
Shockwave therapy (ESWT)
At Supafoot Cheltenham, we offer Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to help with lower limb tendon and soft tissue injuries.
This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves (not electric shocks!) to target the affected area. These waves stimulate blood flow and kick-start your body’s natural healing process. It can even help reduce pain straight away.
Shockwave therapy is a well-known treatment in the UK. It’s often used to help with long-lasting tendon pain. By triggering a controlled inflammatory response, it encourages your body to heal itself faster—so you can get back to doing what you love without pain.
What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?
- Plantar fasciitis (plantar fasciopathy)
- Achilles Tendonitis (Achilles tendinopathy)
- Other lower limb soft tissue injuries.

FAQs
Does it hurt?
Some people can experience mild discomfort, while others don’t feel pain at all. The pain level can depend on the severity of your original injury and your personal threshold. Rest assured, we can alter the settings to make it as comfortable as possible for you.
Why choose shockwave therapy?
- It’s non-invasive, meaning you can get back to normal activities straight away.
- There’s no need for medications such as cortisone or surgery.
- You could experience some immediate pain relief.
- It stimulates and supports the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
What is the treatment process?
Each treatment only lasts around 5 minutes, delivering 2000 shocks per session. Protocol states that 3-5 sessions at weekly intervals is a reasonable expectation. Although the immediate to short-term effects alone are excellent, the long-term effects of shockwave therapy can take up to 4 months.
What to do following the treatment?
There are no restrictions after the treatment session – you can continue with your normal activities. You may use simple painkillers if still in pain. Do not use anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen/Voltarol or use ice on the treated area as both will affect the body’s inflammatory and healing process stimulated by the shockwave treatment.