Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain: Causes, Treatment & Recovery

Heel pain is one of the most frustrating and limiting conditions we see at Seventeen Physiotherapy Clinic. It can affect your ability to walk, exercise, or even stand comfortably often first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest. Many people try rest, stretching, insoles, or painkillers, only to find the pain keeps returning.

This is where shockwave therapy for heel pain has become a highly effective treatment option, particularly when symptoms persist for several months. Patients often ask whether shockwave therapy is safe, how it works, and whether it is effective for chronic heel pain.

In this guide, we explain the causes of heel pain, how shockwave therapy works, what recovery looks like, and why shockwave therapy in London is a trusted, evidence-based option for stubborn foot pain.

What Causes Heel Pain?

Heel pain is most commonly linked to plantar fasciitis, but several conditions can contribute, including:

• Plantar fasciopathy (degenerative changes of the plantar fascia)

• Achilles tendon insertion pain

• Overuse from running, walking, or standing

• Poor footwear or reduced foot support

• Sudden increases in activity levels

• Reduced ankle mobility or calf tightness

In many cases, heel pain becomes chronic when the tissue struggles to heal properly. Reduced blood flow, repetitive strain, and ongoing load prevent natural recovery, leading to long-term discomfort.

When symptoms last longer than 3–6 months, more advanced treatment such as shockwave therapy for heel pain is often recommended.

How Shockwave Therapy Works for Heel Pain

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves applied directly to the painful area. These sound waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response rather than masking pain.

Shockwave therapy helps heel pain by:

• Increasing blood flow to damaged tissue

• Stimulating collagen production

• Breaking down unhealthy tissue and calcification

• Reducing pain sensitivity in the area

• Encouraging long-term tissue regeneration

This makes shockwave therapy particularly effective for chronic heel pain that has not responded to rest, stretching, or standard physiotherapy alone.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe for Heel Pain?

A very common concern we hear is: Is shockwave therapy safe? The short answer is yes when delivered by a trained healthcare professional.

Shockwave therapy is:

• Non-invasive

• Drug-free

• Backed by strong clinical research

• Widely used in NHS and private practice

At Seventeen Physio, shockwave therapy is always preceded by a full assessment to ensure it is appropriate for your condition and medical history. This ensures treatment is both safe and effective.

Who Is Shockwave Therapy for?

Shockwave therapy for heel pain is particularly suitable if:

• Your heel pain has lasted longer than 2 months

• You experience sharp pain when taking your first steps in the morning

• Conservative treatments have failed

• You want to avoid steroid injections or surgery

• Pain is limiting walking, work, or exercise

Shockwave therapy is not recommended if you are pregnant, have certain neurological or circulatory conditions, or have active infections at the treatment site. Your clinician will always screen for contraindications.

Shockwave Therapy London: What to Expect

When choosing shockwave therapy in London, experience and clinical reasoning matter. At Seventeen Physiotherapy Clinic, treatment is delivered as part of a comprehensive care plan, not a standalone intervention.

A typical shockwave therapy plan includes:

• Initial assessment and diagnosis

• 3–6 shockwave sessions (usually weekly)

• Progressive loading and exercise rehabilitation

• Footwear and activity guidance

Each shockwave session lasts around 5–10 minutes, and while the sensation can feel intense, it is generally well tolerated and adjusted to your comfort level.

Shockwave therapy works best when combined with Physiotherapy and guided rehabilitation.

Recovery and Results: How Long Does It Take?

Unlike pain-relieving injections, shockwave therapy works by stimulating healing, so results are often gradual rather than immediate.

Most patients notice:

• Early pain reduction after 2–3 sessions

• Improved morning comfort within weeks

• Continued improvement for up to 12 weeks after treatment

This delayed response is normal and reflects tissue regeneration rather than short-term pain suppression.

Sticking to your rehabilitation plan is essential for long-term success.

Why Shockwave Therapy Is Often Chosen Over Injections

Many people with heel pain are offered steroid injections, but these do not address the underlying tissue health and may weaken structures over time.

Shockwave therapy offers:

• No medication or injections

• No downtime

• Long-term tissue healing

• Reduced risk of recurrence

For this reason, shockwave therapy for heel pain is often recommended before considering invasive options.

Conclusion

Heel pain can be debilitating, especially when it becomes chronic and resistant to standard treatments. Shockwave therapy for heel pain offers a safe, evidence-based solution that targets the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms.

If you’re searching for shockwave therapy in London, a personalised approach combining shockwave treatment, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation offers the best outcomes. With the right care, most people can return to walking, exercise, and daily life with significantly less pain. Book today for more detail !

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is shockwave therapy safe for heel pain?

Yes, shockwave therapy is considered very safe when performed by a qualified professional. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and widely supported by clinical research. Mild soreness after treatment is common but temporary.

2. How many shockwave therapy sessions are needed for heel pain?

Most people require between three and six sessions, usually spaced one week apart. The exact number depends on symptom severity, duration of pain, and how the tissue responds to treatment.

3. Does shockwave therapy hurt?

Shockwave therapy can feel uncomfortable during treatment, but the intensity is adjusted to your tolerance. Most patients describe it as manageable, and discomfort usually decreases as the condition improves.

4. How long does it take to see results from shockwave therapy?

Some improvement may be felt after a few sessions, but full benefits often develop gradually over several weeks as tissue healing continues following the completion of treatment.

5. Can shockwave therapy cure plantar fasciitis?

Shockwave therapy does not offer an instant cure, but it significantly improves pain and function by stimulating healing. Best results occur when combined with physiotherapy and appropriate loading exercises.

6. Is shockwave therapy better than steroid injections?

Shockwave therapy promotes long-term tissue repair without the risks associated with injections. It is often recommended before injections or surgery, especially for chronic heel pain.

7. Who should not have shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy may not be suitable if you are pregnant, have certain vascular or neurological conditions, or have an active infection at the treatment site. A full assessment ensures treatment safety.