Shockwave Therapy in Bournemouth
Heel pain, tennis elbow or an Achilles that just won’t settle? Shockwave therapy at The Back Pain Centre in Pokesdown, Bournemouth is a non-invasive treatment for long-standing tendon and soft-tissue pain. Each session takes just 20 minutes and costs from £80 per area treated.
Shockwave therapy at a glance
Session length | 20 minutes |
Typical course | 3 to 6 weekly sessions, depending on condition and severity |
Price | £80 per session, or £210 for three sessions (per area treated) |
Where | The Back Pain Centre, Pokesdown, Bournemouth, Unit 6 Calendula Place, 752-778 Christchurch Road, BH7 6DE |
Insurance | Recognised by Aviva, Cigna and AXA. Cover for shockwave varies by policy, so check with your insurer first. |
What is shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses acoustic pressure waves delivered through a small handheld device. The waves release energy when they reach a change in tissue density, such as where a damaged tendon meets healthier tissue. This is thought to stimulate your body’s natural healing response and ease pain in the treated area.
Shockwave therapy is most often used for chronic conditions that haven’t responded to rest, stretching or simple painkillers.
Conditions we treat with shockwave therapy
We use shockwave therapy at our Bournemouth clinic for:- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Heel spurs
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
- Bursitis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Patella tendinopathy
- Osgood-Schlatter
- Shin splints
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on severity and how you respond to treatment:- Mild cases: often 3 to 4 sessions
- Moderate cases: at least 6 sessions
- Severe cases or heel spur involvement: can take moreWe’ll give you an honest estimate at your first appointment and review progress as we go
What does the research say?
Studies of shockwave for plantar fasciitis report positive results. Some compared it with surgery and found similar outcomes in the end, but shockwave is non-invasive and doesn’t disrupt daily life, so there is typically no time off work.
Shockwave has also been found to give better long-term results than corticosteroid injection. An injection can bring almost immediate relief, but that relief didn’t last as long. For heel spurs, as many as 70% of patients reported improvement 12 weeks after treatment.
Shockwave for tennis elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outer side of the elbow, usually from irritation of the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the joint. It’s often an overuse problem, from carrying heavy shopping bags to long hours at a keyboard.
Recommended treatment
Tennis elbow can be quite sore to treat, so we generally use mid to low intensity settings. Sessions are usually 5 to 7 days apart, and most people need around 3 to 6.
What does the research say?
Results in the research are mixed, but most studies show shockwave to be effective, and in most trials some patients reported up to 90% improvement.
- Rompe et al. (1996) reported good or excellent outcomes in 48% of patients with chronic tennis elbow and an acceptable result in 42% at 24 weeks.
- Wang and Chen (2002), over 12 to 26 months, found 61.4% of patients pain free, 29.5% significantly better, [6.8% – confirm figure against the paper] slightly better and 2.3% unchanged.
We’ll be upfront with you about whether we think shockwave is the right choice for your elbow.
Shockwave for Achilles tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is irritation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, the strong band at the back of your lower leg that attaches to your heel. It can follow a specific injury or build up gradually from overuse.
Many studies report favourable results, and the best outcomes come from combining shockwave with eccentric (lengthening) exercises. In a later study, Rompe et al. (2009) found that adding shockwave to eccentric exercise worked better than exercise alone after 16 weeks. That’s why your treatment here includes eccentric home exercises alongside your shockwave sessions.
Shockwave intensity levels
We adjust the intensity of treatment to the condition and to your comfort:
- High intensity: creates controlled, localised tissue irritation to help break down scar tissue and stimulate your body’s healing response
- Medium intensity: promotes healing and can reduce pain
- Low intensity: relieves pain only
What happens during a shockwave session?
Your therapist finds the painful area by touch or with the shockwave applicator and talks through the findings with you. A gel is applied to the skin so the waves pass into the tissue efficiently. The applicator is then moved over the painful area in a circular motion while the shockwaves are delivered.
Is shockwave therapy right for you?
Shockwave isn’t suitable for everyone. We’ll go through your medical history before starting, and treatment may not be appropriate if, for example, you’re pregnant, have certain blood conditions or take blood thinners, or have an infection at the treatment site.
If shockwave isn’t the best option for you, we’ll say so and talk through alternatives, including our chiropractic and sports massage treatments.
Shockwave therapy prices in Bournemouth
- Single treatment: £80 (per area treated)
- Three treatment package: £210 (per area treated)
Meet your shockwave therapist team
Mr John Bradford - Chiropractor
His clinical approach combines hands-on chiropractic care with advanced treatment technologies, including Shockwave Therapy focusing on pain relief, improved mobility and long-term recovery.
Mr Jonathan Cook - Chiropractor
With 30 years experience & highly experienced in a broad range of treatment techniques from Shockwave Therapy to Dry-needling to supportive joint and muscle taping/strapping.
Mr Anthony King - Chiropractor
Anthony’s interests lie within the treatment of acute and chronic conditions and the rehabilitation of patients, in order to help patients maintain the benefits they have achieved.
Shockwave therapy FAQs
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
The gel helps the waves pass into the body comfortably, and most people find treatment tolerable. Discomfort varies with the condition and the intensity used. Sensitive areas such as a tennis elbow can be sore, so we use lower settings, and you can tell us at any point if you need us to adjust.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Most people need between 3 and 6 sessions, usually a week apart. Mild plantar fasciitis may need 3 to 4, moderate cases at least 6, and severe cases or heel spurs more. We’ll give you an estimate at your first appointment
How long does a session take?
All session are 20 minutes
How much does shockwave therapy cost in Bournemouth?
A single session is £80 per area treated, or £210 for a package of three sessions per area.
Is shockwave better than a cortisone injection?
Research suggests shockwave gives better long-term results for plantar fasciitis than corticosteroid injection. Injections can bring faster relief, but they tend not to last as long. We can talk through which is more suitable for you.
Can I claim shockwave therapy on private health insurance?
We’re recognised by Aviva, Cigna and AXA, but cover for shockwave varies by policy and provider. Check with your insurer before booking.
Where can I get shockwave therapy near Bournemouth?
We’re based in Pokesdown, Bournemouth Unit 6 Calendula Place, 752-778 Christchurch Road BH7 6DE, Between Boscombe Bus Station and Pokesdown Railway Station, within easy reach of Boscombe, Southbourne, Christchurch and the surrounding areas.
Ready to book?
If heel, elbow or tendon pain is holding you back, book a shockwave therapy appointment online.