Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

A non‑surgical option for stubborn pain and slow‑to‑heal injuries

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an advanced, noninvasive treatment that uses high‑energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Originally developed in the 1980s to break up kidney stones, shockwave technology has since been adapted to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Today, ESWT is used worldwide to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to the activities they love—without surgery.

How it Works

During treatment, a handheld device delivers controlled acoustic waves to the injured area. These waves create a gentle mechanical stress in the tissues, which:

  • Increases blood flow and circulation

  • Stimulates the release of growth factors that promote tissue repair

  • Breaks down calcified deposits in tendons

  • Reduces inflammation and desensitizes irritated nerves

Depending on the condition, your provider may use focused ESWT (for deeper, precise treatment) or radial ESWT (for broader, surface‑level therapy).

Conditions Commonly Treated

ESWT is especially effective for chronic injuries and conditions that haven’t responded to rest, medication, or physical therapy. These include:

  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

  • Patellar tendinopathy (“jumper’s knee”)

  • Shoulder calcific tendinitis

  • Hamstring or hip tendinopathy

  • Shin splints and stress‑related bone pain

  • Delayed bone healing or nonunion fractures

It is also being studied for use in arthritis, scar tissue, and certain neurological conditions where muscle spasticity is a problem.

What to Expect

  • Quick sessions: Each treatment typically lasts 10–20 minutes.

  • Minimal downtime: Most patients resume normal activities the same day.

  • Series of treatments: Lasting results usually require 3–6 sessions, spaced about a week apart.

  • Mild side effects: Temporary redness, soreness, or bruising at the treatment site are the most common and usually resolve within a few days.

Benefits of ESWT

  • Noninvasive—no incisions, no anesthesia

  • Helps avoid or delay surgery

  • Stimulates natural healing rather than masking symptoms

  • Proven effectiveness for chronic tendon and ligament injuries

  • Can improve quality of life when other treatments have failed

Is ESWT Right for You?

ESWT is not suitable for everyone. It may not be recommended for patients who are pregnant, have bleeding disorders, active infections, or certain tumors in the treatment area. A consultation with your provider will determine if ESWT is the right option for your condition and goals.