Shockwave Therapy In Brighton And Hove
If you have been told your tendon pain, heel pain or shoulder pain just needs time and rest, you may have been given incomplete advice. When pain has been present for more than three months, the body's natural healing response often stalls — and rest alone will not restart it.
Shockwave therapy does. By delivering targeted acoustic energy to the affected tissue, it stimulates blood flow, breaks down calcification, and triggers genuine cellular repair. It is clinically proven, NICE-approved, used by professional sports organisations, and has over 1,000 published clinical trials behind it.
At Hove Shockwave we offer three types of shockwave therapy — radial, focused and EMTT — allowing us to choose the most appropriate technology for your specific condition and depth of tissue involved. All treatments are carried out by Dr Lewis Kingsnorth DC MChiro, a certified shockwave specialist.
Conditions treated with shockwave therapy
- Plantar Fasciitis And Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting around 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. It occurs when the thick band of tissue under the foot develops micro-tears and becomes damaged through overuse. The pain is typically worst first thing in the morning and after periods of rest.
Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for chronic plantar fasciitis. It works by restarting the healing process in tissue that has stopped repairing itself, stimulating blood flow and new cell growth. Research consistently shows that shockwave performs significantly better than placebo and delivers comparable or superior results to corticosteroid injections — with longer-lasting outcomes and no risk of tissue weakening.
We also treat Achilles tendinopathy using the same approach.
- Knee Pain
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee), quadricep tendinopathy and knee pain associated with osteoarthritis all respond well to shockwave therapy. Whether your pain is above, below or behind the kneecap, we can assess the cause and target the treatment accordingly.
For osteoarthritis of the knee, EMTT combined with shockwave can reduce pain, improve mobility and slow the degenerative process — offering a genuine non-surgical alternative for patients who want to avoid or delay joint replacement.
On-site X-ray is available to assess the severity of arthritis and rule out other structural issues.
- Tennis And Golfer's Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are caused by overloaded tendons at the elbow joint. Despite the names, most cases are caused by repetitive computer use, manual work or gym training — not racquet sports.
These conditions are notoriously stubborn because the tendons have a poor blood supply, which means the body struggles to heal them naturally. Shockwave therapy addresses this directly by stimulating blood flow and triggering tendon repair at the cellular level. It is now widely recommended when conservative treatments have failed, as a non-surgical alternative to cortisone injections.
- Shoulder pain — Rotator Cuff, Frozen Shoulder And Calcific Tendinitis
Shockwave therapy is highly effective for chronic shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement syndrome and calcific tendinitis. For calcific tendinitis specifically, focused shockwave can break down calcium deposits within the tendon without surgery — this is one of the most well-studied applications of shockwave therapy, with NICE guidelines supporting its use.
For frozen shoulder, shockwave can help manage pain, reduce inflammation in the joint capsule and accelerate recovery when combined with progressive stretching and manual therapy.
On-site X-ray and MRI access allow for accurate diagnosis at the first appointment.
- Chronic Back Pain, Nerve Pain And Disc Injuries
Shockwave and EMTT together offer an effective treatment approach for chronic lower back pain, radiculopathy and herniated disc recovery. EMTT penetrates deeper than conventional shockwave, reaching spinal structures that acoustic waves cannot.
This combination can reduce pain, improve mobility and support the body's recovery from disc injuries — without medication or surgery. On-site X-ray is available to assess the spine, pelvis and hips for structural issues and arthritis.
- Additional Conditions We Treat
Shockwave therapy is also effective for hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain, hamstring tendinopathy, tibial stress syndrome (shin splints), myofascial pain and trigger points, heel spurs, coccydynia, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and non-healing bone injuries.
If your condition isn't listed, please ask — shockwave has applications across a wide range of musculoskeletal problems.
Which shockwave technology is right for you?
Radial Shockwave The most widely used form. Effective for surface-level and mid-depth tendon conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and tennis elbow. Typically used first-line for most MSK conditions.
Focused Shockwave Delivers energy to a precise, deeper point within the tissue. Used for deeper tendon and bone conditions where radial shockwave cannot penetrate sufficiently. More targeted and often more powerful for complex cases.
EMTT — Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy The most advanced generation of shockwave-based technology. Uses high-intensity magnetic pulses rather than acoustic waves, reaching deeper tissue without physical contact. Particularly effective for arthritis, herniated discs, deep joint conditions and patients who have not responded to conventional shockwave. We are one of a small number of clinics in the UK offering EMTT.
Your First Appointment
Your initial appointment is 30 minutes. Dr Kingsnorth will take a full history, examine the affected area, and — where appropriate — carry out digital X-ray on site to confirm the diagnosis and rule out structural injury. Treatment begins at the same appointment.
Most patients need between 4 and 6 sessions at weekly intervals. Many notice some improvement within the first 2 to 3 sessions, with the full benefit continuing to develop for 6 to 10 weeks after the course of treatment. There is no downtime — you can return to normal activity immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients need 4 to 6 sessions. Dr Kingsnorth will give you a realistic indication after your first appointment based on your diagnosis, tissue condition and how long the problem has been present.
Will It Hurt?
Sessions can feel uncomfortable, particularly on sensitive areas such as the heel. The intensity is always adjusted to your tolerance. Most patients find it very manageable.
Is It Covered By Insurance?
We accept Vitality and AXA insurance and self pay for shockwave therapy. Please check your policy before booking.
Can I Have Shockwave If I've Already Had Injections?
Yes, though we typically recommend waiting at least 6 weeks after a s. injection before beginning shockwave. Please mention any recent injections at your consultation.
What Is EMTT And How Is It Different From Regular Shockwave?
EMTT uses magnetic pulse technology rather than acoustic waves. It is "touchless" — the applicator does not press against the skin — which makes it particularly suitable for swollen joints or very sensitive areas. It penetrates more deeply than standard radial shockwave and is often used alongside it for best results.
