Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment for chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions. It uses high-energy sound waves to boost healing, improve blood flow, repair tissues, and reduce pain. Commonly treated conditions include plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff injuries.
Key Points:
- How It Works: Sound waves target injured areas to promote healing.
- Conditions Treated: Chronic tendon issues, stress fractures, and more.
- Preparation: Wear loose clothing, avoid NSAIDs, and stay hydrated.
- During Treatment: Sessions last ~20 minutes, with mild discomfort possible.
- Aftercare: Avoid intense exercise, use ice packs, and follow rehab plans.
- Results: Most patients see improvement within 2–12 weeks, with success rates between 60–91%.
Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive alternative for those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments.
Before Your Treatment
Clothing and Items to Bring
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to make it easier to access the treatment area. Here’s what works best for different areas:
| Treatment Area | Suggested Clothing | Avoid These |
|---|---|---|
| Foot/Ankle | Shorts or loose pants that can be rolled up | Tight jeans or leggings |
| Knee | Athletic shorts or loose-fitting pants | Restrictive clothing |
| Shoulder | Tank top or loose-fitting shirt | Formal wear or layered outfits |
| Elbow | Sleeveless shirt or shirts with easily rolled sleeves | Tight long-sleeve shirts |
Don’t forget to bring these key items to your first appointment:
- Recent imaging results (X-rays, MRI scans)
- A list of your current medications
- Your medical history documents
- Insurance information and ID
- Any records from previous treatments
Once you’ve got your clothing and essentials sorted, make sure to follow the food and medication guidelines below.
Food and Medicine Guidelines
Preparing properly can help you get the most out of your treatment. One of the most important steps involves avoiding certain medications.
"It is important that you do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) for 2 weeks before your first session and over the duration of your treatment, as this may interfere with treatment effectiveness." – Blackberry Clinic [1]
Here’s a quick breakdown of NSAIDs to steer clear of:
| Medication Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Over-the-counter | Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen |
| Prescription | Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Meloxicam |
If you need pain relief during this time, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Acetaminophen-based options might be suitable, but it’s always best to confirm with a healthcare provider.
While there are no strict food restrictions, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help support your recovery. Your therapist will review your health to ensure the treatment is both safe and effective.
During Your Treatment
Treatment Steps
Once you’re ready, your session will follow these steps:
- Initial Assessment: The therapist identifies and marks the treatment area to target the affected tissue accurately.
- Preparation: Ultrasound gel is applied to enhance wave transmission and minimize friction.
- Treatment: A handheld probe delivers acoustic waves to encourage healing and alleviate pain.
- Monitoring: The therapist adjusts the wave intensity and frequency based on the severity of your condition.
These adjustments ensure the session is tailored specifically to your needs.
What You’ll Feel
During the session, you might notice pulses, a tingling sensation, or slight discomfort.
"Shockwave Therapy is a relatively painless procedure, though a mild sensation may be felt" [2]
Most patients describe the experience as:
- Gentle pulses on the skin
- A tingling sensation in the treated area
- Mild discomfort that depends on existing pain levels
If the discomfort becomes too much, inform your therapist. They can modify the device settings to keep you comfortable. While some practitioners may use local anesthesia, it’s generally avoided as it can reduce the therapy’s effectiveness [2][3].
Time Required
Each session typically lasts around 20 minutes. Most treatment plans include 3–5 sessions spaced a week apart. After your treatment, you can usually drive and resume your routine. However, your therapist might suggest avoiding certain movements for 24 hours to maximize the benefits.
This step-by-step process helps set the stage for recovery and improved outcomes.
After Your Treatment
Recovery Steps
To ensure proper recovery after your treatment, follow these guidelines:
- Use a cloth-wrapped ice pack on the treated area for 15–20 minutes at a time. Avoid placing ice directly on the skin.
- Keep the area elevated whenever possible to help reduce swelling.
- Return to normal daily activities, but avoid high-impact or intense exercise for at least 24–48 hours.
- Skip anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen, as they may interfere with healing. If needed, take Tylenol, but only if your clinician has approved it.
- Stick to any rehabilitation exercises your provider has prescribed, following their instructions closely.
Keep an eye out for any side effects as you heal.
Common Side Effects
Mild side effects are normal and usually go away within a few days to a week. Here’s what to expect and how to manage them:
| Side Effect | Duration | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Skin redness | 24–48 hours | No treatment needed; just monitor |
| Swelling | 2–3 days | Elevate the area and use cold packs |
| Numbness | A few hours | Let it resolve naturally |
| Tingling | 1–2 days | Part of the healing process |
| Bruising | Up to 1 week | Use cold packs if needed |
If anything feels unusual or symptoms worsen, it’s important to act quickly.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:
- Severe or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relief.
- Swelling that continues to worsen after 48 hours.
- Signs of infection, such as unusual warmth, redness, or drainage from the treated area.
- Persistent numbness or tingling lasting more than 48 hours.
- Any unexpected symptoms not discussed during your consultation.
For concerns outside of regular hours, you can call Health Link at 811 to speak with a nurse. Your provider should also give you specific emergency contact details for urgent situations.
sbb-itb-ed556b0
Shockwave Therapy Explained: A Non-Invasive Treatment for Pain and Injuries
Treatment Results
With the right recovery plan, treatment progress generally follows a predictable timeline.
When to Expect Changes
While some patients feel immediate relief, most improvements occur gradually over multiple sessions.
| Timeline | Expected Changes |
|---|---|
| 2–3 weeks | Reduced pain and better mobility |
| 5–11 weeks | Noticeable healing and functional improvements [4] |
| 8–12 weeks | Peak benefits, potentially resolving chronic pain [7] |
In certain cases, additional treatments may be needed after 16 weeks or even up to a year to achieve the best results [7]. This timeline helps shape the session plan outlined below.
Required Sessions
The treatment plan typically includes 6–12 sessions over a 3–6 week period [5]:
- Each session lasts about 15–20 minutes.
- Sessions are scheduled 1–2 times per week.
- The provider adjusts the number of sessions based on individual progress.
Treatment Success Rates
After completing the full course, success rates are assessed:
Around 91% of patients report reduced pain and improved mobility, with 80% expressing satisfaction.
| Condition | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Myofascial Trigger Point | 95% relief [8] |
| Calcific Shoulder Tendonitis | 91% [8] |
| Plantar Fasciitis | 84–88% [8][9] |
| Hamstring Injuries | 85% [8] |
| Tennis Elbow | 77% with ~60% pain reduction [8][9] |
| Achilles Tendinopathy | 76% [8] |
| Patellar Tendonitis | 76% [8] |
These results apply to patients who complete the recommended treatment plan and adhere to aftercare guidelines.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve reviewed treatment details and outcomes, here’s how to proceed with your care.
Check Provider Qualifications
Look for practitioners certified in shockwave therapy by reputable organizations like the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST) [14].
Find Local Treatment Centers
Use directories to locate certified providers near you:
| Directory | Criteria | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| GAINSWave | Licensed medical professionals | Nationwide network [10] |
| SoftWave Clinics | Low-intensity treatment focus | Regional centers [12] |
| Local Medical Centers | Board-certified specialists | City-specific options |
For example, if you’re in North Carolina, the Raleigh Foot & Ankle Center offers treatment for areas like Raleigh, Cary, and Wake Forest [11].
Prepare for Your Consultation
Before your visit, gather details about:
- Insurance coverage for ESWT [6]
- The equipment your provider uses [13]
- The treatment protocol for your condition
- Estimated out-of-pocket costs
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- What is their experience with your specific condition?
- What equipment will they use for treatment?
- How many sessions are typically needed?
- What aftercare steps should you follow?
- Are there alternative treatment options available?
No responses yet