Everything You Need to Know About Shockwave Therapy!
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used in physical therapy to help reduce pain and stimulate tissue healing. It works by delivering sound waves to injured or restricted areas, triggering a biological response that can improve circulation, decrease sensitivity, and support tissue recovery.
In our physical therapy clinic, we use an advanced PHS radial shockwave machine that generates controlled electromagnetic acoustic waves. These waves are applied directly to the affected tissue to address pain, stiffness, and movement limitations, without injections or surgery, making it an effective option for many musculoskeletal conditions.
What Are the Different Types of Shockwave Therapy?
There are two main types of shockwave therapy used in physical therapy: radial shockwave and focused shockwave. Each delivers acoustic energy differently and is suited for specific clinical applications.
Radial Shockwave Machine
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Radial shockwave therapy delivers pressure waves that spread outward from the applicator, with the highest energy at the skin surface and gradual dissipation as the wave travels deeper into the tissue. Typical penetration depth is approximately 2 - 4 cm (about 1 - 1.5 inches), making it ideal for surface-level and mid-depth structures. This form of shockwave therapy is commonly used in physical therapy to treat muscle tension, myofascial restrictions, trigger points, and larger treatment areas. Its ability to efficiently address broad regions makes it a practical and effective tool for restoring movement and reducing pain for patients.
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Focused shockwave therapy concentrates energy at a specific depth, allowing for precise treatment of deeper tissues. It is more commonly used for certain bone-related conditions or deep tendinopathies. While focused shockwave has its place, radial shockwave offers greater versatility for many of the soft tissue and sports-related conditions frequently treated in outpatient physical therapy.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
In physical therapy, shockwave therapy is used to manage a variety of musculoskeletal conditions involving persistent pain, tissue irritation, or movement limitations. It is most often applied to soft tissue and tendon-related issues, particularly when symptoms are limiting performance, daily activity, or progress in rehab.
Conditions commonly treated with shockwave therapy include:
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Achilles tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Hip pain and gluteal tendinopathy
Hamstring and calf strains
Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff–related symptoms
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Chronic muscle tightness and trigger points
Myofascial pain and soft tissue restrictions
Overuse injuries related to running, jumping, or lifting
Who is Shockwave Therapy Good For?
Shockwave therapy may be a good option for individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:
Active adults and athletes
Those looking to manage pain or tissue irritation while continuing to train, work, or stay active.People with persistent or recurring symptoms
Especially when pain, tightness, or movement limitations have not fully resolved with rest or basic treatment.Tendon or soft tissue - related conditions
Including tendinopathies, myofascial restrictions, and chronic muscle tension.Patients seeking non-invasive treatment options
Shockwave therapy does not involve injections, medications, or surgery.Individuals already participating in physical therapy
Shockwave therapy is most effective when integrated into a structured rehab program that includes exercise and movement retraining.
A physical therapy evaluation helps determine whether shockwave therapy fits your condition, goals, and overall plan of care!
How We Use Shockwave Therapy at Cuirim Sports Recovery
At Cuirim, shockwave therapy is used as part of a comprehensive, hands-on physical therapy approach, not as a standalone, passive treatment. We apply radial shockwave to target injured or overloaded tissues, helping stimulate blood flow, break up chronic tightness, and jump-start the body’s natural healing response.
Our physical therapists use this technology to support recovery from common conditions like tendon injuries, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, and stubborn pain that hasn’t responded well to rest or exercise alone. Each treatment is carefully customized based on your movement patterns, sport, and goals, so shockwave therapy enhances, rather than replaces, your personalized rehab program.
As an added touch for comfort, we provide earbuds during treatment to reduce the tapping noise of the machine and help you relax while we work!
FAQ’s
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Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for every condition or individual. It may NOT be recommended in the following situations:
Medical considerations:
Acute fractures or suspected bone injury
Active infection, open wounds, or skin irritation in the treatment area
Blood clotting disorders or use of certain anticoagulant medications
Known tumors or malignancies in the area being treated
Reduced sensation or certain neurological conditions affecting the area
Pregnancy, when treatment would involve the abdomen, pelvis, or low back
Injury-related considerations:
Acute injuries that require initial rest or protection
Pain primarily driven by nerve involvement rather than soft tissue
Conditions that respond well to movement, strengthening, or load management alone
A comprehensive physical therapy evaluation is essential to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate or if a different treatment approach would better support your recovery goals.
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Most people experience little to no side effects from shockwave therapy. It’s common to feel mild soreness, tenderness, or redness in the treated area for a day or two, similar to how you might feel after a deep tissue massage or a tough workout. These effects are temporary and usually go away on their own. Serious side effects are rare, and your physical therapist at Cuirim will make sure the treatment is appropriate for your condition before starting.
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Shockwave therapy at Cuirim is $60 per session. We also offer a free first session, so you can experience how it feels and how your body responds before committing to any additional treatments.