If you suffer from chronic muscle or joint pain, you may be looking for alternative treatments to help ease your discomfort. One such treatment is extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), a non-invasive option that uses sound waves to promote healing in injured muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.
In this article, we’ll break down what ESWT is, how it works, and how it can help with common musculoskeletal conditions.
What Is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
ESWT involves sending high-energy sound waves to areas of the body that are experiencing pain or injury. These sound waves stimulate the affected tissues, encouraging them to heal more quickly and reducing pain. No electrical "shock" is involved! Often known by brands names like Stemwave or Softwave, it’s commonly used for painful conditions like:
Tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon)
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Calcific shoulder tendinopathy (pain in the shoulder due to calcium deposits)
How Does ESWT Work?
The shockwaves from the therapy help improve blood flow to the injured area, which speeds up the healing process. The treatment also helps break up scar tissue, reduces inflammation, and promotes the regeneration of new, healthy tissue. Patients typically experience relief from pain after a few sessions.
When Is ESWT Used?
Doctors often recommend ESWT for patients who haven’t found relief from other treatments like medication or physical therapy. It’s typically used for chronic pain, especially when other methods haven’t worked. It’s a great option for people looking for a non-surgical treatment for musculoskeletal problems.
Is It Safe?
ESWT is generally considered safe, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting treatment. Certain conditions, such as pregnancy, active infections, or cancer, may make ESWT not suitable for you. A healthcare provider will help determine if ESWT is right for your specific situation.
What Can You Expect During Treatment?
During an ESWT session, a technician will apply a gel to the area being treated and use a special device to send shockwaves into the tissue. The procedure is typically quick (lasting about 5–10 minutes) and doesn’t require anesthesia. While most patients experience some discomfort, the pain is usually mild and temporary.
The Importance of Proper Training
It’s important that ESWT is administered by trained healthcare professionals. They need to understand how to use the equipment correctly and know which settings to use for different conditions. This helps ensure the treatment is safe and effective for each patient.
Does insurance cover shockwave therapy?
Only a few insurance plans will cover shockwave therapy for certain conditions, like calcific tendinitis in the shoulder. Most insurances, including Medicare, do not cover this service. However, that doesn't mean it is expensive! Our prices are less than $200 per session, and discounts are available too!
In Conclusion
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is an exciting treatment option for musculoskeletal pain, particularly for chronic conditions that haven’t responded well to other treatments. It’s non-invasive, has minimal side effects, and can help promote healing in a way that many patients find effective. If you’ve been struggling with pain from conditions like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, talk to your our providers at Montana Laser to see if ESWT could be right for you.
Tenforde, Adam S et al. “Best practices for extracorporeal shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal medicine: Clinical application and training consideration.” PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation vol. 14,5 (2022): 611-619. doi:10.1002/pmrj.12790
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