What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers focused acoustic pressure waves to injured or chronically irritated soft tissue. These pressure waves stimulate blood flow and cellular repair processes in the treated area, which can help jump-start healing in tissue that hasn’t responded to other conservative treatments.
It’s often used for stubborn, chronic conditions such as tendinopathies (chronic tendon irritation) or plantar fasciitis, cases where tissue healing has stalled and needs an added stimulus to progress.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy is delivered through a handheld device applied directly to the skin over the affected area.
Positioning
You’re positioned comfortably with the treatment area exposed.
Application
The device delivers a series of acoustic pulses to the treatment area, with intensity adjusted to your tolerance.
Sensation
You’ll feel a tapping or pulsing sensation, which may be uncomfortable over particularly sensitive areas.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Stimulates healing — in chronic soft-tissue injuries that haven’t responded to other treatment.
- Increases blood flow — to the treated area, supporting tissue repair.
- Non-invasive alternative — to more invasive procedures for certain chronic conditions.
- Effective for stubborn conditions — including chronic tendon issues and plantar fasciitis.
- Quick sessions — that fit easily into your regular visit.
What to Expect
Shockwave therapy typically involves a series of sessions spaced about a week apart for the best results.
- A brief evaluation to confirm shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition
- A tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment, which can be uncomfortable over sensitive areas
- A session lasting around 5 to 10 minutes
- Possible mild soreness in the treated area for a day or two afterward
- Gradual improvement over the course of several sessions
Good to know
Shockwave therapy involves some discomfort during treatment, and isn’t appropriate for all conditions. call 386-400-3620 to discuss whether it’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt? +
It can cause some discomfort during treatment, especially over sensitive or significantly irritated areas, but the intensity is adjusted based on your tolerance.
What conditions does shockwave therapy treat? +
It’s commonly used for chronic tendon conditions, plantar fasciitis, and other stubborn soft-tissue injuries that haven’t responded well to more conservative care.
How many sessions will I need? +
Most treatment plans involve 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about a week apart, though this varies by condition.
Is shockwave therapy safe? +
Yes, for appropriately screened patients. We evaluate your condition to confirm it’s a good candidate for this therapy before beginning treatment.
How soon will I notice results? +
Many patients notice gradual improvement over the course of their treatment series, though it can take several weeks for the full effect to develop as tissue heals.
Who shouldn’t get shockwave therapy? +
It’s generally not recommended during pregnancy, over areas with certain implants, or for patients with certain bleeding disorders. We’ll review your health history before recommending it.
