Advanced Shockwave Therapy in Highams Park for Tennis / Golfer's elbow (epicondylitis)
Epicondylitis is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the bony bumps of the elbow (called epicondyles), where the forearm muscles attach via tendons.
It’s most commonly known as:
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Tennis elbow → lateral epicondylitis (outside of the elbow)
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Golfer’s elbow → medial epicondylitis (inside of the elbow)
Epicondylitis is a painful tendon condition at the elbow caused by repeated overload and poor tendon healing, not just inflammation.
Pain is often worse with:
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Gripping
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Lifting objects
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Wrist or forearm movements
Advanced Shockwave Therapy for Tennis / Golfer's elbow can speed up the recovery of epicondylitis by promoting the body's natural healing process.
What are the main causes of elbow tendinopathies (epicondylitis)?
Golfer's elbow
Tennis elbow
1. Repetitive overuse (most common)
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Repeated gripping, lifting, or twisting
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Sports (tennis, golf, baseball, climbing)
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Manual work (tools, carpentry, mechanics)
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Prolonged computer or mouse use with poor ergonomics
2. Load mismatch (too much, too fast)
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Sudden increase in activity intensity or volume
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Returning to sport/work too quickly after a break
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Poor conditioning of forearm muscles
3. Poor movement mechanics
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Excessive wrist motion during gripping
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Weak shoulder or scapular muscles causing forearm overuse
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Poor technique in sports (late tennis contact, strong gripping)
4. Muscle weakness or imbalance
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Weak wrist extensors or flexors
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Poor endurance of forearm muscles
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Grip strength deficits
5. Reduced tendon healing capacity
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Previous elbow injury
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Poor blood supply to tendon tissue
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Long-term inactivity followed by overload
6. Ergonomic and postural factors
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Low keyboard or mouse positioning
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Prolonged elbow extension while typing
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Poor desk or tool ergonomics
We can speed up your recovery from injury with a combination of Myofascial release, Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy within the same sessions.
Depending on whether it is Acute or Chronic, 3 - 6 sessions are generally required for most people to gain complete pain relief and make a full recovery from tennis and golfer's elbow (epicondylitis).
The effective way - to treat MSK.
How Shockwave Therapy helps with Tennis and Golfer's elbow (epicondylitis).
Shockwave Therapy can help epicondylitis (elbow tendinopathy) by stimulating the tendon to heal and tolerate load better, rather than just masking pain.
How shockwave therapy helps epicondylitis
1. Restarts the healing process
In chronic epicondylitis, the tendon is stuck in a poor-healing state.
Shockwave therapy helps to create a controlled micro-stimulation, trigger growth factors and cellular activity and encourage healthier tendon remodeling.
2. Improves blood flow
Tendons have limited circulation.
Shockwave therapy stimulates new blood vessel formation, increases oxygen and nutrient delivery and improved circulation supports repair.
3. Reduces pain sensitivity
Shockwaves affect local pain receptors and nerve signaling. It decreases pain, allows more comfortable movement and exercise which makes rehab exercises easier to tolerate.
4. Breaks down unhealthy tendon tissue
Shockwave helps disrupt disorganized collagen fibers and encourages replacement with stronger, aligned tissue. It also improves tendon quality over repeated sessions.
5. Reduces muscle guarding
It helps to relax overactive forearm muscles and decreases tension pulling on the tendon. This lowers ongoing strain at the epicondyle.
Why choose Rich & Cher Pearson at The Shockwave Therapy Clinic?
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Elite technology: We use the Storz Medical Focused Shockwave system - the gold standard used by Premier League football clubs and elite athletes worldwide.
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Decades of experience: You aren't just getting a treatment; you are getting 25 years of clinical diagnostic skill (See our feedback)
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Local and personal: We are a dedicated East London clinic. Rich and Cher provide a private, professional, and patient-focused environment right here in Highams Park.
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Proven results: Whether you are looking to return to sport or seeking a discreet solution for ED, our evidence-based approach is designed to get you results fast.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shockwave for Tennis and Golfer's Elbow
How effective is Focused Shockwave for Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow?
Focused Shockwave Therapy is highly effective for chronic epicondylitis, with clinical studies showing success rates between 80% and 90%. It is particularly successful for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. In our Highams Park clinic, we use this technology to restart the healing process in the tendon, providing a long-term solution rather than just masking the pain.
How many sessions are needed to treat Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow?
Most patients require a course of 3 to 6 sessions, typically spaced one week apart. Many people in London report improved grip strength and reduced "sharpness" in the elbow after just the second or third session. Completing the full course is essential to ensure the tendon fibers remodel correctly and can handle repetitive loading.
Is Focused Shockwave better than steroid injections for elbow pain?
Yes. While steroid injections may provide temporary relief, they can actually weaken the tendon tissue over time. Focused Shockwave is a non-invasive, regenerative alternative that stimulates natural tissue repair and blood flow without the risks associated with needles. It treats the root cause of the injury for more sustainable recovery.
When can I return to sports like tennis or golf after treatment?
We recommend 48 hours of "relative rest" after each session to allow the biological healing response to work. During your treatment course at our East London clinic, we provide a tailored loading plan. Most athletes can return to full sports participation within a few weeks of completing their course, once the tendon has regained its functional strength.