My physical therapist mentioned shockwave therapy after six weeks of exercises hadn’t fully resolved my plantar fasciitis. I’d been hobbling around every morning like someone had attacked my heel overnight, and the stretches were helping but not solving it.
I didn’t know what shockwave therapy was. The name sounded aggressive, like something from a sci-fi movie or a desperate late-night infomercial. Turns out it’s a legitimate treatment that’s been used in medicine for decades, and finding shockwave therapy near me was easier than I expected.
Here’s what I learned about this treatment: how it works, what it’s used for, where to find it, and whether it’s worth trying for your particular situation.
What Shockwave Therapy Actually Is
Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured tissue. The “shockwave” isn’t electricity. It’s a pulse of high-energy sound waves delivered through your skin to the affected area.
The technology was originally developed to break up kidney stones without surgery. Doctors noticed that patients receiving those treatments sometimes experienced improvements in other musculoskeletal conditions. Research followed, and shockwave therapy evolved into a treatment for various soft tissue problems.
There are two main types:
Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT)
This is the more common type, especially in physical therapy and chiropractic settings. It delivers lower-energy waves that spread outward from the applicator. It’s less painful and generally less expensive.
Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT)
This concentrates higher-energy waves on a specific point deep in the tissue. It’s more intense and typically used for deeper or more stubborn conditions. You’ll find this more often in orthopedic practices or specialized clinics.
Both types work by creating controlled microtrauma in the tissue, which triggers your body’s healing response. The shockwaves increase blood flow, stimulate collagen production, and may help break down calcifications or scar tissue.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy has the most evidence for treating:
Plantar fasciitis
This is probably the most common use. Studies show shockwave therapy can be effective for heel pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative treatments. This was my situation, and it’s what brought me to the treatment.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Chronic elbow pain that hasn’t improved with rest and physical therapy sometimes responds well to shockwave treatment.
Achilles tendinopathy
Both insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendon problems have been treated with shockwave therapy, with reasonable evidence supporting its use.
Shoulder tendinopathy and calcific tendinitis
Shockwave can help break up calcium deposits in the rotator cuff and stimulate healing in chronic shoulder tendon problems.
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Athletes with chronic knee tendon pain sometimes find relief through shockwave treatment.
Hip bursitis (greater trochanteric pain syndrome)
This outer hip pain, common in runners and middle-aged adults, is another condition where shockwave may help.
Other applications being studied:
- Trigger points and muscle pain
- Stress fractures
- Bone healing
- Erectile dysfunction (a separate protocol, not musculoskeletal)
The evidence is strongest for plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. For other conditions, research is ongoing and results are more mixed.
Where to Find Shockwave Therapy
Several types of practitioners offer shockwave therapy:
Physical therapy clinics
Many PT practices have shockwave equipment, especially those that work with athletes or treat a lot of tendon problems. This is often the most affordable option.
Chiropractors
Chiropractic offices increasingly offer shockwave as part of their treatment menu, particularly for back pain and extremity issues.
Sports medicine physicians
Doctors specializing in sports injuries often have shockwave equipment or can refer you to clinics that do.
Orthopedic practices
Orthopedists may offer shockwave as a conservative option before considering surgery for certain conditions.
Podiatrists
Foot specialists commonly use shockwave for plantar fasciitis and other foot and ankle conditions.
Specialty pain clinics
Some pain management practices include shockwave among their treatment options.
To find providers near you:
- Search “shockwave therapy” plus your city
- Ask your physical therapist or doctor for referrals
- Check with sports medicine clinics in your area
- Look at podiatry practices if your issue is foot-related
- Call chiropractic offices and ask if they offer ESWT
When evaluating providers, ask:
- What type of shockwave do you use (radial or focused)?
- What machine do you have? (Different brands have different evidence behind them)
- How many treatments have you performed?
- What conditions do you commonly treat with shockwave?
What Shockwave Therapy Costs
Costs vary significantly by provider type and location:
Physical therapy clinic: $75-200 per session
Chiropractic office: $75-150 per session
Podiatry or orthopedic practice: $150-500 per session
Specialty sports medicine clinic: $200-500 per session
Most people need 3-6 treatments, typically spaced one week apart. So total cost for a full treatment course might range from $225 to $3,000 depending on where you go and how many sessions you need.
Insurance coverage is inconsistent. Some insurers cover shockwave therapy for certain conditions when conservative treatments have failed. Others consider it experimental and don’t cover it at all. Before starting, check with your insurance about coverage for your specific diagnosis.
Medicare does not generally cover shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal conditions as of my research date. Check current policy, as these things change.
I paid $125 per session at my physical therapist’s office, did four sessions, and insurance covered 80% after my deductible was met. Total out of pocket was about $100.
What Happens During Treatment
My first session took about 45 minutes, including the initial evaluation. Subsequent sessions were 20-30 minutes.
Initial evaluation
The practitioner assessed my foot, confirmed the diagnosis, and identified the exact spots where I was experiencing pain. She explained the treatment, potential side effects, and what to expect.
The treatment itself
I sat on a treatment table with my foot accessible. She applied gel to the area (similar to ultrasound gel) and pressed the shockwave handpiece against my heel.
When she turned it on, I felt a rapid tapping sensation. Not gentle, definitely intense, but not unbearable. The intensity was adjustable, and she started lower, then increased as I tolerated it.
The uncomfortable part was when she found the exact spot of maximum tenderness. The shockwaves delivered directly to the painful area hurt more than the surrounding tissue. She explained this is actually desirable because it means you’re treating the right spot.
Each treatment area received 2,000-3,000 pulses. The whole active treatment phase lasted maybe 10 minutes.
After treatment
My heel was sore afterward, similar to how it felt after a hard day on my feet. She advised me to avoid anti-inflammatory medications for 24-48 hours (since inflammation is part of the healing response we’re trying to trigger) and to continue my stretching exercises.
Subsequent sessions
The second session was more tolerable, maybe because I knew what to expect or maybe because my tissue was already responding. By the third session, the treatment felt almost routine.
Does Shockwave Therapy Actually Work?
The evidence is genuinely supportive for certain conditions:
Plantar fasciitis: Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses show shockwave therapy is effective for chronic plantar fasciitis, particularly when conservative treatments have failed. Success rates in studies range from 60-80%.
Tennis elbow: Studies show moderate effectiveness, especially for chronic cases. Results are somewhat less consistent than for plantar fasciitis.
Calcific shoulder tendinitis: Strong evidence that shockwave can help break up calcium deposits and reduce pain.
Achilles tendinopathy: Moderate evidence supporting effectiveness, particularly for chronic cases.
For other conditions, evidence is more limited or mixed. That doesn’t mean shockwave doesn’t work for those conditions, just that research is still developing.
My personal experience: after four sessions over four weeks, my morning heel pain reduced significantly. Not 100% gone, but maybe 80% better. Six months later, I’d say I’m 95% back to normal. The combination of shockwave and continued stretching worked for me.
Was it the shockwave specifically, or would time and stretching alone have eventually done the job? I can’t know for certain. But the improvement timeline accelerated noticeably after starting shockwave treatment.
Side Effects and Risks
Shockwave therapy is generally considered safe when performed by trained practitioners. Common side effects include:
Pain during treatment
This is expected, especially over the most affected areas. Intensity can be adjusted to keep it tolerable.
Soreness after treatment
Your treatment area may be sore for 24-72 hours afterward. This is normal and usually mild.
Redness or swelling
Some people experience temporary skin redness or mild swelling at the treatment site.
Bruising
Occasionally, particularly with higher-intensity focused shockwave, some bruising may occur.
Numbness or tingling
Rare, and usually temporary if it occurs.
Serious complications are uncommon but possible:
- Tendon rupture (rare, and risk is higher with steroid injections, not shockwave)
- Worsening of symptoms temporarily
- Skin damage (rare)
Contraindications (people who shouldn’t have shockwave therapy):
- Pregnancy
- Blood clotting disorders or taking blood thinners
- Infection in the treatment area
- Cancer in the treatment area
- Open wounds at treatment site
- Certain nerve or vascular disorders
Always disclose your full medical history to your provider.
Questions to Ask Before Treatment
Before committing to shockwave therapy:
- What’s my specific diagnosis? Shockwave works better for some conditions than others.
- Have I exhausted conservative options? For most conditions, you should try rest, stretching, physical therapy, and other conservative treatments before shockwave.
- What type of shockwave machine do you use? Radial or focused? Some machines have more research behind them than others.
- How many treatments will I need? Typical protocols are 3-6 sessions. Be wary of open-ended treatment plans.
- What should I expect for improvement? Realistic expectations are 60-80% improvement, not necessarily 100% cure.
- What if it doesn’t work? Have a conversation about next steps if shockwave doesn’t provide adequate relief.
- Will insurance cover this? Get a clear answer before starting, not after.
- What should I do or avoid after treatment? Instructions for rest, activity modification, and stretching.
Who Might Benefit from Shockwave Therapy
Consider shockwave therapy if:
- You have a chronic tendon problem (3+ months) that hasn’t responded to rest and physical therapy
- You have plantar fasciitis that’s persisted despite stretching and orthotics
- You’re trying to avoid surgery for conditions like calcific shoulder tendinitis
- You want to accelerate healing from a chronic injury
- Conservative treatments have plateaued and you’re looking for something more
Shockwave is generally not a first-line treatment. Most practitioners recommend trying rest, physical therapy, orthotics (for foot issues), and activity modification before shockwave.
It’s also not a magic fix. Shockwave works best when combined with appropriate stretching, strengthening, and addressing whatever mechanical or activity issues contributed to your injury in the first place.
The Bottom Line
Shockwave therapy is a legitimate treatment option for certain chronic musculoskeletal conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. It’s non-invasive, has a reasonable evidence base, and for many people provides meaningful improvement.
The treatment isn’t painless, but it’s tolerable. Costs vary but are generally manageable, especially at physical therapy or chiropractic clinics. Finding providers near you isn’t difficult in most areas.
For me, shockwave was the intervention that finally moved the needle on heel pain that had persisted for months. That morning hobble to the bathroom is mostly a memory now. Not every treatment works for every person, but this one worked for me.
If you’ve been dealing with a stubborn tendon problem that isn’t getting better with conventional approaches, shockwave therapy is worth discussing with your doctor or physical therapist.
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Meta Title: Shockwave Therapy Near Me: Costs, What to Expect & Does It Work?
Meta Description: What shockwave therapy treats (plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow), costs ($75-500/session), how to find providers, and honest review of whether it actually works.
Primary Keyword: shockwave therapy near me
Secondary Keywords: shockwave therapy cost, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT therapy, shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis
