Shockwave Therapy in Derby
If you’ve been dealing with persistent pain that hasn’t responded to rest or other treatments, Shockwave Therapy could be the next step towards real recovery. At Moko Physiotherapy in Derby, we deliver this evidence-based treatment as part of a structured physiotherapy programme, not as a standalone fix, but as a tool that works best alongside expert clinical care.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy uses a specialist device to deliver high-energy acoustic pressure waves directly into damaged or painful tissue. These waves create a controlled biological response that encourages the body to restart its own healing process, particularly useful in areas where that process has stalled.
First used in clinical medicine in the 1980s to break down kidney stones, the technology has been refined over decades and is now widely used in musculoskeletal physiotherapy for chronic tendon conditions and soft tissue injuries.
The evidence base is well-established. Clinical research consistently supports its use for a range of tendon and overuse conditions, particularly when other conservative treatments have not produced lasting results.How does it work?
The pressure waves stimulate increased blood flow to the affected area, promote the formation of new blood vessels, and trigger the body’s natural repair response. In tendon tissue, this can help break down calcifications, reduce chronic inflammation, and stimulate collagen production, the building block of healthy tendons.
What conditions can Shockwave Therapy treat?
Shockwave Therapy is commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions involving tendons, muscle insertions, and soft tissue, particularly where pain has persisted for more than three months or where other approaches have offered limited relief.
At Moko, we use it to treat:
If you’re unsure whether your condition would benefit, our physiotherapists are happy to advise during an initial assessment.
What to expect at your appointment
Shockwave Therapy at Moko is always delivered within a full 40-minute physiotherapy session. This means you won’t simply receive the machine, you’ll receive a thorough clinical assessment, hands-on treatment, and a personalised rehabilitation plan alongside it.
Your first session
- We'll take a detailed history and review what you've already tried
- A physical assessment of the affected area will identify the precise treatment sites
- We'll explain what to expect during and after treatment, including any post-session discomfort
- The Shockwave itself lasts approximately 10 minutes, applied directly to the affected tissue
- We'll agree a treatment plan and set realistic goals with you
Ongoing sessions
A typical course involves 4 to 6 sessions, usually spaced one week apart. Progress is reviewed regularly throughout, and the rehabilitation programme is adjusted as your recovery develops.
Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
We’ll be straightforward with you: yes, it can be uncomfortable during treatment. The sensation varies depending on the area being treated and the sensitivity of the tissue, but most patients describe it as a deep, achy pressure.
It’s common to experience some temporary increase in soreness, redness, or mild swelling in the hours after a session. This is an expected and positive response, it indicates the body is reacting and beginning to heal. This should settle within 24 hours and should not exceed a 5 to 6 out of 10 on a pain scale.
If you experience anything beyond this, or if discomfort is persisting, let your physiotherapist know at your next session.What results can I expect?
Shockwave Therapy at Moko is always delivered within a full 40-minute physiotherapy session. This means you won’t simply receive the machine, you’ll receive a thorough clinical assessment, hands-on treatment, and a personalised rehabilitation plan alongside it.
Your first session
- We'll take a detailed history and review what you've already tried
- A physical assessment of the affected area will identify the precise treatment sites
- We'll explain what to expect during and after treatment, including any post-session discomfort
- The Shockwave itself lasts approximately 10 minutes, applied directly to the affected tissue
- We'll agree a treatment plan and set realistic goals with you
Ongoing sessions
A typical course involves 4 to 6 sessions, usually spaced one week apart. Progress is reviewed regularly throughout, and the rehabilitation programme is adjusted as your recovery develops.
Why choose Moko Physiotherapy for Shockwave Therapy in Derby?
- Clinically integrated treatment
- Qualified physiotherapists
- Personalised rehabilitation
- Honest, transparent advice
- Central Derby clinic
Pricing
| Session | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy + Shockwave Therapy | 40 minutes | £105 |
The Shockwave treatment forms approximately 10 minutes of your 40-minute physiotherapy session. The remaining time is dedicated to clinical assessment, hands-on treatment, and rehabilitation guidance.
Not sure if Shockwave Therapy is right for you?
If you’ve been living with a stubborn injury or persistent tendon pain and you’re not sure where to turn, we’re always happy to have a conversation before you book. You can contact the clinic directly, and one of our physiotherapists will help you understand whether Shockwave is likely to help, or whether a different approach would serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients complete a course of 4 to 6 sessions, typically one per week. The exact number depends on the condition being treated and how your body responds. Your physiotherapist will review progress throughout and advise accordingly.
Shockwave is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended during pregnancy, over areas with active infection or open wounds, over bone growth plates in younger patients, or for people on blood-thinning medication. If you have a pacemaker or have recently received a steroid injection to the area, please let us know before booking. Your physiotherapist will always confirm suitability before treatment begins.
Many patients report a noticeable reduction in pain after 2 to 3 sessions. For some, improvement continues gradually after the full course is complete, as the tissue continues to heal. Results do vary, and your physiotherapist will set realistic expectations from the outset.
You may experience some temporary soreness or redness after treatment, which should settle within 24 hours. You don’t need to rest completely, but we’ll advise you on what activities to modify during the treatment course to protect the healing response.
No. Ultrasound uses low-energy sound waves to gently warm tissue and is a different treatment with a different mechanism. Shockwave uses high-energy acoustic pressure waves that create a stronger biological stimulus. The two are used for different purposes and are not interchangeable.
In some cases, Shockwave may be offered through NHS pathways for specific conditions such as plantar fasciitis or calcific shoulder tendinopathy, but availability varies and waiting times can be long. Moko Physiotherapy offers private appointments with no referral needed.
Wear or bring clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated. For lower limb conditions, shorts are ideal. For shoulder or upper back conditions, a vest or loose-fitting top works well.
Shockwave is primarily used for tendon and soft tissue conditions rather than joint arthritis. If you’re dealing with arthritic pain, our physiotherapy team can carry out a full assessment and discuss which treatments are most appropriate for you.
