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Shockwave Therapy

This innovative, non-invasive treatment is designed to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and restore mobility for patients dealing with chronic or acute musculoskeletal conditions.

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WASH PARK CHIRO

What Exactly is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. These waves are directed at specific areas of pain or injury, promoting increased blood flow, reducing inflammation, and encouraging tissue regeneration. The treatment is FDA-cleared and has been widely adopted in sports medicine, physical therapy, and chiropractic care for its effectiveness in treating various conditions.

Treatment Frequency and Duration

Treatment plans are customized based on the condition's severity. Typically, acute injuries require 4–6 sessions, while chronic conditions may take 6–12 or more. Patients often begin with 2–3 weekly sessions for a few weeks, followed by a reassessment. Severe or persistent conditions may benefit from ongoing care to maintain pain relief and functionality.

How does it work?

During a Shockwave Therapy session at Washington Park Chiropractic, a handheld device is used to deliver controlled acoustic pulses to the targeted area. This process creates microtrauma in the affected tissues, which stimulates the body's repair mechanisms. The result is accelerated healing, pain relief, and improved function. Each session typically lasts between 15 to 20 minutes, and most patients experience significant improvement after a series of treatments.

Scientific Evidence Supporting Shockwave Therapy

The efficacy of laser therapy is backed by extensive research, with thousands of studies confirming its effectiveness. Among these, over 100 controlled trials have demonstrated significant benefits for conditions such as chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and post-surgical recovery.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinopathy
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Shin splints
Chronic back and neck pain
Shoulder pain and calcifications
Scar tissue and adhesions

Frequently Asked Questions

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for a broad range of conditions. It is commonly used to address tendonopathies, muscle strains, myofascial conditions, and repetitive stress injuries like tennis elbow. Additionally, it plays a significant role in pain management, helping to stimulate the body's own repair mechanisms and promote healing.
During a Shockwave Therapy session at Washington Park Chiropractic, a handheld device is used to deliver controlled acoustic pulses to the targeted area. This process creates microtrauma in the affected tissues, which stimulates the body's repair mechanisms.

For athletes, this is used to support soft tissue recovery and minimize downtime, while individuals with chronic pain or stiffness find relief through the therapy’s ability to enhance circulation and repair cells.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe for Everyone?

Yes, this is widely considered a safe and effective treatment for most people. Its non-invasive nature makes it an appealing option for those seeking relief without the use of medications or surgery. The procedure uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
However, as with any medical treatment, there are specific considerations to keep in mind. Individuals who are pregnant or have certain medical conditions should consult with their practitioner before beginning treatment. Your practitioner will evaluate whether this procedure is appropriate for your health needs and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

How Quickly Will I See Results from Shockwave Therapy?

Most people begin noticing improvements within 1–3 sessions, but the exact timeline depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and individual healing response. With weekly sessions, functional improvements are typically noticed between 3 and 6 wkks with full healing around 6-12 weeks.

Healing rates depend on the type and severity of the condition as well as patient adherence to the treatment plan as well as supplemental care like physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, etc.

Will I Feel Pain or Discomfort During Treatment?

Some discomfort is common, but the level varies from person to person and depends on the condition being treated. Most people describe a deep pressure or thumping during their session. Shockwave therapy is designed to target damaged tissue so it's common to feel discomfort in these areas. As the tissue begins to heal, treatments should improve.

You might also notice some light tenderness or soreness after a session. Redness or swelling are also possible. These are normal as they are the body's first signs of the healing process.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Compare to Other Treatments?

Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive alternative to injections, medications, and surgery, making it a strong option for patients who haven’t improved with standard care. Unlike rest, stretching, or anti-inflammatory drugs—which mainly manage symptoms—shockwave therapy works by stimulating tissue repair, improving blood flow, and breaking down chronic scar tissue. It often provides faster relief than traditional physical therapy alone and avoids the downtime associated with surgical procedures. Many patients experience improvement within a few sessions, making it an effective next step when conservative treatments aren’t enough.