Shockwave Therapy at Gait and Rehab: Breaking Through Pain, One Pulse at a Time

Persistent pain can be incredibly frustrating especially when you’ve tried rest, stretching, insoles, or even painkillers, and nothing seems to make a lasting difference. Whether it’s that stubborn heel pain that greets you every morning or an Achilles that just won’t settle, sometimes the body needs an extra push to heal.

At Gait and Rehab, one of the advanced treatment options we offer is Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) a non-invasive, evidence-based technology that stimulates the body’s natural healing process. It’s safe, fast, and often life-changing for patients who’ve been battling ongoing foot and lower limb pain.

What Exactly Is Shockwave Therapy?

Despite the name, it doesn’t involve electrical shocks. Instead, Shockwave Therapy uses high-energy sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues and trigger regeneration and repair. These acoustic waves are applied directly to the painful area using a handheld device.

Think of it as a targeted reset button for your body’s healing systems  increasing blood flow, breaking down calcific build-up or adhesions, calming irritated nerves, and kickstarting tissue repair.

Meet Liz: A Real Story of Relief

Liz, a 52-year-old teacher from Solihull, came to us with persistent plantar fasciitis  that searing, knife-like heel pain that made the first few steps out of bed unbearable. She had tried changing shoes, doing daily stretches, resting from her walking group, and even rolling her foot over a frozen bottle but the pain would always return.

After a detailed biomechanical assessment at Gait and Rehab, we identified the cause and explained that while her foot posture and walking pattern contributed to the problem, the inflammation and chronic nature of the pain meant she’d benefit from Shockwave Therapy.

We delivered three sessions of focused shockwave therapy, one week apart, alongside a tailored stretching and strengthening programme. Liz began to notice a difference after the second session and by the fourth week, she reported a 80% improvement in her symptoms. More importantly, she was able to enjoy walking again without fear or hesitation.

 What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help With?

Shockwave is particularly effective in treating:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)

• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)

• Gluteal tendinopathy and hip pain

• Calcific tendonitis

• Chronic muscle tightness and trigger points

If you’ve had symptoms for more than 6 weeks and they haven’t improved with conservative care, Shockwave may be just what your body needs to move forward.

What’s a Shockwave Therapy Session Like?

Each session takes around 15–20 minutes. We’ll apply a conductive gel to the area and use a device to deliver pulses of energy. It’s usually tolerable but can feel a bit uncomfortable  most patients describe it as a deep, aching pressure that fades after the session. Some feel sore afterwards, but this is part of the healing response and usually settles quickly.

You’ll usually need 3–6 sessions, spaced weekly.

Why We Use EWST Alongside Rehabilitation

Shockwave Therapy works best when used in combination with rehabilitation exercises, manual therapy, orthotic support, and gait retraining all part of what we offer at Gait and Rehab. It’s not just about turning off pain it’s about restoring your confidence in movement.

We tailor your care around your lifestyle, goals, and what your feet are telling us. Whether you’re an avid runner, someone who’s always on their feet for work, or simply want to enjoy a walk with the dog again, we aim to help you move well and live better.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

We carry out a comprehensive assessment before recommending Shockwave Therapy to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you. It’s not suitable if you’re pregnant, have a clotting disorder, or have metal implants in the area of treatment but for most people, it’s an excellent option to consider.

Ready to break free from pain?

If you're struggling with persistent foot or tendon pain and you're tired of short-term fixes, come and chat with us. Our team will take the time to understand your situation and recommend the best path forward  whether that includes Shockwave Therapy or another option.

Book a consultation at Gait and Rehab in Knowle, and let’s get you back on track one pulse at a time.