TL;DR:
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in chronic tendon and muscle injuries. Ideal for those suffering from persistent pain, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy, it offers a high success rate where traditional treatments may have failed.
Despite the name, Shockwave Therapy does not involve electric shocks. It is a highly specialised treatment that delivers acoustic energy, essentially high-frequency sound waves, directly into damaged or inflamed tissue.
In 2026, it is recognised as a “Gold Standard” for chronic conditions that have entered a stagnant phase of healing. The mechanical stress created by the waves triggers a “pro-inflammatory” response, essentially restarting the body’s natural repair mechanisms, increasing blood flow, and breaking down calcific deposits.
Who Needs Shockwave Therapy?
If you have been managing a musculoskeletal injury for more than three months without significant improvement, you are likely a candidate for ESWT. It is particularly effective for those who wish to avoid invasive surgery or corticosteroid injections.
1. Chronic Foot & Ankle Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis: Often described as a “stabbing” pain in the heel during the first steps of the morning.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the ankle, common in runners and hikers across the South Downs.
2. Lower Limb Injuries
- Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee): Persistent pain just below the kneecap.
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Chronic pain on the outside of the hip.
3. Upper Body & Overuse Injuries
- Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow: Refractory pain that makes gripping or lifting difficult.
- Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder: Pain caused by calcium build-up within the shoulder tendons.
What to Expect During Your Session
At The Clinic at Borde Hill, we prioritise patient comfort and precision. A standard course of treatment typically involves:
- Duration: Sessions last approximately 15–20 minutes.
- Frequency: Usually 3 to 6 sessions, spaced one week apart.
- The Sensation: You will feel a rhythmic tapping or “pulsing” sensation. While it can be slightly uncomfortable, your practitioner will adjust the intensity to your tolerance level.
- Recovery: There is no “downtime.” You can walk out of the clinic immediately after, though we recommend avoiding high-impact activity for 48 hours.
Safety & Contraindications
While ESWT is exceptionally safe, it is not suitable for everyone. You should not undergo Shockwave Therapy if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Have a blood-clotting disorder or are taking anti-coagulants (e.g., Warfarin).
- Have received a steroid injection in the same area within the last 6 weeks.
- Have a pacemaker or a tumour at the treatment site.
Why Choose The Clinic at Borde Hill for Shockwave Therapy?
For residents of Haywards Heath, Lindfield, and the surrounding West Sussex area, our clinic offers a level of expertise rarely found in a single location. Our Shockwave Therapy department is led by Dwaine Ford (MSc, BSc, GOsC Registered), a Consultant Sports Osteopath and a recognised expert in non-invasive regenerative medicine.
- Integrated Specialist Care: Dwaine does not view Shockwave Therapy as a standalone “quick fix.” Leveraging his Master ’s-level training in Sport and Exercise Medicine, he integrates Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) with structural osteopathy to ensure your recovery is biomechanically sound and long-lasting.
- The Borde Hill Environment: Unlike busy high-street clinics, our facility on the Borde Hill estate provides a restorative atmosphere. Dwaine’s patient-centred approach ensures you are treated in a space that promotes tranquillity, which is a vital component of the body’s natural healing response.
Conclusion: The Path to Total Wellbeing
Shockwave Therapy is a powerful tool for physical restoration, but we recognise that chronic pain often takes a toll that goes beyond the physical. The stress of persistent injury can impact your mental clarity, sleep, and overall happiness.
If the frustration of a long-term injury has left you feeling overwhelmed or anxious about your future mobility, our support extends beyond the treatment table. At The Clinic at Borde Hill, we offer professional Counselling services to help you navigate the emotional challenges of recovery. True health is the harmony of body and mind; we invite you to book an online consultation to address both.
THE CLINIC AT BORDE HILL
Naldred Farm Offices, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1XR
(Find us on Google Maps)
Email: info@clinicatbordehill.com
Phone: 01444 616797
Frequently Asked Questions about Shockwave Therapy
Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
While the treatment involves high-energy waves, it is generally well-tolerated. Patients often describe a rhythmic “tapping” or “pulsing” sensation. Dwaine Ford will adjust the intensity of the device during the session to match your comfort level while still ensuring a therapeutic effect.
How many sessions will I need to see results?
Most patients require between 3 and 6 sessions, spaced approximately one week apart. While some feel immediate relief, the true biological repair process typically peaks around 6–12 weeks after the final treatment as new collagen fibres form.
Are there any side effects?
Shockwave Therapy is non-invasive and has very few side effects. Some patients may experience temporary redness, slight swelling, or a dull ache in the treated area for 24–48 hours, which is a normal sign that the body’s healing response has been activated.
Clinical Assurance & Medical Standards
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by our clinical editorial team at The Clinic at Borde Hill. All protocols follow the latest NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). This treatment is administered only by qualified practitioners following a comprehensive physical assessment.
