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Tennis Elbow Treatment in Brighton & Hove: Why Shockwave Therapy Works When Nothing Else Has

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:04:20 GMT

Tennis Elbow Treatment in Brighton & Hove: Why Shockwave Therapy Works When Nothing Else Has

Tennis elbow is one of those injuries that sounds minor but can completely disrupt your daily life. Gripping a coffee mug, turning a door handle, shaking someone's hand — when your elbow is affected, even the simplest tasks become painful. And despite its name, you certainly don't need to play tennis to develop it.

If you're in Brighton or Hove and dealing with persistent elbow pain that hasn't responded to rest, ice, or physiotherapy exercises, shockwave therapy may be the treatment that finally makes the difference. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow — medically known as lateral epicondylitis — is a condition affecting the tendons that attach to the outer (lateral) side of the elbow. These tendons connect the forearm muscles used for gripping, twisting, and lifting to the bone at the elbow joint.

When these tendons are repeatedly strained through overuse, micro-tears develop in the tissue. Over time, the body's attempt to repair these tears leads to a build-up of disorganised scar tissue and a breakdown of the normal tendon structure. This is why doctors increasingly refer to the condition as a "tendinopathy" (a degenerative tendon problem) rather than a "tendinitis" (which implies active inflammation).

The related condition on the inner side of the elbow, known as golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), follows the same pattern and responds equally well to shockwave therapy.

Who Gets Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is extremely common, particularly among adults aged 35 to 55. Despite the name, most cases have nothing to do with racquet sports. The most frequent causes we see at our Hove clinic include repetitive computer mouse and keyboard use, manual work involving gripping tools (plumbing, carpentry, gardening), carrying heavy bags or children, gym exercises such as pull-ups and deadlifts, and cooking and food preparation involving repetitive chopping or stirring.

Essentially, any activity that involves repetitive gripping or wrist extension can overload these tendons. Many of our patients are office workers, tradespeople, or keen home gardeners who have gradually developed the condition over weeks or months.

Why Tennis Elbow Becomes a Stubborn Problem

One of the most frustrating aspects of tennis elbow is how long it can linger. The NHS advises that it can take anywhere from six months to two years to fully resolve on its own — and some people find that it never fully settles without intervention.

The reason is the same as with plantar fasciitis and other chronic tendon conditions: the tendon tissue has a limited blood supply, and once damage becomes chronic, the body's natural repair mechanisms stall. The tissue enters a cycle of degeneration where it's no longer actively trying to heal. Rest alone won't fix tissue that has stopped healing.

This is precisely why shockwave therapy is so effective for this condition. Rather than masking the pain, it restarts the biological repair process at the cellular level.

How Shockwave Therapy Treats Tennis Elbow

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) delivers focused acoustic waves into the damaged tendon tissue at the elbow. These mechanical pulses create several therapeutic effects that work together to promote healing.

The acoustic waves stimulate increased blood flow to the poorly vascularised tendon, providing the building blocks for tissue repair. They trigger the release of growth factors that promote collagen production and the formation of healthy new tendon fibres. They also help to break down calcified deposits and disorganised scar tissue, allowing the tendon to remodel with a more functional structure. Additionally, the treatment provides direct pain relief through neuromodulation — effectively dampening the overactive pain signalling that develops in chronic conditions.

Evidence: Shockwave therapy has been extensively studied for tennis elbow, with multiple randomised controlled trials demonstrating significant improvements in pain and grip strength compared to placebo. It is now widely recommended when conservative measures have failed, as a non-surgical alternative that can prevent the need for injections or surgery.

What Happens During Your Treatment

At Hove Shockwave, your first appointment begins with a comprehensive assessment by Dr Lewis Kingsnorth. This includes a detailed history of your symptoms, a physical examination of the elbow and forearm, and specific tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the tendon damage.

Treatment itself involves applying a small amount of coupling gel to the outer elbow and using a handheld shockwave device to deliver precisely targeted acoustic waves to the affected tendon. A typical session lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You'll feel a rhythmic tapping sensation, which can range from mild to moderately uncomfortable depending on the severity of the condition. The intensity is always adjusted to what you can comfortably tolerate.

Most patients need four to six sessions spaced one week apart. Improvement is usually gradual — many people notice that their grip strength starts returning and that daily activities become less painful within the first two to three weeks of starting treatment.

What About Injections?

Injections have traditionally been a go-to treatment for tennis elbow, but the evidence for their long-term effectiveness is increasingly poor. While an injection can provide rapid pain relief in the short term (typically two to six weeks), research consistently shows that outcomes at six and twelve months are no better — and often worse — than doing nothing at all.

This is because injections can suppress the body's natural healing response, and repeated injections can weaken the tendon tissue further. For this reason, many orthopaedic specialists now advise caution with repeated injections for tendon conditions and increasingly recommend shockwave therapy as a more effective long-term solution.

Combining Shockwave with EMTT

At Hove Shockwave, we also offer Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) — a complementary technology that uses high-intensity magnetic pulses to stimulate cellular repair. When combined with shockwave therapy, EMTT can enhance treatment outcomes, particularly for stubborn or severe cases of tennis elbow.

EMTT is completely painless and "touch-free," making it an excellent option for patients whose elbow is too tender for direct contact during the early stages of treatment. Dr Kingsnorth will advise whether combined treatment would be beneficial for your specific case.

Self-Care Tips Alongside Treatment

While shockwave therapy addresses the damaged tissue directly, there are practical steps you can take to support your recovery and prevent recurrence.

Avoid activities that aggravate the pain where possible — this doesn't mean complete rest, but rather modifying how you grip and lift. Using the palm of your hand rather than gripping with fingers can reduce tendon load significantly. When lifting objects, try to keep your palm facing upwards rather than downwards.

Eccentric strengthening exercises — where you slowly lower a light weight with your wrist — are well supported by research for tendon rehabilitation and can be started once your pain begins to settle. Dr Kingsnorth will provide specific exercise guidance as part of your treatment plan.

If your tennis elbow is work-related, consider ergonomic adjustments to your desk setup. A vertical mouse, a wrist rest, and regular breaks from repetitive tasks can all make a meaningful difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for shockwave to work on tennis elbow? Most patients notice gradual improvement over two to four weeks, with continued healing for up to three months after completing the course of treatment. Four to six sessions are typically recommended.

Should I stop using my arm during treatment? Complete rest isn't usually necessary or advisable. We recommend modifying activities to reduce strain on the tendon while continuing to use the arm normally for day-to-day tasks.

Can shockwave therapy treat golfer's elbow as well? Yes. Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow and responds very well to the same shockwave treatment protocol.

Is shockwave therapy better than physiotherapy for tennis elbow? They work well together. Physiotherapy exercises support tendon remodelling and strengthening, while shockwave therapy directly stimulates the biological healing process. We often recommend combining both approaches for the best outcomes.

Struggling With Elbow Pain? If tennis or golfer's elbow has been affecting your daily life, book a shockwave assessment with Dr Kingsnorth at our Hove clinic.

Book Your Assessment — or call 01273 324466 | We accept Vitality and AXA insurance

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Brighton & Hove: How Shockwave Therapy Can End Your Heel Pain

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:50:30 GMT

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Brighton & Hove: How Shockwave Therapy Can End Your Heel Pain

By Dr Lewis Kingsnorth DC MChiro — Certified Shockwave Specialist at Hove Shockwave
Published: April 2026 | 7 minute read

If you've ever experienced that sharp, stabbing pain under your heel when you take your first steps in the morning, you're likely dealing with plantar fasciitis. It's one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting roughly 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives, and it can turn simple activities like walking to the shops or taking the dog out along Hove seafront into a painful ordeal.

The good news is that plantar fasciitis doesn't have to be something you just "live with." At Hove Shockwave, we use extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) — a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment that's recommended by NICE and used across the NHS — to help patients in Brighton and Hove get back on their feet, often after other treatments have failed.

What Exactly Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue running along the underside of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. It acts as a natural shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot every time you take a step.

When this tissue becomes overloaded — through repetitive strain, prolonged standing, changes in activity, or simply wear and tear — it can develop micro-tears and become inflamed. This is plantar fasciitis, and it typically presents as pain concentrated around the inner edge of the heel, worst first thing in the morning and after periods of rest.

Common risk factors include spending long hours on your feet at work, wearing unsupportive footwear, recent increases in exercise (particularly running), carrying excess body weight, and reduced ankle flexibility. It's seen frequently in both active individuals and those with more sedentary lifestyles.

Why Does Plantar Fasciitis Become Chronic?

Many people find that their heel pain persists for months, sometimes years, despite trying rest, stretching, insoles, and anti-inflammatory medication. This happens because the plantar fascia has a relatively poor blood supply, which means the body's natural healing process can stall. Over time, the condition shifts from acute inflammation to a chronic degenerative state — the tissue isn't actively inflamed so much as it has simply stopped healing properly.

This is precisely where shockwave therapy excels. It's most effective when pain has become chronic — typically lasting three months or longer — and other conservative treatments have not resolved the problem.

How Shockwave Therapy Treats Plantar Fasciitis

Shockwave therapy works by delivering focused acoustic (sound) waves into the damaged tissue. These waves create controlled micro-trauma at the cellular level, which triggers several important healing responses in the body.

First, it stimulates increased blood flow to the affected area, bringing the oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair. Second, it promotes the release of growth factors and activates stem cells, encouraging the formation of healthy new tissue. Third, it helps to break down calcified deposits and scar tissue that may have built up around the plantar fascia. Finally, it provides a direct analgesic (pain-relieving) effect by overstimulating nerve endings and reducing the transmission of pain signals.

Put simply, shockwave therapy takes a tissue that has become "stuck" in a chronic state and restarts the healing process, moving it back into an active repair phase.

Key point: A 2024 meta-analysis published in Foot and Ankle Surgery reviewed 15 randomised controlled trials involving over 1,100 patients and found that shockwave therapy performed significantly better than placebo for plantar fasciitis pain, and showed comparable or superior results to other conservative treatments including injections.

What to Expect During Treatment at Hove Shockwave

Your first appointment at our Hove clinic lasts approximately 30 minutes. Dr Lewis Kingsnorth will begin with a thorough assessment of your foot, including a review of your medical history, a physical examination of the affected area, and, where appropriate, an X-ray using our on-site digital imaging facilities to rule out structural issues such as fractures or significant heel spurs.

Once we've confirmed that shockwave therapy is appropriate for you, treatment can begin the same day. A coupling gel is applied to the heel and a handheld device delivers precise shockwaves to the target area. Each session lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. You may feel some discomfort during the procedure — most patients describe it as a tapping or pulsing sensation — but the intensity is adjusted throughout to ensure it remains tolerable.

Most patients require between four and six sessions, typically spaced one week apart, to achieve lasting improvement. Many people notice a reduction in their morning heel pain within the first two to three sessions, with continued improvement over the following weeks as the tissue repairs itself.

Shockwave vs. Other Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

You may be wondering how shockwave compares to the other options available. Here's a practical overview based on current clinical evidence and our experience treating patients here in Brighton and Hove.

Injections

Injections can provide rapid short-term relief, but the effect often wears off within a few weeks to months, and repeated injections carry a risk of weakening or rupturing the plantar fascia. Recent research has shown that shockwave therapy tends to provide superior long-term outcomes compared to injections, with a lower risk of recurrence.

Orthotics and Insoles

Custom orthotics can be helpful for managing biomechanical contributors to plantar fasciitis, and we often recommend them as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, on their own, they address the symptom rather than the underlying tissue damage.

Surgery

Surgical release of the plantar fascia is typically only considered after 6 to 12 months of failed conservative treatment. It carries risks including infection, nerve damage, and changes to foot biomechanics. Shockwave therapy offers an effective non-surgical alternative that should be tried before considering an operation.

Rest And Stretching Alone

While stretching the calf and plantar fascia is beneficial and we encourage it alongside shockwave treatment, rest and stretching alone are often insufficient for chronic cases where the tissue has entered a degenerative cycle.

Who Is Shockwave Suitable For?

Shockwave therapy is suitable for most adults experiencing plantar fasciitis that hasn't responded adequately to first-line treatments such as rest, stretching, ice, and appropriate footwear. It's particularly effective for patients who have had symptoms for three months or more.

There are a small number of contraindications. We would not recommend shockwave therapy if you are pregnant, if you have a blood clotting disorder or are taking anticoagulant medication (other than aspirin), or if there is a tumour or active infection in the treatment area. Dr Kingsnorth will discuss your suitability during your initial consultation.

Why Choose Hove Shockwave for Your Plantar Fasciitis Treatment?

At Hove Shockwave, we're not a general physiotherapy practice that happens to have a shockwave machine. Shockwave therapy is our specialism. Dr Lewis Kingsnorth is a certified shockwave therapist with years of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions, and we use professional-grade focused and radial shockwave equipment — the same technology used in leading NHS hospitals and professional sports medicine.

We also have digital X-ray facilities on site, which means we can carry out imaging as part of your assessment without referring you elsewhere. This allows for a faster, more accurate diagnosis and means your treatment can often begin on the same day as your first visit.

Our clinic is conveniently located at 82 Goldstone Villas in Hove, easily accessible from Brighton, Portslade, Shoreham, and across East and West Sussex. We accept Vitality and AXA health insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shockwave sessions do I need for plantar fasciitis?

Most patients require four to six weekly sessions. Some people experience significant improvement after just two or three treatments, while more longstanding cases may need additional sessions.

Does shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis hurt?

You'll feel a tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment. It can be mildly uncomfortable but is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. The intensity is always adjusted to your comfort level.

How quickly will I see results?

Many patients notice improvement in their morning heel pain within the first two to three weeks. Full results continue to develop over six to twelve weeks as the tissue heals and strengthens.

Is shockwave therapy available on the NHS?

Shockwave therapy is recommended in NICE guidelines and used in some NHS settings, but waiting times can be lengthy. At Hove Shockwave, you can typically be seen within a few days of booking.

Can I walk after shockwave treatment?

Yes, you can walk immediately after treatment and return to normal activities. We may advise avoiding high-impact exercise for 24 to 48 hours after each session.

Ready to Fix Your Heel Pain?

Don't let plantar fasciitis hold you back any longer. Book your initial assessment with Dr Kingsnorth today.

Or call us on 01273 324466

First, Love Yourself

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