Shockwave Therapy in Edinburgh
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses controlled acoustic energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing and repair processes. It can be an effective treatment option for a range of persistent tendon and musculoskeletal problems.
At ProMOTION Physiotherapy Edinburgh, Shockwave Therapy is delivered by experienced Chartered Physiotherapists using the Storz RSW-100 Radial Shockwave Therapy system with V-ACTOR.
Importantly, we don’t simply treat the painful area. Your Shockwave Therapy will form part of a personalised physiotherapy treatment plan, based on a thorough assessment of your individual problem.
Medically reviewed by Lisa Downes, Chartered Physiotherapist and Clinic Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy uses a handheld applicator to deliver controlled acoustic waves to the affected area. These waves can help stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, improve local circulation and reduce pain.
Shockwave Therapy can be particularly useful for some persistent tendon and musculoskeletal conditions, especially when symptoms have not fully responded to other treatments.
At ProMOTION Physiotherapy, Shockwave Therapy may be combined with exercise therapy, manual therapy, movement and load management advice and rehabilitation, where appropriate.
Watch: how Shockwave Therapy works
Why choose ProMOTION Physiotherapy for Shockwave Therapy?
Experienced Physiotherapists. Modern Technology. Personalised Care.
Experienced physiotherapists
At ProMOTION Physiotherapy, Shockwave Therapy is delivered by experienced Chartered Physiotherapists as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan.
Modern technology
We use the Storz RSW-100 Radial Shockwave Therapy system with V-ACTOR, one of the most modern radial shockwave systems available. The V-ACTOR hand piece provides deep vibration technology which encourages muscle relaxation and reduction in tone to the surrounding tissues.
Personalised care
Treatment parameters can be adjusted according to your individual condition and response to treatment.
Our Storz RSW-100 Shockwave Therapy system
Storz RSW-100 with V-ACTORModern radial shockwave technology
Foot and heel treatmentPlantar fasciopathy and Achilles problems
Knee treatmentPatellar tendinopathyImages courtesy of Storz Medical.
Your treatment starts with a full physiotherapy assessment
Before starting Shockwave Therapy, we carry out a thorough physiotherapy assessment to understand your symptoms, establish the likely cause of your problem and determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you.
Where indicated, Shockwave Therapy may then be combined with:
Our aim is not simply to reduce your pain, but to help you build strength, improve movement and return to the activities you enjoy.
What conditions can Shockwave Therapy help?
Shockwave Therapy may be recommended for a number of persistent tendon and musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain
- Some other persistent tendon and soft-tissue problems
Shockwave Therapy is not appropriate for every condition or every patient. Your physiotherapist will assess you and discuss whether it is a suitable treatment option for your particular problem.
Shockwave Therapy for runners
Are you a runner? Achilles, plantar fascia and patellar tendon problems are some of the most common running injuries we treat. We can combine Shockwave Therapy with running gait analysis to address the cause as well as the symptoms. You can also download our free running injury guide.
What can I expect from my Shockwave Therapy?
At ProMOTION Physiotherapy, we take a physiotherapy-led approach to Shockwave Therapy. Your treatment journey will typically involve three stages:
Assessment
Your treatment starts with a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment. We will discuss your symptoms, examine the affected area and identify any factors that may be contributing to your problem.
We will then explain your diagnosis and discuss whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you.
Shockwave Therapy
If Shockwave Therapy is recommended, your physiotherapist will use our Storz RSW-100 Radial Shockwave system with V-ACTOR to deliver controlled treatment to the affected area.
The treatment intensity and settings will be tailored to your individual condition and tolerance.
Rehabilitation
Shockwave Therapy is usually just one part of your treatment programme. Where appropriate, your physiotherapist will prescribe exercises and provide advice on managing activity and gradually returning to the activities that are important to you.
We will monitor your progress throughout your treatment and adapt your rehabilitation as you improve.
Shockwave Therapy prices
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Shockwave Therapy session | £85 |
| Course of 3 Shockwave Therapy sessions | £250 |
Shockwave Therapy follows a physiotherapy assessment, which is charged at our standard assessment rate.
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
How many sessions will I need?
The number of Shockwave Therapy sessions varies depending on your condition, how long you have had your symptoms and how you respond to treatment. Most patients require a course of 3-6 sessions, usually spaced around one week apart.
Your physiotherapist will monitor your progress and advise you on the most appropriate treatment plan. Shockwave Therapy is usually combined with exercise and rehabilitation to support longer-term recovery.
Will I need a Physiotherapy Assessment First?
Yes. At ProMOTION Physiotherapy, we always carry out a full physiotherapy assessment before starting Shockwave Therapy.
This allows us to understand your symptoms, establish an accurate diagnosis and determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you. We can then develop a personalised treatment plan, which may include Shockwave Therapy alongside exercise therapy, manual therapy and other appropriate treatments.
Are there any contraindications to Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is safe and well tolerated for most people, but it is not suitable for everyone.
Your physiotherapist will discuss your medical history and check for any factors that may make Shockwave Therapy unsuitable. These may include certain blood-clotting or bleeding disorders, pregnancy, some medications or medical conditions, and treatment over areas such as active infections, tumours or certain vulnerable tissues.
If you are unsure whether Shockwave Therapy is suitable for you, please discuss this with your physiotherapist before booking treatment.
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
Shockwave Therapy can feel uncomfortable or slightly painful during treatment, particularly when treating a sensitive area. However, the intensity can be adjusted to ensure the treatment remains tolerable.
Most patients describe the sensation as a series of rapid pulses or tapping over the treatment area. Any discomfort usually settles quickly after treatment.
Your physiotherapist will work with you throughout the session and adjust the treatment intensity according to your symptoms and tolerance.
When will I notice an improvement?
Improvement following Shockwave Therapy is often gradual rather than immediate. Some patients notice a change after just a few sessions, while for others it can take several weeks.
Your symptoms may continue to improve after your course of treatment as your body responds to the treatment and rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will monitor your progress and guide you through appropriate exercises and activity progression alongside your Shockwave Therapy.
Can Shockwave Therapy cause damage or side effects?
Shockwave Therapy is considered a safe treatment when delivered by a trained clinician following a proper assessment. Some people notice temporary redness, mild bruising, swelling or an ache in the treated area for a day or two afterwards. These effects normally settle on their own. Your physiotherapist will screen you for any reasons the treatment may not be suitable before you start.
Can I exercise after Shockwave Therapy?
In most cases you can carry on with normal daily activity straight away. We usually advise avoiding high-impact or heavy loading of the treated area, such as hard running or jumping, for around 48 hours after each session. Your physiotherapist will give you specific guidance and a graded exercise plan so you know exactly what to do between sessions.
Is Shockwave Therapy right for you?
If you have a persistent tendon or musculoskeletal problem that has not fully responded to treatment, Shockwave Therapy may be worth considering. We will first assess your problem and build a personalised physiotherapy and rehabilitation programme around your goals.
Not sure? Start with a full physiotherapy assessment.
