The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy: Is It Right for You?

If you’ve been dealing with a stubborn injury or chronic pain, and conventional treatments haven’t worked, you may have heard of Shockwave Therapy. At One Health Osteopathy Clinic in Tunbridge Wells, we offer Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) as part of our treatment options for pain relief and soft tissue repair — and the results can be transformative.

But what exactly is it, and who can benefit? Let’s take a closer look at the science, the conditions it helps, and why One Health Osteopathy Clinic is the right place to start your recovery.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic energy waves to stimulate healing in injured or painful tissues. These pulses improve blood flow, break down scar tissue and calcification, and trigger the body’s natural repair processes.

Originally developed for kidney stones, its use in musculoskeletal care has been widely researched and refined — with a strong evidence base behind it.

What Does the Research Say?

Several peer-reviewed studies support the use of Shockwave Therapy for a variety of conditions:

• Plantar fasciitis: Studies show significant pain reduction, even in chronic cases resistant to other treatments.
• Tendinopathies: Includes Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff (shoulder) tendinopathies, often improving mobility and pain scores after a few sessions.
• Calcific shoulder tendinitis: Proven to break down calcium deposits and improve function.
• Tennis/Golfer’s elbow (lateral/medial epicondylitis): Clinical trials report marked pain relief and restored movement.
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip bursitis): Helps reduce inflammation and increase strength.

A 2020 systematic review published in Clinical Rehabilitation concluded that Shockwave Therapy provides a safe, effective, and evidence-based solution for chronic soft tissue conditions, particularly when combined with rehabilitative support.

Who Can Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?

You might consider Shockwave Therapy if you:

• Have had pain for longer than 3 months
• Have tried rest, osteopathy, stretching, massage, physiotherapy or injections with little improvement
• Are looking to avoid surgery or long-term medication
• Need support returning to sport, work, or daily activities

We commonly treat:

• Plantar fasciitis & heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Shoulder pain (especially rotator cuff and calcific tendinitis)
• Tennis & golfer’s elbow
• Gluteal & hip pain
• Shin splints
• Patellar (jumper’s knee) pain
• Hamstring or adductor tendinopathies

What Happens During Treatment?

At One Health Osteopathy Clinic, your first session includes a thorough assessment to ensure Shockwave Therapy is right for you. If suitable, we’ll begin treatment straight away.

Each session involves:

• Targeted application of the shockwaves using a handheld device
• A sensation that feels like tapping or pulsing — not painful, but noticeable and we will adapt the frequency to your pain tolerance
• Lasts around 15 to 20 minutes
• Typically recommended as a course of 6 treatments, once weekly

Although there can be an increase in symptoms for a few days after treatment. There’s no downtime, and you can usually continue your normal activities after.

Why Choose One Health Osteopathy Clinic?

At One Health, we take pride in combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on, personalised care.

Here’s why patients choose us:

• Experienced practitioners trained in osteopathy, sports injury, and rehab
• Genuine clinical insight — we don’t just treat symptoms, we investigate root causes
• Top-grade medical Shockwave device for consistent, evidence-based outcomes
• Central Tunbridge Wells location
• Integrated care — we can combine Shockwave with osteopathy, soft tissue massage, exercise advice & rehab

Our goal? To help you move better, feel stronger, and recover fully — not just temporarily patch over the problem.

Let’s Work Together

Whether you’re a runner, office worker, new parent, or anyone in between — if pain is affecting your quality of life, we’d love to help.

Click Here to Book a consultation at our Tunbridge Wells clinic or for further information check out our website, email us or follow us on Facebook or Instagram:

www.onehealthclinic.co.uk
onehealthclinictw@gmail.com
Follow us on social media @onehealthtw