Alternative Pain Management
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
ESWT, also called shockwave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to support healing in painful or injured tissue.
What to expect
Schedule a conversation about whether shockwave therapy may help.
Understand the therapy before deciding.
Each service page is organized around the questions you may bring into a consultation: what the therapy is, what it may support, what concerns it is commonly discussed for, and which cautions we should review first.
Overview
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy sends acoustic waves into damaged or inflamed tissue. This can help trigger the body’s natural healing response, increase circulation, encourage regenerative activity, reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and support restored function. It may be used as a standalone therapy or alongside an existing care plan when appropriate.
Potential benefits
Can support circulation, tissue repair, reduced inflammation, pain reduction, and improved function.
Common uses
We can talk through shockwave therapy for knee pain, post-knee replacement pain, heel pain, foot pain, Achilles tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, hamstring pain, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, back pain, and neck pain.
Safety, side effects, and preparation
These notes are not a substitute for medical advice, but they can help you know what to tell us before treatment. Health history, medications, implanted devices, and aftercare needs can all matter.
Important cautions
Shockwave therapy should not be used during pregnancy, with bleeding disorders, or while taking blood thinners. It should not be used with cancer, especially near a cancer site. It may interfere with implanted devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, or pain pumps if the device is within 10 inches of the treatment area. It should not be applied to open wounds or actively infected skin, and the treated area should be avoided for six weeks after a steroid injection.
Possible side effects
Possible mild discomfort during treatment, post-treatment soreness, red skin, mild swelling, numbness, bruising, or increased sensitivity at the treatment site.
Preparation and aftercare
Tell us about pregnancy, bleeding disorders, blood thinner use, cancer history, implanted devices, open wounds, skin infection, and recent steroid injections before treatment.