Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) in Canary Wharf, London
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment our HCPC-registered podiatrists use, alongside a structured loading programme, for chronic plantar heel pain and Achilles tendinopathy that has not settled with first-line care.
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The short answer
What this treatment is
Areas treated
What's included
- Non-invasive, drug-free adjunct for chronic plantar heel pain and Achilles tendinopathy that has not settled with first-line care
- Assessed and delivered by HCPC-registered podiatrists who are members of the Royal College of Podiatry (MRCPod)
- Reserved for persistent, refractory cases in line with NICE interventional procedures guidance, never offered as a first-line treatment
- Always combined with a progressive loading and rehabilitation programme, not delivered in isolation
- A clear contraindication screen at every visit, so treatment is only offered when it is appropriate for you
- Available at our Canary Wharf flagship clinic and our City Dock clinic in Wapping, with direct self-referral online
Boundaries of practice
What's not treated
Good practice means saying no when indicated:
- Pregnancy, or when actively trying to conceive
- Not suitable for under-18s without specialist input
- Active infection, open wound, or known or suspected tumour over the treatment area
- Clotting disorders, or anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication without prescriber clearance
- A recent corticosteroid injection to the area within the previous six weeks
- Suitability also depends on a vascular and medical assessment — people with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or reduced sensation (neuropathy) need individual vascular review before any treatment near the heel or tendon
Patient journey
What to expect
Consultation & preparation
Wear or bring loose clothing that lets the foot, heel, or lower leg be examined, eat normally beforehand, and stay hydrated. Bring any prior scan reports, GP letters, or specialist correspondence. Tell us before the session about pregnancy, blood-thinning medication, clotting disorders, recent corticosteroid injections, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or any history of a tumour, as these are screened-for contraindications.
During treatment
Aftercare
Mild redness, warmth, bruising, or aching over the treated area for a day or two is normal and usually settles on its own. You can resume light activity the same day but should avoid heavy or high-impact loading of the treated area for 24 to 48 hours. Keep following your prescribed loading programme, as that is what rebuilds the tissue. Seek same-day medical advice if you develop spreading redness, increasing or throbbing pain, fever or feeling generally unwell, or a sudden inability to bear weight on the treated leg.
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Written and medically reviewed by Christine Yau , Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director · HCPC-registered · MSc (Oxon) · National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) — Interventional Procedures; Royal College of Podiatry.
FAQ
Common
questions
What conditions do you use shockwave therapy for?
Our podiatrists use ESWT mainly for chronic plantar fasciitis (plantar heel pain) and Achilles tendinopathy that have not settled with several weeks of first-line care. NICE interventional procedures guidance allows careful use in these persistent, refractory cases. We do not offer it as a first-line treatment, and we will tell you honestly if your problem is unsuitable for shockwave.
Does shockwave therapy actually work?
The evidence is mixed. For some persistent cases of plantar heel pain or Achilles tendinopathy that have failed first-line care, shockwave can be a useful adjunct, which is why NICE allows its use under appropriate governance. It is not a guaranteed cure and works best alongside a loading programme. We reassess and stop if you are not improving.
Does the treatment hurt, and are there side effects?
Most people find it uncomfortable but tolerable, and the sensation settles as soon as the applicator lifts. Temporary redness, mild swelling, bruising, or aching over the treated area for a day or two is common and usually self-limiting. Our podiatrists screen for contraindications at every visit, which is how we keep the treatment appropriate and safe for you.
How many sessions will I need?
Shockwave is usually given as a short course of weekly sessions, but the right number depends on your problem, your response, and how your rehabilitation is progressing. We review after each session and only continue while you are improving. We will not commit you to a fixed package or add sessions the evidence does not support.
Do I need a GP referral, and is shockwave suitable for everyone?
No GP referral is needed — you can self-refer and book directly online. Shockwave is not suitable in pregnancy, over an active infection or tumour site, with clotting disorders or blood-thinning medication, or for under-18s without specialist input. Our podiatrists confirm your suitability with a medical and vascular check at your assessment before any treatment.
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Canary Wharf Podiatry • 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London E14 4HD
BookAppointments typically available within 1–2 weeks