Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy Treatment with Shockwave Therapy
Struggling with Persistent Heel and Achilles Pain?
If you've been experiencing chronic pain at the back of your heel, particularly where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone, you may have been diagnosed with Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy. This condition commonly affects athletes, runners, and those engaging in repetitive high-impact activities. However, it can also develop in individuals with poor biomechanics, inadequate footwear, or after a sudden increase in physical activity.
If physiotherapy, rest, and other treatments haven’t provided lasting relief, it may be time to consider Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)—a non-invasive, clinically proven approach to healing tendon injuries.
Symptoms of Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy
Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy is caused by chronic overuse, leading to degeneration, thickening, and inflammationof the tendon at its insertion point. Common symptoms include:
Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after activity
Tenderness and swelling around the Achilles insertion site
Difficulty walking, running, or pushing off the foot
Pain when wearing tight shoes or pressing on the affected area
How Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) Can Help
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms. It delivers acoustic pressure waves to the damaged Achilles tendon, encouraging tissue repair, breaking down calcifications, and improving circulation.
Key benefits of RSWT for Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy:
Promotes tendon regeneration by stimulating collagen production
Breaks down scar tissue and calcifications, improving flexibility
Enhances blood flow, accelerating the healing process
Reduces chronic pain by desensitising nerve endings
Provides a non-surgical solution with no need for painkillers or invasive procedures
What to Expect During RSWT Treatment
At Midtown Wellness Covent Garden, we offer expert Radial Shockwave Therapy administered by experienced osteopaths and physiotherapists.
Your treatment plan will typically include:
5-6 RSWT sessions, spaced 7-10 days apart, allowing for progressive tendon recovery.
Each session lasts 15-30 minutes, where controlled shockwaves are applied directly to the Achilles tendon.
Mild discomfort or a tapping sensation may be felt during treatment, but intensity can be adjusted for patient comfort.
Gradual pain reduction and improved mobility are often noticed after the first few sessions, with full benefits developing over time.
Combining RSWT with Rehabilitation for Best Results
To maximise the effects of RSWT, we recommend incorporating a structured rehabilitation programme alongside treatment. This may include:
Eccentric strengthening exercises to rebuild tendon strength
Stretching and mobility drills to reduce stiffness
Ice therapy to manage inflammation post-treatment
Footwear modifications to relieve tendon stress
Load management strategies to prevent reinjury
What Do the Studies Say?
Clinical research indicates that 70-85% of patients with Achilles tendinopathy experience significant pain relief and functional improvement following RSWT. Many patients who have suffered from persistent tendon pain achieve long-term recovery without the need for surgery.
Why Choose Midtown Wellness?
At Midtown Wellness, Covent Garden, London, we specialise in evidence-based RSWT treatments, tailored to individual patient needs. Our team consists of expert osteopaths and physiotherapists dedicated to delivering effective, non-invasive solutions for chronic tendon conditions. We are recognised by major health insurers, including Bupa, AXA, and Healix.
If you’re dealing with Achilles insertional tendinopathy and looking for an alternative to long-term pain management or surgery, book an appointment with us today and take the first step towards recovery!
