Explore Shockwave Therapy Services

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses externally applied acoustic pressure waves to deliver mechanical energy into a targeted area.

Depending on the condition being treated, the therapy may be used to stimulate local circulation, influence pain signaling and support the body’s natural tissue-repair response.

The term “shockwave therapy” is used broadly and can refer to different technologies. These technologies do not deliver energy in the same way.

Radial Versus Focused Shockwave Technology

EM Healthcare & Associates currently provides radial pressure wave therapy.

Radial Pressure Wave Therapy

Radial devices generate pressure waves that spread outward from the applicator into a broader and generally more superficial treatment area.

Radial treatment is often used for accessible soft-tissue and musculoskeletal concerns. Treatment intensity and applicator selection can be adjusted according to the area, condition and patient tolerance.

Focused Shockwave Therapy

Focused devices concentrate acoustic energy at a selected depth and focal point. This allows energy to be directed toward a more precisely defined treatment area.

Focused shockwave therapy is not currently offered at EM Healthcare & Associates.

The appropriate technology depends on the diagnosis, treatment target, depth and clinical objective. Radial and focused shockwave should not be presented as interchangeable.

Conditions That May Be Evaluated

Radial shockwave therapy may be considered for selected patients with concerns such as:

• Persistent tendon or soft-tissue pain
• Plantar heel pain
• Achilles tendon pain
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Shoulder tendon pain
• Hip or gluteal tendon pain
• Muscle tightness and trigger-point-like pain
• Other chronic musculoskeletal complaints
• Erectile dysfunction when clinically appropriate

Being listed does not mean that shockwave therapy is automatically appropriate. Similar symptoms can have different causes, and some conditions require imaging, laboratory testing, medication management, specialist referral or another form of treatment.

Evaluation and Candidacy

Shockwave therapy should follow an appropriate clinical evaluation rather than being applied based only on the location of pain.

During the evaluation, the provider may review:

• The location and duration of symptoms
• How the problem began
• Previous diagnoses or injuries
• Prior treatments and their results
• Current medications and supplements
• Relevant medical conditions
• Recent imaging or laboratory results
• Activity limitations
• Treatment goals
• Possible contraindications or precautions

A physical examination may be required for musculoskeletal concerns. Men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction may need additional medical assessment to identify possible cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal, neurological, medication-related or psychological contributors.

An evaluation does not guarantee that shockwave therapy will be recommended.

What Happens During Treatment?

The treatment area is identified and a coupling gel is applied to help transmit the pressure waves.

The handheld applicator is placed against the skin and delivers a controlled series of radial pressure waves. The provider may adjust the intensity, frequency, applicator or treatment location according to the care plan and patient response.

Patients commonly describe the sensation as rapid tapping or pulsing. Some areas may be more sensitive than others.

Treatment intensity should remain tolerable. Tell the provider if the sensation becomes unusually painful or if you experience numbness, dizziness or another unexpected symptom.

How Long Does a Visit Take?

The active shockwave portion of an appointment often takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the treatment objective.

The complete appointment may take longer when it includes:

• Clinical evaluation
• Examination
• Medical-history review
• Treatment preparation
• Patient education
• Reassessment
• Discussion of home-care recommendations

Your first visit will generally take longer than a treatment-only follow-up.

How Many Treatments Are Usually Needed?

The number of sessions depends on the condition, symptom duration, treatment area, overall health and response to care.

Many radial shockwave treatment plans involve approximately three to six sessions, often scheduled about one week apart. Some patients may require fewer or additional visits.

Erectile dysfunction protocols may use a different number and frequency of treatments than musculoskeletal protocols.

The provider will recommend a plan after evaluating the patient. Improvement is not guaranteed, and the number of visits should not be interpreted as a promise of a specific result.

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

Some patients return to normal activities immediately. Others experience temporary soreness, sensitivity, redness, bruising or mild swelling in the treated area.

The provider may recommend modifying strenuous activity for a short period, particularly when the treatment involves an irritated tendon or another load-sensitive structure.

Follow the instructions provided for your specific condition. Contact the clinic if symptoms become severe, unexpected or progressively worse.

Contraindications and Precautions

Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Treatment may be avoided, postponed or modified when certain health conditions or risks are present.

Tell the provider if you have or may have:

• Pregnancy, particularly when treatment would be near the abdomen, pelvis or lower back
• An active infection or open wound in the treatment area
• A known or suspected tumor in the treatment area
• A blood clot or suspected thrombosis
• A bleeding disorder
• Current anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication use
• Significant loss of sensation in the treatment area
• A recent fracture
• A recent surgery or medical procedure involving the area
• A pacemaker or implanted electronic device
• A joint replacement or other implanted hardware near the treatment area
• Severe vascular disease
• An acute neurological condition
• Unexplained pain that has not been medically evaluated

Shockwave should not be applied directly over certain sensitive structures, including the eyes, brain, spinal cord, lungs or other air-filled tissue.

For younger patients, treatment near open growth plates requires special consideration. Shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction is intended for appropriately evaluated adult patients.

This list is not exhaustive. Candidacy is determined individually after reviewing the treatment location, medical history, medications and clinical objective.

Insurance and Self-Pay Status

Shockwave therapy at EM Healthcare & Associates is generally offered as a self-pay service.

Most insurance plans do not routinely cover radial shockwave therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain or erectile dysfunction. Coverage can vary by carrier, diagnosis, benefit structure and the services provided during the visit.

A medically necessary evaluation, testing or related primary care service may have different insurance eligibility than the shockwave treatment itself.

Before scheduling, ask the clinic about:

• Current evaluation fees
• Per-session pricing
• Treatment packages
• Payment requirements
• Whether any portion may be submitted to insurance
• Whether an HSA or FSA may be used

Patients are responsible for confirming benefits and reimbursement eligibility with their insurer or plan administrator.

Shockwave Therapy Is Not a Guaranteed Cure

Shockwave therapy may be one part of a broader treatment plan. It does not replace an appropriate diagnosis, emergency care, medication management, rehabilitation, surgery or specialist evaluation when those services are medically indicated.

Individual responses vary. Some patients may experience improvement, some may require additional care and others may not respond to treatment.

No specific result or timeline can be guaranteed.

Schedule a Shockwave Therapy Evaluation

The first step is determining whether radial shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition and treatment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions