FOCUSED Shockwave therapy, Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Persistent tendon pain that isn't improving with rest, exercise or previous treatment?
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used for selected persistent tendon problems.
At Tenby Health, we combine focused shockwave with clinical assessment, rehabilitation and diagnostic ultrasound , allowing assessment, imaging and treatment to take place within the same clinic.
What is focused shockwave therapy?
Focused shockwave therapy delivers precisely targeted acoustic energy into a specific area of tissue using a handheld applicator.
It concentrates energy at a selected depth, allowing treatment to be directed towards a particular structure - such as a tendon, while limiting unnecessary energy to superficial tissues.
Treatment is non‑invasive and usually takes only a few minutes.
What is focused shockwave used for?
Focused shockwave is used for persistent tendon-related pain that has not improved sufficiently with appropriate conservative management.
Conditions we commonly assess for suitability include:
- Tendon Pain & Injuries
- Persistent Heel Pain (plantar fasciopathy)
- Achilles Tendon Pain (Achilles tendinopathy)
- Pain Below the Kneecap (patellar tendinopathy / jumper’s knee)
- Outer Hip Pain (gluteal tendinopathy)
- Hamstring Tendon Pain (hamstring tendinopathy)
- Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Calcific Shoulder Tendon Pain (calcific tendinopathy)
- Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Tendon Pain (non-calcific tendinopathy)
Suitability is always assessed on an individual basis - always starting with an initial consultation. Please book under 'New Patient Consultation'.
How does focused shockwave work?
Focused shockwave therapy sends concentrated acoustic waves deep into the affected area. Rather than masking pain, it stimulates a biological healing response, particularly useful for stubborn or long‑standing tendon problems.
- Stimulating Tissue Repair: The mechanical pressure from the shockwave signals tendon cells to begin repairing and reorganising collagen fibres. This helps shift the tissue away from a “stalled” state and back toward healthy structure.
- Improving Local Circulation: Shockwave encourages the formation of tiny new blood vessels (neovascularisation). Better blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients that support tissue repair.
- Calming Chronic Pain Signals: It reduces the sensitivity of local nerve endings and lowers pain‑signalling chemicals in the tissue. This helps decrease persistent or nagging pain.
Focused vs radial shockwave - what's the difference?
Both are commonly described as “shockwave”, but they produce energy differently.
Focused Shockwave
Energy is concentrated at a specific depth.
Used at Tenby Health for targeted tendon treatment.
Radial Shockwave
Produces mechanical waves that spread outward from the applicator. Energy is greatest near the surface and covers a broader area.
Used at Tenby Health for selected muscle‑related problems and areas of local tenderness.
Why we use diagnostic ultrasound?
Not everyone with tendon pain needs an ultrasound scan.
However, when focused shockwave is being considered, identifying the exact structure causing symptoms is important.
Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound allows us to examine many superficial tendons directly and assess for:
- Tendon thickening or structural change
- Partial tendon tears
- Calcification
- Associated bursitis
- Other ultrasound‑detectable causes of pain
Ultrasound findings are always interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical examination — never in isolation.
Shockwave and rehabilitation
Shockwave therapy does not replace rehabilitation.
Persistent tendon pain often reflects a reduced ability of the tendon and surrounding muscles to tolerate the demands placed upon them.
Your treatment includes a progressive rehabilitation plan, which may involve:
- Progressive strengthening
- Tendon‑loading exercises
- Activity and load management advice
- Addressing strength or movement deficits
- Gradual return to walking, running or sport
The aim is not just temporary symptom relief - but improving your ability to tolerate the activities that matter to you.
What happens during treatment?
A focused shockwave appointment typically lasts around 15 minutes.
- Your symptoms are briefly reassessed
- The treatment area is identified
- Gel is applied to allow efficient transmission of shockwaves
- You will feel firm, repetitive pulses in the treatment area - noticeable but usually well‑tolerated
After Your Session
Shockwave is non‑invasive and requires no downtime. You can return to daily activities immediately. Mild temporary soreness is possible.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no single schedule suitable for everyone.
Focused shockwave is commonly delivered as a short course of 3–5 sessions, although the number and spacing depend on:
- The condition
- Your response to treatment
- Individual circumstances
We review your progress rather than continuing treatment automatically. If shockwave is not helping or is no longer appropriate, we will discuss this with you.
Timeline for Results
Many people feel early improvement, but tissue repair is gradual. Benefits from focused shockwave and rehabilitation typically continue to develop over 8–12 weeks after your final session.
Pricing
Our clinical service is designed to give you everything you need in one place - diagnosis, treatment, and a rehabilitation plan to help keep the problem from coming back - all at highly competitive prices, including our focused shockwave tariff.
Focused Shockwave:
Single region focused shockwave therapy session - £79
2-region focused shockwave therapy session - £109
Our Approach
We don’t start with shockwave - we start with the problem.
Persistent tendon pain can have several possible causes, and treating the painful area without understanding what’s happening is not always appropriate.
Your assessment considers:
- Symptoms
- Clinical examination
- Strength and function
- Activity levels
- Load demands on the affected area
Diagnostic ultrasound is available when imaging is likely to add useful information.
We then determine whether focused shockwave, rehabilitation, another treatment approach or further investigation is most appropriate.
Our aim is to provide a clear explanation of the problem and a practical plan for improving it - without unnecessary treatment or appointments.
What to do next
If persistent tendon pain is affecting your walking, work, exercise or sport, book a New Patient consultation.
We will assess your symptoms, establish the most likely diagnosis and explain your options clearly.