Condition library

What is radial shockwave therapy and what should I expect?

By Guy Murray, BA, BOst (Hons), HDip NMT · Last reviewed: 12 October 2026

Radial shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment for long-standing tendon and soft tissue pain. A handheld applicator delivers rapid pressure pulses through the skin, felt as strong tapping over the painful area. It's mainly used for persistent problems that haven't settled with exercise and other treatment — most commonly plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis and golfer's elbow, calcific shoulder tendinopathy and pain on the outside of the hip. It's normally given as a course of sessions at least three days apart, alongside other treatment and a rehab exercise plan. Glasgow Sport & Spine Clinic in Glasgow (G40) offers radial shockwave as a standalone session, a block of six, or added to a treatment session.

Conditions it's commonly used for

• plantar fasciitis / plantar heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• tennis and golfer's elbow
• calcific shoulder tendinopathy
• patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
• pain on the outside of the hip (greater trochanteric pain)

The research supporting shockwave is stronger for some conditions (such as plantar heel pain and calcific shoulder tendinopathy) than others. It isn't suitable for every problem, which is why assessment comes first.

What a session involves

• Assessment — confirming the diagnosis and that shockwave is appropriate for you.
• Treatment — gel is applied and the applicator is moved over the painful area. Intensity is adjusted to what you can tolerate. The shockwave itself takes about five minutes.
• Afterwards — mild soreness, redness or tenderness for a day or two is common. Most people carry on with normal daily activities. You'll be given guidance on exercise and activity between sessions.

How many sessions?

Sessions are at least three days apart. How many you need depends on the condition, how long you've had it, and your age, general health and lifestyle, so the course is agreed with you after assessment. Improvement is often gradual over the weeks of a course, as the tissue responds, rather than immediate.

Shockwave is rarely used on its own here. Most conditions have contributing causes elsewhere in the body, so it's usually combined with other treatment aimed at those causes, which is explained to you and only done with your agreement.

Who shouldn't have shockwave

Shockwave is generally not used:

• during pregnancy
• if you have a bleeding disorder or take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication
• over areas of cancer, infection or open wounds
• over growth plates in children and adolescents
• within several weeks of a steroid injection to the same area
• near a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device

You'll be screened for these before treatment.

Cost

Radial shockwave is available as a standalone session, as a block of six standalone sessions, or added to a treatment session for a reduced fee. Current prices are on the treatments and pricing page.

Frequently asked questions

Does shockwave hurt?

It can be uncomfortable over the sore spot, but intensity is adjusted to you. Most people find it very tolerable.

Is radial shockwave the same as focused shockwave?

No. Radial shockwave spreads energy over a wider, shallower area and is widely used for tendon problems; focused shockwave concentrates energy at a deeper point. Glasgow Sport & Spine Clinic uses radial shockwave.

Will I need to stop exercising?

Usually not. You may be advised to avoid heavy loading of the treated area for a day or two afterwards.

Can shockwave be used with other treatment?

Yes — it works best as part of a plan that includes exercise rehab, which is how it's used here.