Let’s delve into how this innovative treatment can benefit individuals dealing with various musculoskeletal issues, especially those affecting the elbow, knee, shoulder, and ankle.
Shockwave therapy has emerged as a non-invasive and effective treatment option for a range of conditions. We are excited to have this new technology at Axcess. This therapy involves the delivery of acoustic waves to the affected area, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Shockwave therapy targets tendonitis or tendon injuries in these areas, promoting healing and reducing inflammation, providing relief and enhanced function. For athletes or individuals with sports injuries, shockwave therapy can be a game-changer in speeding up the recovery process. It aids in reducing pain, improving mobility, and promoting tissue regeneration, ultimately allowing individuals to return to their activities sooner than expected.
Here are the top 4 areas where Shockwave Therapy has made a huge difference for our patients:
Elbow Injuries (e.g., Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, even Pickleball Elbow)
Knee Injuries (e.g., Patellar Tendonitis, Runner’s Knee)
Shoulder Injuries (e.g., Rotator Cuff Injuries, Frozen Shoulder)
Ankle Injuries (e.g., Achilles Tendonitis, Ankle Sprains)
By integrating shockwave therapy into your healthcare regimen, you can take proactive steps towards mitigating your aches and pains, whether stemming from sports injuries or regular repetitive trauma. Remember, your well-being is paramount, and exploring innovative treatments like shockwave therapy can pave the way to a smoother recovery and improved quality of life.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that sends pulses of high-energy sound waves into injured tissue to reduce pain and restart the body’s natural healing process. It is most often used for stubborn tendon and soft-tissue problems, like heel pain, tennis elbow, and shoulder tendinitis, that haven’t improved with rest, stretching, or physical therapy.
You may also hear it called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). “Extracorporeal” just means the energy is generated outside the body. There are no needles, no incisions, and no downtime. Most people walk out of a session and go about their day.
Below, we’ll explain how shockwave therapy works, what it treats, what a session feels like, and whether it might be right for you.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy works by giving chronically injured tissue a controlled “jolt” that wakes up the healing response. It is a mechanical sound wave, not an electrical current.
The same technology has been used since the 1980s to break up kidney stones. In the 1990s, doctors began applying lower-energy versions to bones, tendons, and other musculoskeletal problems, and by 2000 it had become an established option for chronic pain.
When the sound waves reach the treatment area, they trigger several effects:
- Increased blood flow. Shockwaves encourage the growth of new small blood vessels, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to tissue that has stalled in its healing.
- Cell stimulation (mechanotransduction). Cells convert the mechanical pressure into biological signals that kickstart repair, including new collagen production in tendons and ligaments.
- A fresh healing cycle. Long-term injuries often get “stuck.” A brief, controlled inflammatory response tells the body to resume repairing the area.
- Breaking down calcium deposits. In conditions like calcific shoulder tendinitis, shockwaves can help fragment calcium buildup so the body can absorb it.
- Pain signal reduction. Treatment can temporarily calm overactive pain nerves, which is why some people notice relief soon after a session.
Researchers still don’t fully understand every part of the mechanism. However, a 2023 review in the journal Healthcare concluded that the main effect is biological (mechanotransduction) rather than purely mechanical.
Focused vs. Radial Shockwave Therapy
There are two main types of shockwave therapy, and they reach different depths. Your provider will choose based on where your injury is.
| Focused shockwave (fESWT) | Radial shockwave (rESWT) | |
|---|---|---|
| How the energy travels | Concentrated to a precise point | Spreads out from the applicator tip |
| Treatment depth | Deeper tissue (up to several inches) | Shallower tissue near the surface |
| Best for | Deep tendons, calcium deposits, bone healing | Large, superficial areas of muscle and tendon pain |
| Feel | Targeted, more intense at one spot | Broader tapping sensation |
Both are often simply called “shockwave therapy,” which is why two patients may describe very different experiences. Radial devices are the more common type in chiropractic and physical therapy clinics.
What Conditions Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave therapy works best on chronic tendon and soft-tissue problems, especially ones that have lasted three months or more and haven’t responded to other conservative care. The strongest research supports its use for heel, elbow, and shoulder tendon problems.
Common conditions include:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain), with or without a heel spur
- Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Hip pain from greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
- Chronic muscle tightness and trigger points, including in the neck, upper back, and lower back
- Stress fractures and slow-healing bones (typically with focused shockwave)
Shockwave therapy is usually not a first-line treatment for a brand-new injury. It shines when an injury has become chronic and the body’s healing process has stalled.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
A typical session takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and most people return to normal daily activities right away.
- Evaluation. Your provider reviews your history, examines the area, and confirms shockwave therapy is a safe fit for you.
- Gel application. A layer of ultrasound gel goes on the skin to help the sound waves travel into the tissue.
- Treatment. A handheld applicator is moved over the painful area. You’ll hear a rapid clicking or tapping sound, and the intensity is adjusted to your comfort.
- Afterward. You can usually walk, drive, and go back to work the same day.
Does it hurt? Most people describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful, similar to a firm, rapid tapping. Tender spots may feel more intense at first, and the discomfort usually eases as the session goes on.
How many sessions will I need? Most treatment plans involve 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about a week apart. Chronic conditions may need more.
When will I feel results? Some people notice relief after the first few sessions. Because the treatment works by stimulating tissue repair, the full benefit often builds over the following 6 to 12 weeks.
Aftercare tips:
- Avoid strenuous activity or sports that stress the treated area for about 48 hours.
- Ask your provider before using ice or anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, since these may dampen the healing response.
- Keep up with any stretches or exercises your provider recommends.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
The biggest benefit is that shockwave therapy treats the underlying tissue problem without surgery, injections, or medication.
- Non-invasive: no needles, incisions, or anesthesia
- No downtime: return to normal activities the same day
- Fast sessions: about 10 to 15 minutes each
- Drug-free: no reliance on pain medication
- Addresses the cause: stimulates repair instead of only masking pain
- Works alongside other care: pairs well with chiropractic adjustments, massage, and rehab exercises
Side Effects and Risks
Shockwave therapy is considered low-risk, and side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They may include:
- Redness, warmth, or mild swelling at the treatment site
- Soreness that feels like a deep bruise, often peaking in the first day or two
- Small surface bruises or tiny red spots on the skin
- Temporary tingling or numbness
These effects typically fade within a few days to a week.
It’s also important to set realistic expectations. Shockwave therapy helps many people, but it doesn’t work for everyone, and results vary by condition.
Who Should Not Have Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy may not be right for you if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- Have a tumor or cancer in the treatment area
- Have an active infection or acute inflammation at the site
- Have a blood clot (thrombosis) in the area
- Are a child or teen with open growth plates near the treatment area
- Recently had a steroid injection in the same spot
- Have a pacemaker or other implanted device near the treatment area
Shockwaves are also never aimed directly at the lungs, major blood vessels, or major nerves. Always share your full medical history with your provider before treatment.
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
Is shockwave therapy the same as electrical stimulation?
No. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic (sound) waves, not electricity. It feels like a rapid tapping rather than the buzzing or tingling of an e-stim unit.
How long does a shockwave therapy session take?
Most sessions take 10 to 15 minutes, including setup.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Most patients need 3 to 6 sessions, about one week apart. Your provider will tailor the plan to your condition.
How long do the results last?
Because shockwave therapy helps the tissue actually heal, results are often long-lasting. Pairing treatment with the right exercises and posture habits helps keep the problem from coming back.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Many insurance plans still consider it elective, so it is often paid out of pocket. Check with your clinic and your insurance provider.
Can shockwave therapy help after a car accident?
It can help with lingering soft-tissue problems, such as tendon pain or stubborn muscle tightness, once the initial injury has been properly evaluated. It is not a replacement for a full post-accident exam.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
If you’ve been living with heel pain, a nagging tendon, or muscle pain that just won’t quit, shockwave therapy may be the push your body needs to finally heal. It’s quick, non-invasive, and lets you get back to your life the same day.
The best way to know is a professional evaluation. Schedule a free consultation with our team to find out whether shockwave therapy fits your condition and goals.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.
