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What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) or Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT). Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that delivers shockwaves to injured soft tissues to reduce pain and promote the healing of tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Pressure waves from ESWT and RSWT can deliver a mechanical force to body tissues, promoting healing by stimulating blood flow and metabolism. Increased blood flow can be especially beneficial to tendons, which have a limited blood supply and heal slowly. Shockwaves can mimic the forces experienced during trauma and promote the regrowth and healing of tissue and bone.

During treatment, the therapist will hold a shockwave device next to the skin. The device sends shockwaves into the injured tissues, stimulating increased blood flow to the area and the growth of hormones, promoting new tissue growth.

There are two types of shockwave therapy:

  • Focused shockwave therapy is based on the same technology that dissolves kidney stones. It sends deep vibrations into the tissues.
  • Radial shockwave therapy delivers shockwaves more superficially but can be equally effective.

Depending on your condition, your therapist may choose to use one or both types of shockwave therapy.

How Should You Prepare for Shockwave Therapy?

We suggest avoiding taking anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, prednisone, turmeric, and SPMs or Resolvins) for one week. Good supplements to take are Fundamental multivitamin and antioxidant (2 caps once or twice a day) and Full Spectrum Collagen Powder (1 scoop daily).

What Can You Expect from Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive, nonsurgical treatment, but you might feel a little pain or discomfort in the treatment area during the procedure. Most patients say it feels like small pulses against the skin. Most patients report some discomfort during shockwave therapy, but most do not find it painful. The amount of discomfort depends in part on the person, their injury, and whether the damaged tissues are close to a bone. Where on the body we are treating you also matters. Body parts with less skin and muscle can be more sensitive.

After treatment, do not restart anti-inflammatories for at least two weeks. For pain or discomfort, use 500 mg of Tylenol up to four times per day. Additionally, use heat, not ice, for discomfort. Continue taking Fundamental multivitamin and antioxidant (two caps once or twice a day) and Full Spectrum Collagen Powder (1 scoop per day). Avoid heavy exercise for 1 to 2 days after treatment, depending on how you are feeling.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

  • Mild to moderate arthritis
  • Neck and lower back pain
  • Shoulder pain: Calcific tendinitis or rotator cuff syndrome
  • Elbow problems: Lateral epicondylitis
  • (Tennis elbow), and Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s elbow)
  • Trochanteric bursitis
  • Muscle tears
  • Tendonitis: Patellar, Posterior tibialis, and
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Perineal pain
  • Plantar fasciitis

How Many Shockwave Therapy Treatments Will You Need?

You will likely need 6 to 10 treatments, depending on the condition. Treatment takes place over a period of 6 to 12 weeks.

Please Be Advised

The cost of each treatment is $165. AIM for Wellbeing does not bill insurance, but we encourage you to contact your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for reimbursement.

AIM for Wellbeing's Shockwave Therapy Providers

Chiropractors often perform shockwave therapy. Dr. Caylin Holmes (DC, DACRB) and Dr. Morganne Venters (DC) perform shockwave therapy at AIM for Wellbeing.

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