Shockwave

Extracorporeal or Focal Shockwave Therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that accelerates healing and tissue regeneration in bones, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Using a specialized applicator, high-energy acoustic waves are transmitted into the affected area, increasing local blood flow, stimulating cell regeneration, and promoting collagen production. This process initiates a controlled healing response that reduces pain and restores function. Clinically proven and fast-acting, Shockwave Therapy is particularly effective for conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and other persistent musculoskeletal disorders.

1. What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is an effective, non-invasive, fast acting, and clinically proven treatment that can accelerate and stimulate the healing and regeneration of bone, tendon, ligament, and other soft tissues. During the therapy, a wand on the skin transmits a high intensity acoustic wave that interacts with tissues of the body, leading to an increase in blood circulation in the affected area which stimulates cell regeneration and collagen growth. Shockwave Therapy accelerates the healing process by initiating a controlled inflammation type response within the injured tissue to trigger the body to respond naturally and promote healing, helping to alleviate pain and other symptoms.

2. What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave Therapy is a fast and effective treatment for acute and chronic pain in tendons, muscles, and joints.  Conditions commonly treated with Shockwave Therapy include, but are not limited to: bursitis, rotator cuff injuries, Achille’s tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, myofascial pain syndrome and trigger points, hamstring injuries, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, patellar tendonitis, meniscal injury, degenerative arthritis, shin splints, and other joint/soft tissue injuries.

3. What Can I Expect?

A typical treatment session lasts about 10 minutes. While some patients may feel slight discomfort during the treatment, similar to a deep tissue massage, it is not considered painful.  This mild soreness can last a few hours to a couple of days and is seen as a positive sign that the healing response has begun.  Some patients might notice slight bruising or numbness for a short period of time after treatment.

A typical treatment plan involves 2 treatments per week for 3 weeks. Particularly severe and/or chronic issues may benefit from additional treatment. Some patients report an immediate improvement in symptoms such as pain relief and improved range of motion. However, in some cases, it can take several weeks after starting treatment to experience the full benefit of Shockwave Therapy.

4. What Are My Instructions after Shockwave treatment?

To get the most out of treatment, you should try to rest the treated area for 24 hours before and after your treatment. There are other specific instructions to consider before and after treatment, including:

• Avoid steroid medication and injections for a minimum of 4-8 weeks before treatment as these can inhibit your body’s ability to heal.
• After treatment, avoid the use of ice, heat, steroid mediations, and anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. These can block the intended effects of the healing process. Some people report minor soreness or aching a few hours after the treatment. As long as your primary care physician states that Tylenol is safe for you to take, it can help alleviate any mild soreness you may have without interfering with the treatment.
• Normal day to day activities and light exercise can usually be resumed soon after treatment. However some activities should be avoided, such as strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and high impact activities, as they may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

5. When is Shockwave NOT recommended?

• Pregnancy
• Treatment over a joint replacement
• Hemophilia or other severe bleeding disorder
• Over growth plates in children and teens
• Those with infection or malignancy in the treatment area
• Those with a pacemaker or other implanted defibrillator or medical device

6. What is the Cost of Shockwave Therapy?

The initial Shockwave treatment is $100 per area + an exam fee. Each additional treatment for each area is $100. The average cost of Shockwave Therapy in Hampton Roads is $250+ per treatment.  Shockwave Therapy is not covered by insurance.  The exam fee might be covered and we will research this for you.