Shockwave Therapy

What Are Shockwaves?

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. Originally developed to break up kidney stones (lithotripsy), this technology has evolved into an effective treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions.

The Science Behind Shockwaves

Shockwaves are high-energy acoustic waves that travel faster than the speed of sound. When applied therapeutically:

• They create microtrauma in the targeted tissue
• This triggers increased blood flow and metabolic activity
• The body responds by releasing growth factors and stem cells
• These biological responses accelerate the natural healing process
• Damaged tissue is gradually replaced with healthy, functional tissue

Focused Shockwave vs. Radial Pulse Therapy

Focused Shockwave Therapy

Focused shockwave therapy delivers highly concentrated energy to precise depths within the body:

• Energy converges at a specific focal point
• Penetrates deeper tissues (up to 12cm)
• Higher energy concentration at the focal point
• Ideal for treating deeper structures like plantar fascia, rotator cuff, and hip tendons
• We use advanced electromagnetic technology for precise, controlled delivery

Radial Pulse Therapy

Radial pulse therapy (sometimes called radial shockwave therapy) delivers a different type of pressure wave:

• Energy disperses radially, spreading outward from the applicator
• Treats broader, more superficial areas (up to 5cm depth)
• Lower intensity than focused shockwaves
• Excellent for treating larger surface areas and muscle tension
• Generated using pneumatic (compressed air) technology

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Scientific Explanation

Shockwave therapy works through several biological mechanisms:

1. Mechanotransduction: Converts mechanical stimuli into cellular responses
2. Neovascularization: Promotes formation of new blood vessels in affected areas
3. Release of growth factors: Stimulates production of healing proteins like VEGF and PCNA
4. Reduction of Substance P: Decreases pain-transmitting neurotransmitters
5. Tissue regeneration: Activates mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblast production
6. Exosome and stem cell stimulation: Triggers release of regenerative cellular components

Stem Cell and Exosome Stimulation

Our electromagnetic focused shockwave therapy is particularly effective at:

• Activating dormant stem cells: The acoustic waves stimulate mesenchymal stem cells in the targeted area, prompting them to differentiate into the specific cell types needed for repair
• Increasing exosome release: Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells that carry proteins, lipids, and genetic material critical for cellular communication and tissue repair
• Enhancing cellular signaling: Improves communication between cells to coordinate the healing response
• Supporting long-term tissue remodeling: The stem cell activation leads to higher quality tissue repair with better functional outcomes

In Simple Terms

Think of shockwave therapy as a way to “jump-start” your body’s natural healing process:

• The shockwaves act like a targeted deep tissue massage
• They break up scarred or calcified tissue
• They increase blood flow to areas that typically have poor circulation
• They stimulate your body to send healing resources to the injured area
• Pain decreases as healthy tissue replaces damaged tissue

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy effectively treats many chronic conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis/heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Tennis/golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis)
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• Hip bursitis and tendinopathy
• Myofascial trigger points
• Calcific tendonitis
• Non-healing fractures
• Stress fractures

Treatment Procedure

What to Expect

1. Initial assessment: We evaluate your condition to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate
2. Treatment setup: The area is exposed and gel is applied for optimal shockwave transmission
3. Therapy application: The shockwave applicator is placed against your skin over the problem area
4. Energy delivery: Shockwaves are delivered in pulses for 5-10 minutes per treatment area
5. Post-treatment: No special care is needed, though we may recommend certain activities to avoid

Sensations During Treatment

Most patients experience:

• A tapping sensation against the skin
• Mild to moderate discomfort during treatment
• Quick resolution of discomfort after the session ends

Treatment Plan

Most conditions require 4-8 sessions spaced approximately one week apart for optimal results. Improvement often begins after 2-3 sessions, with continued healing for up to 3 months after completing the treatment series.

Insurance and Payment Information

Important: While shockwave therapy is FDA-cleared and supported by extensive clinical research, it is currently not covered by most insurance programs, including Medicare. This is despite its proven effectiveness and safety profile.

We offer various payment options to make this treatment accessible, including:

• Flexible payment plans
• Health savings account (HSA) eligibility
• Care Credit financing options

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy?

• Non-invasive: No surgery, no injections, no medication
• Quick treatments: Sessions typically last 15-20 minutes
• No downtime: Return to most activities immediately
• Evidence-based: Supported by extensive clinical research
• Long-lasting results: Addresses the cause, not just symptoms
• Alternative to surgery: May help avoid more invasive procedures