What is Shock Wave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a clinically proven and highly effective treatment for chronic soft tissue injuries and certain bone conditions. If conservative treatments such as cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, splints, braces, orthotics, or physical therapy have failed to relieve your pain or numbness, then ESWT may be right for you.

Shockwave Therapy or ESWT  is also called Pressure Wave, Pulse Wave, or Sonic Wave Therapy.

How does Shock Wave Therapy work?
The effects of Shock Wave Therapy occur across several levels:

1. Cell Level Change – Shock wave stimulus affects the chemical environment of tissues at a cellular level. This causes changes to free radicals which boost the release of the substances that help to prevent pain and inflammation.

2. Break up of Scar Tissue – Unlike normal elasticated tissue, scar tissue is non-elastic and will prevent normal movement and function, thereby weakening the unaffected tissue surrounding it, often causing further damage and pain. Shock Wave Therapy breaks down fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time, especially with chronic conditions. By increasing circulation and breaking down scar tissue, Shock Wave Therapy will stimulate cell regeneration and promote normal healing and rapid reduction of pain. The normal function can then be restored.

3.  Blood Flow Change – Normal blood flow is critical to the healing process. Shock Wave Therapy creates a revascularization effect. This type of stimulus redirects new blood flow into the affected area which improves soft tissue healing and regeneration.

4. Muscle Tone Modification – Shock Wave treatment adjusts the contractile activity of muscle and can also break patterns of neuro-cognitive pain that are associated with chronic conditions. This effectively relaxes muscles and reduces spasm, and has specific benefits with eliminating trigger points.

5. Pain Reduction – Shock Wave pulses directly affect the nerve fibers that transmit pain signals to our brain. Through the Gate Control Mechanism, Shock Wave Therapy impacts the interneurons in the A-β fibers which prevent the communication of pain.

6.  Improved Nerve Function – In addition to vascularization and tissue regeneration, Shock Wave Therapy has been shown to promote nerve regeneration and help protect against neuropathy and neuronal degeneration.

Does Shock Wave Therapy hurt?

Most patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, but it is generally well tolerated. The initial discomfort typically fades as the area becomes desensitized as it is being treated.

How many treatments will I need?

Most conditions require SIX treatments at one-week intervals. However, more chronic or complicated conditions may require up to ten treatments. 

How successful is Shock Wave? Are the results long-lasting?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is one of the most widely researched rehabilitation modalities.  There are THOUSANDS of peer-reviewed clinical studies on the use of shock wave therapy for the treatment of acute and/or chronic pain and/or neuropathy, with increasing numbers of scientific studies added each year. Research validates the effectiveness of Shock Wave Therapy, and shows successful treatment rates of up to 90%. 

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy has been used in Europe and Asia for many decades to address acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and/or neuropathy. It is an effective, non-invasive, long-lasting alternative to pharmaceutical drugs or surgery.  In most cases, with proper rehabilitation, the results of Shock Wave Therapy for muscle or joint pain can be permanent, so long as the target area is not reinjured. In cases of neuropathy or autoimmune conditions, the results of Shock Wave Therapy may not be permanent, but can alleviate symptoms and provide a significantly better quality of life.

Is Shock Wave Therapy covered by health insurance?

Although Shock Wave Therapy is a clinically proven effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain, it is not covered by health insurance.  The cost of Shock Wave treatment generally ranges from $1200 to $3500 per treatment area, depending on the severity of the pain or injury as well as the location.  There is no downtime, no time bedrest required,  and no side effects.