What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, formally known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in damaged tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue. Originally developed to break up kidney stones, the technology has been adapted for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions with remarkable results.
A handheld device delivers focused pulses of energy to the injured area. These pulses increase blood flow, stimulate cell regeneration, break down calcification and scar tissue, and trigger the release of growth factors that accelerate repair. The treatment targets the problem at its source rather than just reducing inflammation or masking pain.
Shockwave therapy has been extensively studied and is supported by over 300 peer-reviewed clinical trials. Research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that ESWT produced significant long-term improvement in chronic tendon conditions that had failed to respond to conventional treatments.
Why Chronic Soft Tissue Pain Doesn't Heal on Its Own
Tendons and ligaments have limited blood supply compared to muscles. When they're injured, the healing process is slow. If you keep using the injured area before it fully repairs, the body lays down scar tissue instead of healthy tissue. That scar tissue is weaker, less flexible, and more prone to re-injury.
Over time, this creates a cycle of chronic pain. The tissue never fully heals, inflammation becomes ongoing, and the area becomes increasingly sensitive. Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling temporarily, but they don't rebuild the tissue. Physical therapy helps but sometimes isn't enough on its own.
Shockwave therapy breaks this cycle. The acoustic waves literally restart the healing process by creating controlled micro-trauma that triggers a fresh inflammatory response. This time, the body responds with proper tissue repair instead of scar tissue formation.
"Shockwave therapy gives the body a second chance to heal. We're not covering up the pain. We're restarting the repair process at the cellular level."
Dr. Austin Elkin, Doctor of Chiropractic
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is effective for a wide range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving tendons and connective tissue:
- Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Hip bursitis (trochanteric bursitis)
- Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder calcification
- Chronic muscle trigger points
A systematic review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that shockwave therapy is an effective first-line treatment for chronic tendinopathies, with success rates between 65% and 91% depending on the condition.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your chiropractor will identify the exact area of injury through physical examination. A coupling gel is applied to the skin, and the shockwave device is pressed against the treatment area. You'll feel a rapid tapping sensation as the acoustic pulses are delivered.
Each session takes only 5 to 10 minutes per treatment area. Some discomfort is normal during treatment, particularly over the most tender spots, but it's short-lived. There are no needles, no medication, and no downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment, though high-impact exercise should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours.
Most treatment plans involve 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Many patients notice significant improvement after just 2 to 3 sessions. For best results, shockwave therapy can be combined with corrective chiropractic care to address any structural issues contributing to your condition.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections reduce inflammation quickly, but they don't repair tissue. In fact, repeated cortisone injections have been shown to weaken tendons over time, increasing the risk of rupture. They also carry risks of infection and cartilage damage.
Shockwave therapy works differently. Instead of suppressing the body's healing response, it amplifies it. The result is actual tissue regeneration, not just temporary symptom relief.
- Cortisone: fast symptom relief, weakens tissue over time, limited number of injections allowed
- Shockwave therapy: stimulates actual healing, strengthens tissue, no injection risks, lasting results
