Plantar Fasciitis & Chronic Heel Pain
Sharp heel pain, worst on the first steps of the morning
Aggravated by: Standing, walking and running after rest
Read the guideCondition directory
Conditions we assess
Every condition below is assessed clinically first. Shockwave therapy is considered only where the diagnosis, symptom behaviour and rehabilitation plan support it.
Quick answer
Shockwave therapy is most commonly considered for plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis and golfer’s elbow, calcific and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, patellar tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome and proximal hamstring tendinopathy — always alongside progressive rehabilitation.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon or its heel attachment
Aggravated by: Running, jumping and hills; stiff in the morning
Read the guideTennis Elbow (Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy)
Pain on the outer elbow with gripping and lifting
Aggravated by: Typing, tools, racquet sports and carrying
Read the guideGolfer's Elbow (Medial Elbow Tendinopathy)
Pain on the inner elbow with gripping and lifting
Aggravated by: Golf, gym pulling, carrying and manual work
Read the guideCalcific Shoulder Tendinopathy
Shoulder pain with lifting, often with night pain
Aggravated by: Overhead reaching, dressing and lying on the shoulder
Read the guideRotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain
Pain and weakness with overhead or reaching movements
Aggravated by: Overhead work, gym pressing and lying on the shoulder
Read the guidePatellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
Pain just below the kneecap with jumping and landing
Aggravated by: Jumping, squatting, stairs and running
Read the guideGreater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Pain on the outer hip, often worse lying on that side
Aggravated by: Side-lying, stairs, walking and crossing legs
Read the guideProximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
Deep buttock pain at the sit bone, worse when sitting
Aggravated by: Sitting, sprinting, hills and hinging movements
Read the guideShin Pain & Running Injuries
Pain along the inner shin during and after running
Aggravated by: Running volume, hard surfaces and rapid load increases
Read the guideMyofascial Pain & Trigger-Point Symptoms
Localised muscle pain and tenderness
Aggravated by: Sustained postures, repetitive work and training load
Read the guideMedical disclaimer. Information on this website is provided for general education and does not replace an individual clinical diagnosis or medical advice. Shockwave therapy is not suitable for every person or every condition. A qualified clinician must assess suitability.
Written by the Back2Health physiotherapy and rehabilitation team · Clinically reviewed by the Back2Health clinical team · Last reviewed 3 August 2026
Find out whether shockwave is right for your condition
Start with a clinical assessment. The Back2Health team will evaluate the source of your symptoms, explain whether shockwave is appropriate and build a rehabilitation plan around your goals.