Achilles Tendinopathy, Decoded — Real‑world Relief with Physio, Massage & Radial Shockwave (New Malden)

Do your heels stab on your first few steps?

That “startup” pain and stiffness just above the heel, worse after a run or hill walk and tender to pinch, fits Achilles tendinopathy. See our infographic’s checklist for typical symptoms.

When to seek urgent help

If you felt a sudden “pop” and can’t push off, or you have marked swelling/heat/redness, or calf pain with breathlessness → contact your GP/NHS 111 or go to A&E first.

Why it hurts (and why it lingers)

Your Achilles links the calf to the heel bone and powers walking, running and jumping. Pain sits on an inflammation–degeneration spectrum we call tendinopathy. Load spikes, footwear issues, age‑related stiffness and muscle imbalances are common drivers. Tendons also heal slowly because of limited blood supply — so graded loading, not pure rest, is the key.

• Typical drivers: rapid mileage/hill increases; excessive pronation or high arches with worn shoes; tight calves/hamstrings; weak glutes; prior injuries/biomechanics.

• What speeds recovery: a structured loading plan + targeted hands‑on care.

Our J&J plan: calm pain, restore capacity, prevent recurrence

1. Specialist assessment (HCPC‑led) – We start with a precise diagnosis, movement testing and training review. Expect a blend of evidence‑based physio with authentic Korean manual therapy for meaningful, hands‑on change.

2. Calm the pain (adjuncts used judiciously)

   • Radial shockwave therapy (ESWT) — effective for mid‑portion Achilles tendinopathy and even better when combined with eccentric loading. We have 9+ years’ clinical experience delivering shockwave.

   • Ultrasound & TENS — safe tools to modulate pain and support tissue healing, typically applied after manual work.

   • Pain‑relief / therapeutic massage — eases guarding and lets you train; our massage is clinical, not spa‑only.

3. Restore tendon capacity (the backbone)

   • 12‑week progressive loading with heel‑drops, isometrics and progressive resistance has the strongest evidence for pain and function.

   • Manual therapy to restore ankle mobility and soften tight calves.

   • Load, gait and footwear coaching; consider arch support if needed.

4. Integrated care, one roof — accurate assessment → treatment → exercise coaching, so cause and consequence are treated together.

Quick guide — what we recommend & why

Your situation	First‑line service at J&J	Why it helps
Morning “first‑step” pain, thickened tendon	Physiotherapy assessment + 12‑week eccentric plan	Restores tendon load tolerance; addresses root causes.
Mid‑portion tendon pain that’s persisted >3 months	Radial shockwave (ESWT) + eccentric loading	Strong clinical use for mid‑portion Achilles; speeds pain relief while you rebuild.
Calf tightness limiting rehab	Therapeutic massage + joint mobilisation	Relieves guarding; improves range for better exercise quality.
Extra soreness/swelling after activity	Ultrasound/TENS (adjunct)	Non‑invasive pain modulation & circulation support.

Note: Lymphatic drainage is excellent for fluid build‑up/heavy legs and post‑op swelling; it’s not a primary Achilles treatment but can support comfort where oedema is present.

Who you’ll meet (trust matters)All sessions are overseen by an HCPC‑registered physiotherapist, working with experienced Korean clinical therapists — a true East‑meets‑West team.

• Senior Physio: Rama Bhardwaj, HCPC PH144526, MCSP; MSK specialist and Yoga‑trained.

• Therapy team: Korean‑licensed physiotherapists with hospital backgrounds and shockwave/soft‑tissue certifications.

• Our story: founded in 2022 to bring authentic Korean therapeutic massage together with UK physio standards.

Prices & booking (radial shockwave only)

• Radial Shockwave session: £70; 5+1 package: £350. (Therapeutic massage + shockwave combined packages also available.)

• Opening hours: Mon–Sun 09:00–19:20. Main line: 07882 943540; Text (EN/KR): 07935 869938; Email: info@jjwellcare.com.

• Booking & 24‑hour cancellation policy apply. 

• We protect your data in line with UK GDPR.

FAQs (EN)

How long until I can run again?Expect meaningful progress by 6–12 weeks with consistent loading; shockwave can help reduce pain sooner while you build tendon strength. Your plan is individualised after assessment.

Do I need to stop all activity?Not usually. We’ll dial down aggravating loads, then re‑build capacity with graded loading rather than total rest.

Is shockwave safe?Yes for appropriate cases; it’s non‑surgical and widely used for chronic tendon pain. Best results come when paired with the right exercises.