotator cuff pain
- gluteal tendinopathy
Many of our clients have already tried rest, Physiotherapy, massage or injections without lasting results. Shockwave therapy provides a drug-free, non-invasive option that can help move recovery forward.
At Fit2Function Oxford Circus and Covent Garden, we regularly use shockwave therapy with active individuals, athletes and busy professionals who want a clear path back to full function.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Involve?
Shockwave therapy is delivered using a handheld device that transmits high-frequency pressure waves into the injured area.
During your session:
- a gel is applied to the skin
- the shockwave probe is placed over the affected tissue
- the intensity is adjusted to suit your comfort and condition
You will feel a firm tapping sensation. Some discomfort is normal, but treatment is always kept within tolerable limits.
Each session lasts around 10 to 15 minutes. A typical course involves 3 to 6 sessions, usually spaced weekly.
At our Oxford Circus and Covent Garden clinics, shockwave therapy is commonly combined with:
- Physiotherapy
- corrective exercises
- laser therapy
This ensures the tissue is not only stimulated to heal, but also loaded and strengthened correctly afterwards.
You may feel some soreness afterwards, but this typically subsides within 24-48 hours.
Benefits and Outcomes of Shockwave Therapy
Radial shockwave therapy delivers effective, research backed results for chronic pain and tendon injuries.
When used appropriately, Shockwave Therapy can:
- reduce chronic pain
- stimulate tissue repair
- improve circulation
- restore function
- help avoid injections or surgery
Many clients notice improvement within a few sessions, even after months or years of symptoms.
At Fit2Function Clinics, shockwave therapy is used to support long-term recovery rather than short-term symptom relief. The goal is to help you return to normal movement with confidence and reduce the risk of the problem returning.
Meet Our Multidisciplinary Team Behind Your Recovery
Radial shockwave therapy is performed by all our practitioners at our Oxford Circus and Covent Garden clinic. Each practitioner is fully trained on our Radial shockwave machine and has vast experience treating patients suffering with chronic pain & tendon injuries. Each treatment is customised to your condition and integrated into a wider rehabilitation & treatment plan.
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
Is shockwave therapy painful?
You may feel a firm tapping sensation during the treatment session. However if it feels slightly uncomfortable, we can adjust the intensity to your comfort.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients benefit from 3 to 6 treatment sessions. Your Fit2Function practitioner will design a treatment plan, based on your injury and goals for recovery.
How long does each shockwave therapy session take?
Each session takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Normally we would combine this into a longer holistic appointment with our other advanced treatments.
Are there any side effects for shockwave therapy?
Mild redness, tenderness or soreness around the treatment area is normal and typically resolves within a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare.
How soon will I see results from shockwave therapy?
Many clients feel relief after just one or two sessions, but maximum benefits are typically seen over a few weeks as the area heals.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes, radial shockwave therapy is 100% safe when performed by trained professionals, such as our team at Fit2Function Oxford Circus and Covent Garden.