How Many Shockwave Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
One of the most common questions we receive at Lambert Sports Clinic before starting shockwave therapy is: how many sessions will I need? The honest answer is that it varies depending on the condition being treated, how long symptoms have been present, and how your body responds to treatment — but for most tendon conditions, 3 to 6 sessions is a typical course.
The Standard Course: 3 to 6 Sessions
Most clinical studies on shockwave therapy for tendinopathies use a protocol of 3 to 6 sessions spaced one week apart. This reflects the biological process that shockwave initiates — it takes time for the tissue healing and remodelling response to occur, and weekly sessions build on each other progressively.
In clinical practice at Lambert Sports Clinic, we typically plan a course of 3 to 4 sessions initially, review progress, and extend to further sessions if needed. Some patients reach their treatment goals within 3 sessions; others benefit from the full 6.
By Condition
Plantar Fasciitis / Plantar Heel Pain
Most clinical protocols use 3 to 5 sessions. Many patients experience meaningful improvement from session 2 or 3.
Achilles Tendinopathy
3 to 6 sessions is typical for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (at the heel bone attachment) may require a slightly different approach.
Tennis Elbow / Padel Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia)
3 to 6 sessions, typically combined with a progressive wrist extensor loading programme throughout.
Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder
2 to 4 sessions are often sufficient for calcium resorption in calcific tendonitis, as the calcium deposit itself responds relatively quickly to shockwave energy. Follow-up imaging is sometimes used to confirm resorption.
Patellar Tendinopathy
3 to 6 sessions, always in combination with a progressive tendon loading programme for the patellar tendon.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip Pain)
3 to 6 sessions. The deeper location of the gluteal tendons at the hip may require slightly higher energy settings.
How Quickly Will I Notice Improvement?
This varies between individuals and conditions. Some patients notice significant improvement within the first 2 to 3 sessions. Others find that the main benefit develops in the weeks following the completion of their course, as the tissue remodelling process continues.
It is common — and normal — to experience a temporary increase in discomfort in the 24 to 48 hours after each session, particularly the first one or two. This does not indicate that the treatment is not working.
Progress is reviewed at every session. At Lambert Sports Clinic we assess your response at each appointment and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. You won't be locked into a course that isn't delivering results.
What If I Don't Improve After the Planned Course?
If symptoms have not improved meaningfully after a full course of shockwave therapy combined with rehabilitation, your physiotherapist will review the diagnosis and consider whether further investigation or a different treatment approach is warranted. Shockwave is effective for most patients with appropriate indications, but it does not work for everyone, and this is something your physiotherapist will discuss openly with you.
Cost of Shockwave Therapy
At Lambert Sports Clinic, shockwave therapy is priced at £90 for the initial assessment and first treatment session, and £70 for follow-up sessions. A typical 4-session course therefore costs £300 (£90 + 3 × £70). Some private health insurance policies cover shockwave therapy — check with your insurer before booking.
Book Your First Shockwave Session
Initial assessment + first treatment from £90 · Follow-up sessions £70 · HCPC physiotherapists · Surbiton
Book Shockwave — From £90Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Suitability for any treatment is determined at individual clinical assessment. Outcomes vary between patients. Lambert Sports Clinic is CQC registered and all physiotherapists are HCPC registered.