Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Option for Tendon & Musculoskeletal Pain

neelkotrappa
Jul 28
3 min read

If persistent tendon or soft-tissue pain is limiting your activities, shockwave therapy may offer a non-invasive treatment option. Dr. Kotrappa provides shockwave therapy in Rancho Mirage, CA for selected musculoskeletal conditions that have not improved adequately with conservative care.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy—also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT—uses controlled acoustic pressure waves directed at injured tissue. It does not involve electricity, incisions, or injections.

The treatment may help support the body’s healing response and reduce pain in certain chronic conditions. Focused shockwaves or radial pressure waves may be used depending on your diagnosis and treatment needs.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Shockwave therapy is most often considered for chronic tendon and soft-tissue problems, including:

Plantar fasciitis or chronic heel pain
Achilles tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy or jumper’s knee
Tennis & Golfers elbow
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome of the outer hip
Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
Other selected chronic tendon injuries

An evaluation is important because similar symptoms can be caused by arthritis, fractures, significant tendon tears, nerve irritation, or other conditions requiring different treatment.

What Happens During Treatment?

Before treatment, your clinician will review your symptoms, medical history, and previous care. A physical examination—and sometimes imaging—will help determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.

During a session:

The treatment area is identified.
Gel is applied to the skin.
A handheld device delivers acoustic pulses to the targeted tissue.
The intensity is adjusted according to your condition and comfort.

Most patients feel tapping, pressure, or moderate discomfort. Treatment is usually brief, and patients can generally leave immediately afterward.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Treatment plans vary, but many patients receive approximately four to six sessions, often spaced about one week apart.

Shockwave therapy is usually combined with rehabilitation, which may include progressive strengthening, mobility exercises, physical therapy, and activity modification. It is not a replacement for addressing the underlying factors contributing to an injury.

When Should I Expect Results?

Some patients notice early improvement, but results are often gradual. Changes in pain and function may develop over several weeks and can continue after treatment has ended.

Results vary. Some patients experience meaningful improvement, while others have a partial response or no significant benefit. Shockwave therapy is not a guaranteed cure, and the evidence differs depending on the condition being treated.

Recovery and Possible Side Effects

Most patients return to normal daily activities after treatment. Your clinician may temporarily limit running, jumping, heavy lifting, or other activities that stress the treated tissue.

Short-term side effects may include:

Soreness
Redness or mild swelling
Bruising
Temporary tingling or sensitivity

More significant complications are uncommon, but tendon or soft-tissue injury is possible.

Who May Not Be a Candidate?

Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate when the treatment area includes or is near an active infection, malignant tumor, developing fetus, certain implanted electronic devices, or sensitive structures such as lung or spinal tissue.

Additional precautions may apply to people with bleeding disorders, patients taking blood-thinning medication, growing children, or anyone with a suspected fracture or major tendon tear. Tell your clinician about all medical conditions, medications, pregnancy, and implanted devices before treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

You may feel tapping or moderate discomfort. The intensity can usually be adjusted based on your comfort.

Can shockwave therapy help plantar fasciitis?

It is commonly considered for persistent plantar fasciitis when appropriate nonsurgical treatments have not provided adequate relief.

Can I exercise afterward?

Light daily activity is usually possible, but temporary restrictions may be recommended. Follow your clinician’s individualized return-to-activity plan.

Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies but typically is not covered by insurance. Contact your insurance provider for current benefit and cost information.

Schedule a Shockwave Therapy Consultation

Call (760) 837-8731 to find out whether shockwave therapy may be right for you.

Medically reviewed by: Neel Kotrappa, MD CAQSM

Last reviewed: July 2026

This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.