What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT, delivers pulses of acoustic pressure through the skin into the tissue underneath. It began as a way to break up kidney stones and has since been adapted, at much lower energy, for musculoskeletal problems.
It is a different treatment from the Advanced Orthogonal adjustment. Both use a percussive instrument, but the Advanced Orthogonal instrument corrects the position of the top vertebra, while shockwave therapy is applied to soft tissue.
Radial and focused shockwave
Radial devices spread their energy outward from the applicator and act closer to the surface. Focused devices concentrate energy at a set depth. The practice uses the Chattanooga Intelect Mobile 2, a radial shockwave device.
What it is used for here
Shockwave therapy is used here for musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Heel pain, including plantar fasciitis
- Ankle pain
- Frozen shoulder
- TMJ pain
- Joint pain
- Tight, overworked muscles
What a session feels like
Gel is applied and the handpiece is moved over the painful area. You will feel rapid tapping or pulsing. It can be uncomfortable over tender spots, and the intensity is adjusted to what you can tolerate. Mild soreness or redness for a day or two is common.
A session takes 10 to 15 minutes. Plan on 3 to 5 sessions before judging how you are responding.
Cost
A shockwave session is $85. With a chiropractic adjustment in the same visit, the package is $150.
When it is not appropriate
Shockwave therapy is generally not used during pregnancy, over a tumor or infection, over the lungs, over a growth plate in children, or near a recent steroid injection. People who have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners need to be screened first. Your provider will check before treating.
Provider and location
Shockwave therapy is provided by Dr. Lambert, Dr. Cruz and Kristy Sanders at our Brandon office, Monday through Thursday. It is not offered at the Tampa office.
Frequently asked questions
Is shockwave therapy the same as the Advanced Orthogonal “sound wave” adjustment?
No. They are separate treatments with different purposes. The Advanced Orthogonal adjustment corrects the top vertebra. Shockwave therapy is applied to soft tissue such as tendons.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
It can be uncomfortable over sore areas, but sessions are short and the intensity is adjusted for you.
How many sessions will I need?
Plan on 3 to 5 sessions before judging how you are responding. Sessions take 10 to 15 minutes.
How is it different from laser therapy?
Laser therapy uses light and feels warm. Shockwave therapy uses pressure waves and feels like tapping. Your provider will recommend what suits your problem.
How much does it cost?
$85 per session, or $150 with a chiropractic adjustment. The practice is self-pay and does not bill insurance.