Frequently Asked Questions

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic pressure waves through the skin to an area of chronic musculoskeletal pain, most often a tendon or area of soft-tissue irritation. It's been studied for a range of overuse conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and others. Learn more on our Shockwave Therapy page.

SoftWave TRT is the specific shockwave technology used at Shockwave Pain Institute, manufactured by Tissue Regeneration Technologies. Learn more, including verified FDA regulatory information, on our SoftWave TRT page.

SoftWave TRT is a specific brand and technology within the broader category of shockwave therapy. Not all "shockwave" devices are the same — they can differ in how the pressure wave is generated and delivered. Our SoftWave TRT page explains the distinction.

Shockwave therapy has been studied in numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews across a range of musculoskeletal conditions, published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Like any treatment, evidence quality and effect size vary by condition — we've tried to represent that honestly on our Research page rather than overstate it.

The SoftWave TRT device used at our clinic (the OrthoGold 100) received FDA 510(k) clearance — not "approval," which is a different regulatory pathway — for relief of minor muscle aches and pains, temporary increase in local blood circulation, and activation of connective tissue. "Cleared" and "approved" mean different things under FDA regulations, and we try to use the accurate term throughout this site. See our SoftWave TRT page for the full regulatory record.

Most patients describe a firm tapping or pressure sensation, with some tenderness directly over the treated area — tenderness is often highest right where you're already sore. Discomfort is generally manageable and brief; your provider can adjust treatment intensity based on your feedback.

No. Shockwave therapy is delivered through the skin without needles or injections.

No medication is required as part of shockwave therapy itself.

Shockwave therapy has been studied for conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, and greater trochanteric pain syndrome / gluteal tendinopathy, among others. Visit our Conditions Resource Center to explore by body area or diagnosis.

This varies by condition, severity, and individual response, and is determined after your evaluation — not before. Published research protocols for the conditions on this site commonly involve a small number of sessions spaced roughly a week apart, but your provider will discuss a specific plan for you.

This varies by person and condition. Some tendinopathy research shows continued improvement for weeks to months after a course of treatment, not only immediately afterward. Your provider can discuss a realistic timeline for your specific case.

We don't promise permanent results, and no responsible clinic should. Outcomes vary by individual, condition, and adherence to any complementary recommendations (such as an exercise program). Your provider will discuss realistic expectations based on your evaluation.

Some patients explore non-invasive options like shockwave therapy before considering more invasive interventions, but shockwave therapy is not a universal substitute for surgery, and the right approach depends on the underlying condition and an individualized medical evaluation. We discuss this in more detail on our Shockwave vs. Surgery comparison page.

The two work differently and the research comparing them varies by condition — for some conditions, studies suggest different tradeoffs between faster short-term relief (often seen with corticosteroid injection) and outcomes at longer follow-up. See our Shockwave vs. Cortisone comparison page.

Persistent symptoms despite a genuine course of physical therapy are one of the most common reasons patients look into shockwave therapy. In most published protocols, shockwave therapy is used alongside continued exercise/loading work rather than as a replacement for it — your provider can discuss how the two fit together for you.

Treatment is provided within a medical-provider-led clinical setting. Visit our Provider page to learn more.

A new patient visit takes approximately 30 minutes, including approximately 15 minutes for treatment when it is clinically appropriate.

Most patients resume normal daily activity the same day. Your provider may recommend temporarily modifying specific high-impact or aggravating activities depending on the area treated — they'll be specific about what that means for you.

Most patients return to work the same day. Your provider will let you know if your specific job duties warrant any short-term modification.

This depends on the condition being treated and your provider's recommendation — some activity modification is common for a short period after treatment, especially for higher-impact activity. Your provider will be specific to your situation.

We want the barrier to getting a real medical evaluation to be low. The $99 new patient visit includes an exam with a medical provider and, when clinically appropriate following that exam, your first treatment. Learn more on our New Patient Offer page.

A medical-provider evaluation, relevant history discussion, and a physical/clinical evaluation appropriate to your complaint — plus your first treatment if it's determined to be clinically appropriate that day. See the full breakdown on our New Patient Offer page.

Not every condition or presentation is a good match for shockwave therapy. If your provider determines it isn't appropriate for you, they'll explain why and discuss what they'd recommend instead.

No referral is required.

Shockwave therapy at our clinic is a cash-pay service and insurance is not billed. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.