Shockwave Therapy

Advanced, non-invasive care for chronic musculoskeletal pain

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Targeted Approach to Pain

Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), sends acoustic pressure waves into tissue to help restart healing in long-lasting tendon and soft tissue problems. At Premier Physical Therapy in Arlington, TX, we use shockwave therapy for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, tennis elbow and calcific shoulder tendinitis, especially when they haven't improved with other care.

Conditions Shockwave Therapy May Help With

We use shockwave therapy as part of care for foot and ankle pain (plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain), elbow pain (tennis and golfer's elbow), shoulder pain (including calcific tendinitis), knee pain (patellar tendon pain), hip pain (outer hip and gluteal tendon pain) and sports injuries.

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Different Than Massage

A hand-held applicator is placed against the skin over the painful area, with a little gel. It delivers rapid pulses of sound energy into the tissue. With a long-lasting tendon problem, the body has often stopped trying to heal the area. Shockwave therapy creates a small, controlled stimulus that may prompt a new healing response and ease pain.

Types of Shockwave 

There are two main types. Radial shockwave spreads energy over a wider, shallower area. Focused shockwave concentrates energy at a deeper, specific point. 

What It Feels Like

Shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable, but it's brief. You'll feel a strong tapping or thumping, and the intensity can be adjusted as you go. Most patients have a short series of sessions about once a week. The area may be tender for a day or two, and you can return to normal activity right away.

Paired with Exercise

Tendons get stronger and more resilient with the right kind of loading. Shockwave therapy may help calm pain and kick-start healing, and a progressive exercise program helps the tendon handle the demands of walking, running and work again. We may also use IASTM or low-level laser therapy as part of the same plan.

Who Shouldn't Use Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy isn’t for everyone – tell your physical therapist if you believe one or more of these exceptions apply to you.

  • People taking blood thinners or with a clotting disorder

  • Anyone who is pregnant

  • Over a tumor

  • Over open growth plates in children and teens