Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy
What Is It?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate tissue repair, reduce pain, and improve function. There are two types we use in clinic: Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT), which delivers energy across a broader, more superficial area, and Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT), which penetrates deeper into targeted tissues. Each has unique applications, depending on your specific condition and goals.
How Does It Work?
Shockwave therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response. The mechanical energy delivered into the tissues helps:
- Increase blood flow and the formation of new blood vessels
- Break down scar tissue and calcifications
- Reduce inflammation
- Stimulate collagen production for tissue repair
- Desensitize nerve endings to reduce pain
This approach promotes regeneration in tissues that may otherwise struggle to heal on their own.
What Conditions Can It Help?
Radial and focused shockwave therapies are effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those that are chronic, stubborn, or unresponsive to other treatments. These include:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Hamstring and adductor strains
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Shin splints
- Trigger points and chronic muscle tightness
- Calcific tendonitis
- Non-union fractures and bone healing support
We’ll advise whether radial or focused treatment is more suitable, based on your clinical presentation.
What Does a Session Look Like?
A typical session lasts around 10–15 minutes. The process is straightforward:
- We apply a contact gel to the area to help conduct the waves
- A handheld device is used to deliver acoustic pulses to the affected tissue
- You may feel a tapping or pulsing sensation—some discomfort is normal, but we adjust the intensity to keep it tolerable
- There’s no downtime—most people walk out and carry on with their day
A course of treatment generally includes 4–6 sessions, although this can vary depending on the condition and individual response.
What Are the Benefits?
Patients often report improvements within just a few sessions. The key benefits include:
- Rapid pain relief
- Accelerated tissue repair
- Reduction in muscle tension and trigger points
- Enhanced mobility and joint function
- Avoidance of surgery or prolonged rest
- Minimal side effects and no recovery time
It’s an ideal op
Is the Treatment Safe?
Yes. Shockwave therapy has a strong safety profile when performed by trained clinicians. Side effects are rare and usually mild, such as short-term redness or soreness in the treated area. We carry out a full assessment to ensure it’s the right fit for you before proceeding.
Why Pick Us?
At Cardiff Pain and Performance Clinic, we go beyond symptom relief. Here’s what sets us apart:
- We use both radial and focused shockwave to tailor the treatment precisely to your needs
- All sessions are delivered by experienced clinicians with advanced training in soft tissue therapy and neuromechanical assessment
- We integrate shockwave into a broader treatment strategy, addressing not just where it hurts—but why it hurts
- You’ll receive honest advice, clear goals, and a hands-on plan to get back to doing what you love
We don’t just treat pain—we treat the person behind it.
