Shockwave therapy in Manchester
Radial shockwave therapy at 77 Piccadilly, alongside your rehab
Reviewed by Nick Chatziviltsos: BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, PgDip in Sports and Exercise Medicine, HCPC PH114351, in practice since 2014. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment for stubborn tendon and soft tissue pain. It's most useful when a problem like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy or tennis elbow hasn't settled after a good rehab programme. At Athos Physio we use it as part of your physiotherapy, not instead of it, so you get the treatment and the strengthening plan that keeps the pain away.
We specialise in MSK physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation, injury prevention and biomechanics. Our clinic is inside F45 Manchester NQ at 77 Piccadilly, a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly station.
What is shockwave therapy?
Radial shockwave therapy sends short, strong pressure waves through the skin into the painful area. It's also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT. There are no needles or injections, and nothing goes under the skin.
Researchers think shockwave works in a few ways. It reduces pain sensitivity in the area, and it may restart the healing response in tendons that have stopped improving. It's a good fit for long-standing (chronic) problems, usually ones that have lasted 3 months or more.
Our shockwave machine
We use the Chattanooga Intelect RPW 2, a clinical radial shockwave system. It lets us:
set the pressure and frequency precisely, starting low and building up as you get used to it
choose from a range of applicators to suit the area, from a broad heel or hip to a small tendon at the elbow
use a "comfort mode" that ramps the energy up gradually, so the treatment is easier to tolerate
What can shockwave therapy help with?
Research supports shockwave for these conditions, especially when they haven't improved with exercise-based rehab alone:
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain). This is where the evidence is strongest.
Achilles tendinopathy, both mid-portion and insertional
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (pain on the outside of the hip, often called trochanteric bursitis)
Proximal hamstring tendinopathy (deep buttock pain when sitting or running)
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, where calcium deposits have formed in a rotator cuff tendon
Shockwave isn't a first-line treatment for new injuries, and it doesn't replace rehab. The best results come from combining it with a progressive loading programme. Not sure if it's right for you? Book an assessment and we'll tell you honestly.
How a shockwave session works
Assessment first. If you're new to Athos Physio, we start with a full 60-minute assessment. We confirm the diagnosis, check shockwave is suitable and safe for you, and build your rehab plan.
Finding the right spot. We locate the most painful area by touch and apply a little gel to the skin.
The treatment. The shockwave itself takes around 5 to 10 minutes. You'll feel a strong tapping sensation, which can be uncomfortable but should stay tolerable. We start low and adjust the intensity as we go.
Rehab. In a physio session, we use the rest of the time for hands-on treatment and to progress your exercises. On a shockwave-only course, we check your exercises are on track.
Most people need 3 to 5 sessions, about a week apart. Improvement often continues for several weeks after the last session.
After treatment
The area may feel sore or tender for a day or two. This is normal.
Some people get mild redness, swelling or bruising.
We'll tell you how to adjust your training or running for the first couple of days.
Keep going with your rehab exercises unless we tell you otherwise.
Who shouldn't have shockwave therapy?
We screen everyone before treatment. Shockwave isn't suitable if you:
are pregnant
have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication
have cancer, or a tumour near the treatment area
have an infection, open wound or skin condition in the area
have had a steroid injection in the area in the last 6 weeks
are under 18 and the area is near a growth plate
have a pacemaker or other implanted device near the area
If any of these apply, we'll talk you through other options.
Shockwave therapy prices
You can have shockwave as part of a physio session, or as a course of shockwave-only sessions.
Shockwave add-on to a physio session: £60
Shockwave-only package, 3 sessions: £180
The shockwave-only package is for patients we've already assessed, so we know shockwave is right for the problem.
If you add shockwave to a physio session, the physio part is charged as normal:
Assessment and treatment (60 min): £95
Follow-up (30 min): £55
Extended session (90 min): £135
So a 30-minute follow-up with shockwave costs £115 in total. No GP referral is needed. We work with Bupa, WPA, Vitality and Aviva. Check with your insurer whether your policy covers shockwave therapy. See our full price list.
Shockwave therapy FAQs
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It can be uncomfortable, especially over the most painful spot, but it shouldn't be unbearable. We start at a low setting and build up. Most people find it easier after the first minute or two, and later sessions are often more comfortable.
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Usually 3 to 5, about a week apart. We'll review your progress at each visit.
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Some people notice less pain after the first couple of sessions. For others it takes a few weeks after the course finishes. It works best alongside your rehab exercises.
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Yes, for most people. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, like soreness, redness or bruising. We screen you first to make sure it's suitable.
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Usually yes, with some adjustments for a day or two. We'll give you specific advice for your condition and your training.
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No. You can book directly. If you're new to us, book a 60-minute assessment and we'll check whether shockwave is right for you.
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Some policies cover it as part of physiotherapy, others don't. Check with your insurer before your appointment.
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Radial shockwave spreads the energy over a wider area and is well suited to tendon and soft tissue problems near the surface. Focused shockwave concentrates energy at a deeper point and is mainly used in hospitals and specialist clinics. We use radial shockwave.
📍 Book physiotherapy in Manchester city centre
Athos Physio is inside F45 NQ, 77 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2BU, a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly station and Piccadilly Gardens. We're open 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, so you can come in before or after work.
Your first appointment is a 60-minute assessment and treatment (£95). Follow-ups are £55 for 30 minutes, £95 for 60 minutes or £135 for 90 minutes. We work with Bupa, WPA, Vitality and Aviva, and you can see all our fees on the price list.
Can't get into town? We also offer home physio visits and online physiotherapy. Not sure physio is right for you? Book a free 15-minute call and we'll talk it through.
Call or WhatsApp 07475 433300, or book online.
Other services: Physiotherapy and active rehab · Sports massage · Pregnancy and postnatal physio · Home visits · Online physio
Written by Nick Chatziviltsos, physiotherapist and founder of Athos Physio, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, HCPC registered. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Insurance providers we are affiliated with
Athos Physio is a full-service physiotherapy clinic
We offer injury rehabilitation, post-surgery functional strengthening, deep tissue massage and pain relief, and strength training expertise. We support you in becoming pain-free so that you can achieve a limitless life experience. If you want to speak with us before booking a session you reach out via WhatsApp, call us or email us.
We are based in Manchester city centre a couple of minutes walk from Piccadilly train station and Piccadilly Gardens Square