Repairs the tendon directly
How shockwave therapy treats Achilles tendinopathy
1 · Acoustic pulses
Focused acoustic energy is delivered to the affected Achilles tendon — stimulating cellular repair mechanisms the tendon's limited blood supply otherwise restricts.
2 · Tendon healing
Shockwave activates tenocytes (tendon repair cells), promotes neovascularisation, and breaks down calcific deposits at the insertion.
3 · Restored function
Genuine structural tendon repair — not temporary suppression — producing sustained improvement at 12-month follow-up in published trials.
Find out if it's for you
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Your Achilles Problem?
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for Achilles tendinopathy that hasn't improved with rest, physiotherapy, or eccentric exercises:
Suitable if you:
- Achilles pain for 6 weeks or more
- Insertional or mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (confirmed or suspected)
- Limited improvement with eccentric loading (especially insertional)
- Want to return to running or sport
- Calcification at the tendon insertion visible on imaging
- Want to avoid surgery or cortisone injections
What to Expect
-
1Free Consultation — Dr Bahl reviews symptoms, duration, activity level and imaging
-
2Personalised plan — 3–6 weekly sessions, protocol adjusted for insertional vs mid-portion
-
3Weekly sessions — 15–20 min each, mild soreness 24–48 hrs is normal
-
4Return to sport — Most runners resume training within 6–12 weeks of completing treatment
What we treat
Achilles Treatment Services
Evidence-based, non-surgical shockwave therapy for both presentations of Achilles tendinopathy.
Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
For tendinopathy at the heel bone insertion — often with calcification. Eccentric loading can aggravate insertional presentations, making shockwave therapy the superior evidence-based option.
Mid-Portion Achilles Tendinopathy
For tendinopathy 2–7cm above the heel. Shockwave combined with heavy slow resistance produces the best non-surgical outcomes — superior to or comparable with surgical debridement in published trials.
Return to Sport
We provide graduated loading and return-to-running guidance alongside treatment. Most runners can resume training within 6–12 weeks of completing a course.
Achilles tendinopathy — particularly insertional — is one of the conditions where shockwave therapy has the strongest evidence base. Standard eccentric loading can actually worsen insertional presentations, which is why distinguishing between the two types matters. We adjust our protocols accordingly to produce results that are structurally durable rather than temporarily symptomatic.
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Treatments
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
NICE-recommended shockwave therapy for chronic heel pain.
Learn more →Hip Pain Treatment
Shockwave therapy for trochanteric bursitis and gluteus medius tendinopathy.
Learn more →Tennis Elbow Treatment
Clinically proven shockwave therapy for lateral epicondylitis.
Learn more →From Our Blog
Evidence-based articles on musculoskeletal conditions and shockwave therapy from our clinical team.
MSK • 2026
Tennis Elbow: Why Shockwave Therapy Is the Smarter Fix
Lateral epicondylitis not healing? Focal shockwave offers drug-free, evidence-based relief.
Read article →MSK • 2026
Frozen Shoulder — and How Focal Shockwave Can Set You Free
Adhesive capsulitis causing pain and stiffness? Shockwave therapy offers drug-free relief without surgery.
Read article →Get Your Achilles Properly Assessed
Dr Bahl will distinguish between insertional and mid-portion tendinopathy, confirm whether shockwave therapy is the right option, and explain expected outcomes honestly. Free consultation at 22 Notting Hill Gate, London W11.
Book TodayBy booking an appointment you agree to our Privacy Policy
Find Us on Google
Share your experience — your review helps others find our clinic.

