Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Me?

Shockwave May Be Worth Discussing If…

• You've had persistent pain in a tendon or soft-tissue area (heel, Achilles, knee, elbow, shoulder, or hip) for several weeks or longer
• You've already tried, or are currently doing, conservative measures like rest, activity modification, or physical therapy
• You'd prefer to explore a non-invasive option before considering an injection or surgery
• You want a real diagnosis, not just symptom relief

An Evaluation Is Especially Important If…

• Your pain started suddenly with a specific injury, rather than gradually
• You have numbness, tingling, or significant weakness alongside the pain
• You have signs of infection (fever, redness, warmth, swelling) at the painful area
• Your pain is worsening rapidly rather than staying stable or slowly improving

None of these automatically rule shockwave therapy out — but they're reasons a thorough evaluation matters more than usual, since something other than tendinopathy could be involved.

Shockwave May Not Be Appropriate If…

• You are pregnant, in the treatment area
• You have certain bleeding disorders or are on blood-thinning medication, depending on your provider's assessment
• You have active infection, open wounds, or certain bone conditions at the treatment site
• You have a suspected tendon tear/rupture rather than tendinopathy — this typically needs a different evaluation pathway
• You have a pacemaker or certain implanted devices near the treatment site, depending on your provider's assessment

This is educational information, not a substitute for screening by your provider, who will review your full history before recommending treatment.

What If I Don't Know Exactly What's Causing My Pain?

That's normal, and it's exactly what the evaluation is for. Most patients who search for shockwave therapy don't have a confirmed diagnosis yet — they have a symptom and a location. Figuring out the actual cause is the first and most important step, before any treatment decision is made.

Why the Medical Examination Comes First

Shockwave therapy treats specific tissue-level problems. Without an accurate diagnosis, treatment could be aimed at the wrong structure entirely, or could delay identifying a different problem that needs a different approach. That's why we don't offer treatment based on a self-reported symptom alone.