Shockwave and Acoustic Wave Therapy for Pain
Shockwave therapy, also called acoustic or radial pressure-wave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment for stubborn tendon and muscle pain. There are no needles or incisions, and most sessions take about 10 to 20 minutes.
How pressure-wave therapy works
A handheld device sends acoustic pressure waves through the skin into painful tissue. The waves are thought to increase local blood flow, break up calcium deposits and restart the healing process in tissue that has stalled. Two main types are used:
Focused acoustic wave therapy
Concentrates energy at a set depth for deep tendon and joint pain, such as calcific shoulder tendinitis.
Radial wave therapy
Spreads energy over a wider, shallower area. Common for plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and muscle trigger points.
Possible benefits
- Reduced pain in chronic tendon and muscle conditions
- Increased blood circulation in the surrounding soft tissue
- Support for the body's natural healing response
- No needles, no anesthesia and little or no downtime
Conditions commonly treated
- Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
- Achilles and patellar tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis
- Greater trochanteric (outer hip) pain
- Chronic muscle trigger points
Frequently asked questions
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Most treatment plans involve 3 to 6 weekly sessions. Improvement often continues for several weeks after the last session.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
It can be uncomfortable during treatment, especially over the most tender spot, but the intensity is adjusted to what you can tolerate. Mild soreness for a day or two is common.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies and many plans do not cover it. Ask the clinic for the cost per session and for the full course before you start.
Find shockwave therapy near you
See clinics offering shockwave therapy by state and city.
Other levels of pain treatment
Non-interventional care
Rest, medication, physical therapy, TENS and other first-line treatments.
Interventional procedures
Nerve blocks, epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation and stimulators.
PRP & bone marrow (BMC)
Orthobiologic injections that use your own blood or bone marrow.
Regenerative medicine
How PRP, cell-based therapy and shockwave fit together.
Surgical treatment
When surgery makes sense and what it involves.
Non-surgical treatment guides
This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified physician about your diagnosis and treatment options.
