If you’re struggling with persistent tendon pain, a sports injury, or a condition that hasn’t responded to other treatments, shockwave therapy may help.
At Sussex Physical Therapy, Dwaine Ford combines shockwave therapy with osteopathy and rehabilitation exercises to help address the underlying cause of pain and support long-term recovery. With over 18 years of clinical experience, Dwaine has helped a wide range of people recover from injury and return to the activities that matter to them, from recreational exercisers and active individuals through to professional athletes.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It is commonly used for persistent tendon problems, chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries that have failed to improve with rest or other forms of treatment.
Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, elbow pain, Achilles tendon problems or another long-standing injury, treatment suitability is always assessed on an individual basis.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), commonly known as shockwave therapy, is an evidence-based treatment used to encourage tissue healing and reduce pain in injured or damaged tissues.
The treatment works by delivering controlled acoustic pressure waves into the affected area. These waves stimulate blood flow, promote tissue repair and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for certain tendon-related conditions and chronic injuries where the normal healing process has slowed or stalled.
Unlike surgery or injections, shockwave therapy is non-invasive, requires minimal downtime and allows most people to continue with their normal daily activities during treatment.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Shockwave therapy is commonly used to treat a range of tendon-related injuries and persistent musculoskeletal conditions. Below are some of the most common conditions treated at Sussex Physical Therapy, although this is not a complete list.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated or damaged.
Shockwave therapy may help stimulate healing within the affected tissue and is often used when symptoms have persisted for several months.
For more information about treatment options, recovery and whether shockwave therapy may be suitable for your symptoms, see our page on shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, it can affect anyone and is often caused by repetitive strain through work, sport or daily activities.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used to support healing and reduce pain in long-standing cases that have not responded fully to rest or other treatments.
To learn more about how shockwave therapy may help reduce pain and support recovery, visit our page on shockwave therapy for tennis elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and can cause pain during gripping, lifting and repetitive arm movements.
When symptoms become persistent, shockwave therapy may help encourage tissue healing and support recovery.
For further information on symptoms, treatment and recovery, see our page on shockwave therapy for golfer’s elbow.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy commonly affects runners, active individuals and people who spend long periods on their feet.
Shockwave therapy may help improve healing within the tendon and is frequently used as part of a wider rehabilitation programme.
If you’re experiencing persistent Achilles tendon pain, learn more on our page about shockwave therapy for achilles tendinopathy.
Patellar Tendinopathy
Also known as jumper’s knee, patellar tendinopathy affects the tendon below the kneecap and is often associated with sport and repetitive loading activities.
Shockwave therapy may help reduce symptoms and support recovery when combined with appropriate rehabilitation exercises.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy & Shoulder Tendon Pain
Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common cause of shoulder pain and can make everyday activities such as reaching overhead, lifting objects or sleeping on the affected side uncomfortable.
Shockwave therapy may be beneficial for certain tendon-related shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tendinopathy and some cases of calcific tendonitis. Following a thorough assessment, Dwaine can advise whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific shoulder problem.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Shockwave therapy may also be beneficial for some people experiencing persistent knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
As with all treatments, suitability will depend on your individual circumstances and will be discussed during your consultation.
To find out how shockwave therapy may help improve mobility and manage knee pain, visit our page on shockwave therapy for knee osteoarthritis.
Looking for another condition? See a list of conditions commonly treated at Sussex Physical Therapy.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy has become increasingly popular because it offers a non-invasive way to support healing and recovery without the need for surgery or injections. While every person and condition is different, many people choose shockwave therapy because of the benefits it can offer.
Non-Invasive Treatment
Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that does not involve injections or medication. Treatment is delivered externally through the skin, making it a convenient option for many people seeking relief from persistent tendon pain and injury.
Encourages Natural Healing
The treatment works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response. By increasing blood flow and encouraging tissue repair, shockwave therapy may help support the recovery of damaged or irritated tissues.
Minimal Downtime
Most people are able to continue with their normal daily activities throughout a course of treatment. Unlike surgery, there is no lengthy recovery period, although activity modification may sometimes be recommended depending on the condition being treated.
Can Help Where Other Treatments Have Failed
Many people seek shockwave therapy after trying rest, stretching, exercise programmes or other treatments without achieving the improvement they were hoping for. Shockwave therapy can often be a useful addition to a wider rehabilitation plan for long-standing or persistent conditions.
Why Choose Dwaine Ford for Shockwave Therapy?
Choosing the right practitioner is just as important as choosing the right treatment.
With over 18 years of experience, Dwaine Ford has helped people recover from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, sports injuries and persistent pain problems. As a fully qualified osteopath and member of the Institute of Osteopathy, he takes a thorough, patient-focused approach to assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
Over the years, Dwaine has worked with people from all walks of life, from office workers and active individuals through to professional athletes. Regardless of your background or activity level, the goal remains the same: to help you recover safely, improve function and return to the activities that matter to you.
Unlike some clinics that offer shockwave therapy as a standalone treatment, Dwaine integrates shockwave therapy into a broader treatment approach that may also include osteopathy, rehabilitation exercises and practical advice tailored to your condition.
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Learn more about Dwaine Ford and his approach to treatment →
Shockwave Therapy, Osteopathy & Rehabilitation
One of the key advantages of treatment at Sussex Physical Therapy is that shockwave therapy is rarely used in isolation.
Many tendon injuries and persistent pain conditions develop because of a combination of factors, including movement patterns, training loads, mobility restrictions, muscle imbalances or previous injuries. Simply treating the painful area alone does not always address the underlying problem.
Where appropriate, Dwaine combines shockwave therapy with osteopathic treatment and personalised rehabilitation exercises. This integrated approach aims to reduce pain, improve movement and support long-term recovery.
Rehabilitation exercises are often provided during the first appointment and monitored throughout treatment to help ensure progress continues between sessions.
This combination of assessment, osteopathy, shockwave therapy and rehabilitation helps create a treatment plan tailored to the individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Happens During Treatment?
Your First Appointment
Your initial appointment lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Dwaine will begin by taking a detailed case history, discussing your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals. This is followed by a thorough assessment and examination to help establish an accurate diagnosis and determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.
Treatment is usually provided during the same appointment and, where appropriate, you will also be given personalised rehabilitation exercises to support your recovery between sessions.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments typically last around 30 minutes.
At each session, Dwaine will review your progress, discuss any changes in symptoms and carry out any necessary reassessment before treatment. This allows your treatment plan to be adjusted as needed and ensures your recovery continues moving in the right direction.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Research suggests that many people experience improvement within 3–5 shockwave therapy sessions. However, the exact number of sessions required will depend on the condition being treated, how long symptoms have been present and how severe the problem is.
Treatment recommendations are always tailored to the individual and will be discussed during your consultation.
Shockwave Therapy Fees
Initial Consultation & Shockwave Therapy
£70 (up to 45 minutes)
Follow-Up Shockwave Therapy Appointments
£60
For current availability and online booking, please use the booking link below or get in touch if you have any questions before arranging an appointment.
Patient Feedback
I started using Dwaine after being told I had tennis elbow and would be out for 6 months from my sport which is Squash. After a phone call with Dwaine and being advised on shockwave therapy from others I asked for Dwaine’s advice on this and his suggestion was a initial consultation to asses my injury. After the initial assessment and treatment, Dwaine suggested some home rehab exercises and some equipment I needed to help improve the condition and with some hard work and a few weekly visits to Dwaine I was back playing squash in 7 weeks. I can’t thank Dwaine enough for his professionalism and help on getting me back not only playing squash but I was still working through this entire time as a ceramic tiler which made things a lot more challenging for Dwaine. – Peter, Burwash
I have been seeing Dwaine over the past few years & he has helped me through various sporting injuries. I had a shoulder injury caused through an accident at the gym, which he has worked on & given me various exercises & this has improved dramatically. Also, I have had an ongoing chronic Achilles tendonitis which again he has treated me with deep tissue massage & various exercises for me to do and it has been helpful. I have found Dwaine has helped me manage my sporting injuries very well. – David, Haywards Heath
I’ve suffered with on/off knee and lower back pain for years and Dwaine was the first therapist to not only treat my pains but show me how to strengthen and rehab my injuries to help me mange them better and prevent reoccurrence. My back is as good as it has been for several years. I feel confident that I can stay pain-free, flexible and strong. – Rachel, Heathfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
Some people experience mild discomfort during treatment, particularly when the area being treated is sensitive. However, treatment is generally well tolerated and settings can be adjusted where necessary.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most people require between 3 and 5 sessions, although this varies depending on the condition and how long symptoms have been present.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave therapy is considered a safe, evidence-based treatment when provided by a suitably trained healthcare professional following an appropriate assessment.
How Quickly Will I Notice Results?
Some people notice improvements after only a few sessions, while others experience more gradual changes as healing progresses. Response to treatment varies between individuals.
Do I Need a Referral?
No. Most people can book directly without a referral.
Who Is Shockwave Therapy Suitable For?
Shockwave therapy may be suitable for a range of persistent tendon injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. Following an assessment, Dwaine can advise whether it is appropriate for your specific condition.
Looking for more answers? View our Osteopathy & Shockwave Therapy FAQs.
Take a look at some of our patient success stories to see how we’ve helped people with various conditions.
Book Your Appointment
If you’re struggling with persistent tendon pain, a sports injury or a condition that hasn’t responded to other treatments, shockwave therapy may help.
Appointments are available in Heathfield, Haywards Heath and Horam.
Or if you’d prefer to ask a question first, please call 07772 005779 or email .
See more of the conditions commonly treated at Sussex Physical Therapy.
