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Shockwave therapy for shoulder pain in Tunbridge Wells
Shoulder pain from an irritated rotator cuff tendon can drag on for months. We scan the shoulder to find the cause, then combine focused shockwave with exercise, and an injection if the bursa is inflamed.
Free consultation, in person or by phone · £90 a session
£90Per shockwave session
FreeConsultation, in person or by phone
3–8Weekly sessions in a typical course
UltrasoundScan to find the cause first
Shoulder pain
When lifting your arm starts to hurt
Pain at the top or outer side of the shoulder is one of the most common reasons people come to see us. It often hurts to reach up to a shelf, put on a coat or lie on that side at night.
In most adults, the cause is the rotator cuff, the group of four tendons that hold the shoulder steady. The tendon most often affected is the supraspinatus, which runs over the top of the joint.
Over the tendon sits the subacromial bursa, a thin fluid-filled sac that helps it glide. When the tendon is irritated, the bursa often becomes inflamed too.
Supraspinatus tendinopathy and subacromial bursitis
Supraspinatus tendinopathy means the tendon has become painful and less able to cope with load. It usually builds up gradually, from repeated overhead work, a jump in sport or gym training, or simply age-related change. Some people also have small tears.
Subacromial bursitis is inflammation of the bursa over the tendon. It tends to cause a sharper ache, often worse at night.
The two often occur together, and the pain pattern is similar. An ultrasound scan helps us see which is causing most of your symptoms, and that shapes the treatment.
Calcium in the tendon? If the scan shows a calcium deposit, the evidence for shockwave is stronger. See our page on calcific tendonitis.
What shockwave may offer
Why people consider shockwave
Shockwave isn’t right for every shoulder, and the evidence is mixed for tendon pain without calcium. These are the reasons it may be worth trying.
No needles
Pulses are delivered through the skin, with no injection or anaesthetic.
Avoids repeated steroids
An option if steroid injections have only helped for a short time.
Works alongside exercise
Easing pain can make the strengthening exercises easier to keep up.
Back to normal the same day
Most people carry on with work and daily activities straight afterwards.
Is this right for you?Find out if shockwave suits your shoulder at a free consultation.
Shockwave therapy delivers short, high-energy sound pulses through the skin into the tendon. We use focused shockwave for the shoulder, because it reaches the deeper tendon under the bony arch of the shoulder blade.
Exactly how it helps isn’t fully understood. Research suggests the pulses may reduce pain signalling and prompt the tendon to start repairing.
01
Pain relief
The pulses are thought to calm the nerve endings that carry tendon pain.
02
A repair signal
Studies suggest shockwave may stimulate blood flow and tendon repair.
03
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Strengthening exercises then help the tendon adapt and cope with everyday use.
Who it suits
Who may benefit from shoulder shockwave?
Shockwave is usually considered when shoulder pain has lasted more than three months and hasn’t settled with rest, painkillers and a good exercise programme.
It tends to suit people with supraspinatus tendinopathy confirmed on a scan, especially if they would rather avoid repeated steroid injections.
For subacromial bursitis on its own, shockwave isn’t usually the first choice. An inflamed bursa often settles faster with an ultrasound-guided steroid injection and exercise. Shockwave may then help with the tendon underneath.
Getting the diagnosis right
What else could it be?
Several shoulder problems feel alike, and they need different treatment. At your assessment we look for signs of:
Calcific tendonitis, where a calcium deposit in the tendon causes pain and sometimes severe flares.
Frozen shoulder, where the shoulder becomes stiff in every direction, not just painful.
Arthritis of the shoulder joint or the small joint at the top of the shoulder.
A significant tendon tear, often after a fall, with marked weakness lifting the arm.
Pain from the neck, which can spread to the shoulder and upper arm.
An ultrasound scan of the tendons and bursa, alongside a careful examination, usually tells these apart.
The evidence
What does the research show?
The evidence for shockwave in the shoulder depends on whether there’s calcium in the tendon.
With calcium, several trials found focused shockwave reduced pain and helped deposits shrink [3].
Without calcium, results are mixed. A well-run trial found shockwave was no better than a sham treatment [2], and a Cochrane review judged the overall benefit uncertain [1].
So for supraspinatus tendinopathy without calcium, shockwave is something to try alongside exercise, not a guaranteed fix. Some people improve clearly, and others don’t. We’ll tell you honestly whether it’s worth trying for your shoulder.
Step by step
What happens on your treatment journey?
01
Step 1 of 4
Free consultation
We talk through your symptoms, work, sport and what you’ve tried so far. This can be in person or by phone.
02
Step 2 of 4
Assessment and scan
We examine the shoulder and scan the tendons and bursa with ultrasound, then explain what we think is causing the pain and your options.
03
Step 3 of 4
Your shockwave sessions
Gel is applied and the focused shockwave handpiece is held over the tendon. A session takes 30 minutes, or 50 minutes for the first. Most courses are 3 to 8 sessions, a week apart.
04
Step 4 of 4
Exercise and review
We give you shoulder strengthening exercises to do between sessions, and check your progress each visit. If you’re not improving, we’ll change the plan.
Step 1 of 4
When to get help
Shoulder pain that needs checking urgently
Get urgent medical advice if shoulder pain comes with chest pain or breathlessness, a fever, a hot red swollen joint, or sudden weakness after a fall. Call 999 if you think you might be having a heart attack.
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
Severe plantar fasciitis. Had several sessions with Gary, shockwave therapy. Really has settled down well. Gary provides calm reassurance coupled with great knowledge and expertise in the field.
Graham C. · 2026 · Google review
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
Gary is very knowledgeable and has given me lots of great advice and the treatment has been great! My pain levels are much better… Booking was easy using the online system and Gary has been very helpful and friendly.
Emily C. · 2023 · Google review
Plantar fasciitis★★★★★
I’ve just had my 6th treatment for plantar fasciitis and I am very happy with the reduction in pain so far. Gary has been so informative and invested in my healing process.
Olivia M. · 2025 · Google review
Achilles tendinopathy★★★★★
Gary was a great help, in particular his recommendations on using the balance pad to strengthen surrounding tendons… It took a long time to notice any major improvement… Give it a go, but please don’t expect it to work quickly and solve everything.
Max E. · 2026 · Google review
Achilles tendinopathy★★★★★
After an initial consultation with Gary for achilles tendonitis, an ultrasound scan followed by shockwave treatment, I then had weekly sessions over a period of 2 months… The shockwave results weren’t instantaneous and the pain sometimes fluctuated.
Mel R. · 2025 · Google review
Calcific tendonitis★★★★★
Attended Gary at the Vale Health Clinic for chronic shoulder calcific tendinopathy… Gary was informative, without being condescending, and explaining everything he was doing and why, as well as being personable and chatty!
Alison W. · 2026 · Google review
Tennis elbow★★★★★
I have had 5 sessions with Gary, and so far things are going really well. I am not totally pain free but am now able to do most things without a problem. He gave me gentle exercises to do… Gary is very knowledgeable and takes time to listen to you.
It can be uncomfortable, a deep tapping or pulsing feeling over the tendon. We start gently and adjust the intensity so it stays bearable.
Are there any risks or side effects?
The shoulder may ache for a day or two, and the skin can look red or slightly bruised. We don’t use shockwave in some situations, such as pregnancy or with certain blood-thinning medicines, and we check this at your consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
Usually 3 to 8 sessions, about a week apart. We review your progress as we go, and won’t continue if it isn’t helping.
How soon will it help?
Improvement is usually gradual over several weeks, and may continue after the course ends. It isn’t usually immediate.
Can shockwave help a rotator cuff tear?
It isn’t a treatment for a large or full-thickness tear. If the scan suggests a significant tear, we’ll talk to you about referral for a surgical opinion.
Should I have an injection instead?
If the bursa is very inflamed and pain is stopping you sleeping or exercising, an ultrasound-guided steroid injection may settle it faster. Some people have an injection first, then shockwave and exercise for the tendon.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Surace SJ, Deitch J, Johnston RV, Buchbinder R. Shock wave therapy for rotator cuff disease with or without calcification. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020;3(3):CD008962. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008962.pub2
Speed CA, Richards C, Nichols D, et al. Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy for tendonitis of the rotator cuff: a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2002;84(4):509–512.
Moya D, Ramón S, Guiloff L, et al. Current knowledge on evidence-based shockwave treatments for shoulder pathology. Int J Surg 2015;24:171–178. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.08.079
Written by Gary Edwards, Injection Therapist (PG Cert Injection Therapy) and Chiropractor (GCC 03996). Last updated 15 October 2026.
