Specialist Treatments.
PLEASE NOTE:
For your first appointment 10 minutes will be required during the session to perform an assessment.
What is Shockwave Therapy and how does it work?


Shockwave therapy (otherwise known as Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy- ESWT) is an evidence based, non-invasive and highly effective treatment option for tendon related pain. The term shockwave refers to mechanical pressure pulses that expand as a wave in the body. The energy wave is created from a hand-piece used by the practitioner which is applied to the skin and shockwaves are transmitted through the skin to the underlying tissues. The shockwaves can penetrate deep into the body, reaching the targeted area. This process increases blood flow, provides pain relief, and stimulates the body’s natural repair and regeneration processes, allowing it to restart its own healing. In some cases, shockwave therapy can stimulate neovascularization, which is the formation of new blood vessels in the targeted area. This increased blood flow can further support the healing process.
What Can It Help With?
Shockwave Therapy can be used to treat a number of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those that are chronic or persistent, which haven’t responded to other treatments
Conditions treated include:
■ Plantar fasciitis
■ Achilles tendinopathy
■ Rotator cuff problems
■ Trochanteric bursitis
■ Patella tendinopathy (aka runner’s knee)
■ Tennis & golfer’s elbow
■ Calcific tendonitis
How is shockwave treatment performed?
A skin gel is applied to the treatment area to allow the shock waves to be introduced into the body without any loss of energy. After these preparations, shock waves are applied as the therapy head is moved over the pain region in a circular motion.
How many sessions do you need?
The amount of treatment sessions will vary dependant on the type of condition being treated. As a rule, 3 – 6 treatment sessions are advised. Sessions should be spaced no more than two weeks apart for optimal results.
How successful is the treatment?
Shockwave therapy works through an accumulative effect. Each session builds upon the previous one, stimulating the body’s natural healing process over time. This is why multiple sessions are necessary – to allow the body adequate time to respond and heal effectively.
There are many good research studies supporting the effectiveness of shockwave. Success rate ranges between 60-90%, depending on the condition being treated. When combined with rehabilitation, Shockwave therapy is clinically proven to be successful in most patients with the conditions listed above after 3 months.
It is used by top orthopaedic hospitals, in elite sport and is covered by many health insurance companies including AXA.
Is Shockwave therapy safe?
Shockwave therapy is backed by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) which informs clinical practice throughout the UK. Shockwave therapy performed by appropriately trained practitioners is largely risk free. Common side-effects include short-term soreness, redness and bruising.
What to expect from your 45 minute initial Shockwave assessmt at CSP?
■ Assessment by expert physiotherapists to understand your condition, symptoms, and treatment goals.
■ Shockwave treatment.
■ Complementary rehabilitation programme prescription.
Follow-up session (up to 30 mins)
■ Reassessment.
■ Shockwave treatment.
■ Progression of rehabilitation exercises.
NOTE: Shockwave available in:
East Brent - Monday, Tuesday & Friday.
Wells - Wednesday & Thursday.
Weston - Friday (Limited availability).
Expert acupuncture with our highly experienced and qualified physiotherapists.

Acupuncture is a health system that has existed and developed over thousands of years and involves the insertion of fine sterile needles (a painless procedure) into energy points along meridians in the body. Energy (Qi) flows through the body in meridians which connect tissues and organ systems. Health is present when these energies work in harmony with each other.
Acupuncture is an adjunct used by many physiotherapists as part of the management of pain, inflammation and as a means of enhancing the body's own healing chemicals in order to aid recovery and enhance rehabilitation. The insertion of sterile needles into the body stimulates the brain and spinal cord to produce NATURAL pain relieving chemicals, such as endorphins; melatonin to promote sleep, and serotonin to promote well-being. These assist the body's healing process and offer pain relief as a precursor for the use of other treatment modalities.
Trigger point Acupuncture may also be used to facilitate relaxation in specific muscles following trauma such as whiplash injury or as a means to obtain increased muscle length. Here the needle is placed into the affected muscle until it is felt to relax under the needle and then removed.
All our physiotherapists who practice acupuncture are Members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP). They are required to train to a minimum standard and are bound by professional codes of conduct through the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health Professions Council (HPC). We provide a wide range of treatment tailored to the specific requirements.
■ AACP Physiotherapists.
■ Experienced and fully trained.
■ Initial assessment and consultation.
IMPORTANT: Acupuncture information and guidance page. CLICK HERE:with Harriet in Frome
Harriet runs a private women's health clinic in Frome at the Central Somerset Physiotherapy Clinic. Her passion is breaking the taboos around women's health and removing the barriers to exercise that so many women face.
Specialising in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction such as pelvic pain, bladder or bowel incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Harriet has a special interest in perinatal care and can provide a postnatal MOT and return to exercise guidance.
Harriet qualified from Kings College London with an MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) in 2010 and completed senior rotations in musculoskeletal outpatient physiotherapy at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London. Harriet started her journey to specialising in pelvic health physiotherapy in 2016 and now works as the team lead for pelvic health physiotherapy at the RUH in Bath.
For more information and to book directly with Harriet please visit:
CLICK HERE to visit Harriet's website: www.balancepelvichealth.co.ukWe provide a wide range of treatment tailored to the specific requirements.
■ Pelvic floor dysfunction.
■ Organ prolapse.
■ Postnatal care.
■ Perinatal care.
We are associated with Arthritis Action who recognise us as specialist practitioners.
At CSP we encourage activity and therapy to help deal with this often very painful and restrictive condition. Our scientific approach to physical restrictions mean we are able to advise and assess on arthritic conditions. Arthritis Action recognise us as specialist 'Associated Practitioners' (AP's) and offer their members the opportunity to have physical therapies with our healthcare professionals through their Associated Practitioners (APs). So if you suffer from Arthritic problems rest assured you are in highly experienced hands.
We provide a wide range of treatment tailored to the specific requirements.
■ Associated Practitioners for Arthritis Action members.
■ Referrals to specialists if required.
■ NHS & Private sector experience.
■ Speed up recovery time and gain mobility sooner.
Expert, specialist care for your feet.
Podiatry specialist Simon Crutchley of Sole Function Podiatry works with us to ensure you, and most important, your feet, have access to his expertise on this complex section of your body.
Simons expertise on all things below the hip, helps improve recovery times, reduce discomfort and give you a sensible approach to treatment. Count on Simon for expert treatment, experience, guidance and sound advice on getting your problem improved but ultimately where ever possible resolved.
Call or e-mail us to enquire about a consultation with Simon.