About Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Shockwave therapy uses a handheld applicator to deliver short, high-energy sound waves into injured tissue. The pulses increase local blood flow, calm pain signaling, and prompt the tendon to restart a stalled healing process. Nothing breaks the skin.
It works best for long-standing problems where a tendon has become worn rather than acutely torn, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, tennis elbow, outer hip pain, and calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
At Propel, shockwave therapy is one option within a plan, not a stand-alone fix. We confirm the diagnosis with an exam and ultrasound first, then pair shockwave sessions with progressive loading so the tendon builds lasting capacity.
What happens during treatment
- 1.
Your clinician examines the area and uses ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and find the most tender spot.
- 2.
Gel is applied and the applicator is placed on the skin over the injured tissue.
- 3.
Pulses are delivered for several minutes. The intensity is adjusted so the treatment is uncomfortable at most, never unbearable.
- 4.
You walk out and return to your normal day. A course is usually a few sessions spaced about a week apart.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy that has lasted several months despite rehab.
- Runners and athletes with patellar, hamstring, or gluteal tendon pain.
- Adults with tennis or golfer's elbow who want an option without injections.
- People with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.
Recovery
There is no downtime. The area can feel sore or bruised for a day or two, and most people keep working and training with small adjustments. Improvement tends to build gradually over the weeks after a course, which is why we continue the strengthening program throughout and reassess at follow-up.
Risks and limits
Shockwave therapy is well tolerated. Temporary soreness, redness, bruising, or tingling can occur. It is not used over open growth plates, active infection, tumors, or major nerves and vessels, during pregnancy, or in people taking certain blood thinners. Results vary, and not every tendon responds; when it does not, we discuss other options such as orthobiologics or percutaneous tenotomy.
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
We listen first
Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.
- 2.
Exam and in-office ultrasound
A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.
- 3.
A clear diagnosis and plan
You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.
- 4.
Treatment and follow-through
Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.
Questions about Shockwave
- Does shockwave therapy hurt?
- It can be uncomfortable while the pulses are delivered, especially over the most tender spot, but the intensity is adjusted to what you can tolerate and each session lasts only minutes.
- How many shockwave sessions will I need?
- Most courses are a few sessions spaced about a week apart. Your clinician sets the number based on the tissue treated and how you respond.
- Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
- Coverage varies and many plans do not cover it. We review the cost with you before starting.