Shockwave therapy — also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT — is a non-invasive treatment carried out at the Clinic at Borde Hill in Haywards Heath. This page sets out what the equipment does, what a course of treatment involves, the conditions we use it for, the fees, the possible side effects and the circumstances in which it is not suitable.
What shockwave therapy is
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive clinical treatment, used for various conditions including those causing chronic or acute pain. “Extracorporeal” simply means the energy is applied from outside the body, through the skin, rather than by injection or surgery.
It is one of several approaches used at the clinic, and it is not a standalone answer to every painful tendon. The conditions it is used for here are set out below, and whether it suits your own circumstances is a conversation to have with a qualified shockwave practitioner before you book a course.
How the treatment works
Energy is produced by way of compressed air, which is focused on the area being treated. Controlled explosive kinetic energy is then dissipated through the skin, penetrating the tissues beneath.
In practical terms, that means the treatment head is applied to the skin over the area being treated, and no injection or incision is involved. There is more on how a session tends to feel under side effects, below.
Conditions we use shockwave therapy for
Each condition below has its own page, with detail on what it is, how it is told apart from the problems it gets confused with, and where shockwave therapy sits among the options.
- Hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome — pain and tenderness on the outer side of the hip, previously known as greater trochanteric bursitis.
- Golfer’s and tennis elbow — tendon pain at the inner side of the elbow (golfer’s elbow) or the outer side (tennis elbow).
- Plantar fasciitis — pain under the heel and along the sole of the foot.
- Achilles tendinopathy — pain in the tendon at the back of the ankle, previously known as tendinitis.
- Patellar tendinopathy — pain in the tendon just below the kneecap.
- Chronic calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy — shoulder tendon pain associated with calcium deposits, usually in the supraspinatus tendon.
- Distal biceps tendinopathy — pain in the biceps tendon where it attaches at the front of the elbow.
- Chronic proximal (high) hamstring tendinopathy — pain high at the back of the thigh, where the hamstring tendons attach at the sitting bone.
Shockwave therapy may also be useful for a number of other conditions. It is important to talk to a qualified shockwave practitioner about your own condition, to find out whether it is appropriate for you.
What a course of treatment involves
Typically, 3–5 treatment sessions may be required, but it can take 7 or 8 treatments in some cases. Treatment will also involve some home-based exercise.
Shockwave appointments are longer than a standard follow-up: up to 60 minutes for a new patient, and 45 minutes for a follow-up. The fee for each is in the table below.
Possible side effects of shockwave treatment
- Possible pain during and after treatment
- Possible redness or irritation of the skin
- Possible bruising or swelling
If any of these concern you, raise it before treatment begins.
When shockwave treatment is not suitable
Shockwave treatment is not carried out where any of the following apply:
- Haemophilia
- Taking anticoagulants, for example warfarin
- Malignancy
- Cardiac stents or implants, where treatment would be near the heart region
- Over a joint or skin infection
- Over joint replacements
Please tell us about your medical history and any medication you take when you get in touch, and raise anything on this list you are unsure about before you book.
Shockwave therapy fees
| Appointment | Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New patient | £70 | 45 mins |
| Follow up | £60 | 30 mins |
| Shockwave, new patient | £100 | Up to 60 minutes |
| Shockwave, follow up | £80 | 45 minutes |
Please call 01444 616797 to confirm which appointment type applies to you before you book.
Who provides shockwave therapy at the clinic
Shockwave therapy at the Clinic at Borde Hill is provided by Dwaine Ford, the clinic’s lead practitioner for this treatment. You can read more about Dwaine here, or call the clinic and we will talk you through it.
Where to find us
You will find us at Naldred Farm Offices, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XR, with free on-site parking and disabled access.
Our coverage area includes Haywards Heath, Cuckfield, Lindfield, Burgess Hill, Crawley, Horsham and East Grinstead.
Frequently asked questions
Does shockwave therapy work?
We do not publish success rates or recovery timescales for shockwave therapy, and we would rather you asked than took a figure off a web page. Shockwave therapy may be useful for a number of conditions, and whether it is appropriate for yours is a question for a qualified shockwave practitioner, who can go through it with you before you commit to a course.
How much does shockwave therapy cost?
A shockwave appointment for a new patient is £100 for up to 60 minutes, and a shockwave follow-up is £80 for 45 minutes. The clinic also lists a new patient appointment at £70 for 45 minutes and a follow up at £60 for 30 minutes. Call 01444 616797 and we will confirm which applies to you.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Typically 3–5 treatment sessions may be required, but it can take 7 or 8 in some cases. Treatment will also involve some home-based exercise.
Does shockwave treatment hurt?
Pain during and after treatment is one of the possible side effects listed above, along with redness or irritation of the skin, and bruising or swelling.
Is shockwave therapy suitable for everyone?
No. There is a list of circumstances in which shockwave treatment is not carried out — among them haemophilia, taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, malignancy, cardiac stents or implants where treatment would be near the heart region, a joint or skin infection, and joint replacements. The full list is above.
Do I need a diagnosis before I book?
No. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll match you with the right practitioner — no experience or diagnosis needed.
Book an appointment
To book at the Clinic at Borde Hill, call 01444 616797 or email info@clinicatbordehill.com.