Relieve pain.
Accelerate healing.
Target the root of the problem.
Focused shockwave therapy at Physio Fitness is a non-invasive treatment that delivers high-energy sound waves deep into damaged tissue — precisely targeting the root of the problem. It requires no medication, no injections, and most people return to normal activities immediately afterwards.
What is focused shockwave therapy?
Focused shockwave therapy penetrates up to 12cm deep, making it particularly effective for deeper, more stubborn injuries that have not responded to conventional treatment. It is used to:
- Relieve pain from chronic tendon issues, joint degeneration, and bone bruising
- Stimulate cellular repair and natural tissue regeneration
- Improve range of motion and reduce stiffness
- Promote oxygen and nutrient delivery to the damaged area
- Avoid the need for injections or surgery
Want to know the science behind it?
Focused shockwave works by triggering a cascade of biological responses in the body — increasing tissue oxygenation, stimulating collagen production, desensitising nerve endings for pain relief, encouraging new blood vessel formation, and activating cellular repair at a mechanical level. It can also break down calcifications and boost bone healing activity.
What is radial shockwave therapy?
Radial shockwave therapy uses mechanical sound waves — delivered through a handheld device — to stimulate healing across a wide area of soft tissue. Rather than concentrating energy at a single deep point, radial shockwaves spread across the treatment area, making it ideal for superficial and overuse injuries. It is used to:
- Stimulate healing across a broad area of soft tissue
- Target tendon and ligament problems that have not responded to other approaches
- Reawaken the body’s own natural repair processes
- Treat superficial injuries up to 3–4cm deep
- Avoid the need for medication or injections
Want to know the science behind it?
Radial shockwave works by delivering mechanical pressure waves through the skin, creating a therapeutic effect across the treatment area. This stimulates increased blood flow, reduces localised inflammation, breaks down scar tissue, and triggers the body’s natural healing response at a cellular level.
What is the difference between radial and focused shockwave therapy?
Radial shockwave is a softer, broader treatment best suited for superficial injuries up to 3–4cm deep. Focused shockwave is more intense and targeted, reaching up to 12cm deep for deeper, more stubborn or bone-related conditions. Your clinician will advise which is right for you — and sometimes both are used together for the best results.
Is shockwave therapy right for you?
Shockwave therapy is used for a wide range of complex and persistent conditions, particularly where other treatments have fallen short. It may be recommended for:
Tendon & soft tissue injuries:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff pain
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Calcific tendinitis
- Groin pain and tibialis posterior syndrome
Bone, joint & healing problems:
- Stress fractures and bone bruises
- Early-stage arthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder
- Frozen shoulder
- Shin splints
Complex & specialist conditions:
- Post-surgical recovery with poor healing
- Persistent inflammation not responding to rehab
Shockwave therapy is only ever recommended when your clinician believes it will genuinely benefit your recovery. It will always be part of a wider treatment plan, never a standalone procedure.
Your questions, answered.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, particularly over sensitive areas. Intensity is always adjusted to your comfort level, and any discomfort typically settles quickly after the session.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients require between 3 and 6 sessions, depending on the condition being treated and how your body responds. After your initial assessment, we will give you a clear plan with realistic expectations.
How quickly will I see results?
Some patients notice improvement after the first few sessions, while others see gradual progress over the course of their treatment. The full benefit is often felt in the weeks following the completion of your programme.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is a well-researched, clinically proven treatment with a strong safety record. It is only recommended following a thorough assessment to confirm it is appropriate for your condition.
Can shockwave therapy be used alongside other treatments?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is most effective when delivered as part of a wider treatment plan. At Physio Fitness it is commonly combined with physiotherapy, functional rehab, and sports massage to support the best possible outcomes.
Is shockwave therapy suitable for everyone?
Your clinician will carry out a full assessment before recommending shockwave therapy, and will always guide you towards the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Take the first step towards moving better
If pain, injury, or restriction is holding you back, shockwave therapy may offer a new direction for your recovery. We are here to guide you with clear advice, personalised treatment, and a plan that works for your life.
Physio Fitness is located at Swallow Barn, Parley Green Lane, BH23 6BB — easily accessible from across Bournemouth and Dorset, with free on-site parking.
