Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that delivers short bursts of high-intensity mechanical energy in the form of acoustic shockwaves to injured, scarred, painful, or inflamed soft tissues. Initially used for breaking up kidney stones (lithotripsy) in the early 1980s, its application has expanded to effectively manage a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. It is also sometimes referred to as extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT).

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

These powerful yet safe acoustic waves trigger biological responses that promote healing and pain relief. The effects of shockwave therapy include:

Stimulating the body’s natural healing process.
Increasing local blood flow and metabolism in the treated area helps promote tissue repair, especially in poorly vascularized tissues like tendons.
Enhancing collagen synthesis and stimulating fibroblast proliferation are essential for rebuilding damaged connective tissues like tendons and ligaments.
Breaking down scar tissue and adhesions that can restrict movement and cause pain.
Reducing inflammation by increasing mast cells and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Decreasing pain through mechanisms like hyperstimulation analgesia (overwhelming local nerve endings) and the gate-control mechanism (modulating pain perception).

Potentially dissolving calcific deposits embedded in damaged tissue.
Stimulating osteoblasts, cells responsible for bone healing and new bone production, which is beneficial for conditions like stress fractures and non-unions.
Releasing trigger points in muscles by unblocking calcium pumps.
Increasing cell membrane permeability and microscopic circulation.
Promoting the release of growth factors in the injured tissue.
Delivering a mechanical force to body tissues, promoting regrowth and healing of tissue and bone.

Conditions We Treat with Shockwave Therapy for Pain

Shockwave therapy has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating a wide array of chronic musculoskeletal conditions causing pain. Our team utilizes ESWT to address pain associated with:

Foot Pain:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy (including mid-portion and insertional)
- Heel Pain
- Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Tendonitis in the foot and ankle
- Nerve impingement or ligament injury in the foot
Ankle Pain:
- Chronic ankle pain (including osteoarthritis and ligamentous instability)
- Ligamentous defect in the ankle
- Gastrocnemius muscle strain or injury
Lower Leg Pain:
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)
Knee Pain:
- Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- IT Band Syndrome
- Insertional pain around the knee
- Strain to the medial or lateral collateral ligaments
Upper Leg Pain:
- Hamstring Injuries/Tendinopathy
- Quadriceps Injury
- “Bursitis” or tendinopathy in the hip
- Gluteal muscle strain/tendinopathy
- Iliopsoas bursitis/Hip flexor tendinosis
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Elbow Pain:
- Lateral Epicondylosis (Tennis Elbow)
- Medial Epicondylosis (Golfer’s Elbow)
- Little League Elbow
- Triceps or biceps elbow injuries
Shoulder Pain:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries/Tendinopathy (including partial tears and calcinosis)
- Frozen Shoulder
- Biceps Injuries
Hand Pain:
- Strains and injuries in the hand
Bone Conditions:
- Stress Fractures (Delayed Healing)
- Fracture Nonunion (broken bones that haven’t healed)
- Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head
Other:
- Myofascial Trigger Points in Muscle
- Spasticity related to neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis

Shockwave therapy has proven highly successful at treating conditions affecting feet, ankles, knees, and upper extremities – such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or knee osteoarthritis – providing noninvasive relief that encourages healing while simultaneously relieving discomfort. ESWT may even provide help for elbow injuries like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow by stimulating tissue regeneration to speed recovery faster.

What to Expect During Your Shockwave Therapy

Initial Assessment:

We will conduct a thorough evaluation to understand your pain, medical history, and the specific condition affecting you. This may include a physical examination and review of any relevant imaging (though imaging is not always required to begin ESWT).
We will explain the principles of shockwave therapy, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and answer any questions you may have.
Together, we will determine if shockwave therapy is the right treatment option for you. We will also consider any potential contraindications (see below).

The Treatment Procedure:

You will be positioned comfortably to allow access to the treatment area.
A water-based gel will be applied to your skin to facilitate the transmission of the shockwaves.
Our clinician will use a handheld applicator to deliver the shockwaves to the targeted area.
You will typically feel fast pulses, and some patients may experience mild discomfort during the treatment, often described as a “little jackhammer” or a “deep tissue massage”.
The intensity of the therapy can be adjusted based on your comfort level. We aim for a level of discomfort that is tolerable and therapeutic.
Treatments are typically short, lasting only about 5 to 20 minutes per session.

Number of Treatments:

Most patients see long-term results after only 2 to 5 treatments, which are usually administered once a week. However, the exact number of sessions will depend on your specific condition and how you respond to the therapy.
For bone-related conditions and spasticity, treatments may be spaced at 1-week intervals.
We will continuously monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

After Your Treatment:

It is not uncommon to feel a bit sore in the treated area afterward, and some mild bruising or redness may occur. This is usually temporary.
We generally advise you to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), ice, fluoroquinolones, and corticosteroids as they may interfere with the natural healing process stimulated by ESWT. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for pain relief if needed.
You can usually return to your normal activities almost immediately, often within 24 hours. However, we may recommend modifying activities based on your condition, particularly for bone pathologies.
It’s important to follow any specific post-treatment instructions provided by your therapist or chiropractor, which may include guidance on activity levels and combining ESWT with physical therapy exercises to restore tissue function and optimize treatment response.
While some patients experience immediate pain relief, the full benefits of shockwave therapy often develop over time as the injured tissues heal.

Shockwave therapy is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure when performed by a qualified practitioner. Common side effects are typically mild and localized and may include:

- Pain at the applicator site.
- Skin redness (erythema).
- Skin bruising.

Be patient as your body continues to heal after treatment, as the full effects of shockwave therapy take time to show results. During this time, you may experience gradual improvements in mobility, pain reduction, and overall function as the targeted tissues repair and regenerate. Regular follow-up appointments with your therapist can help ensure that the treatment is progressing as expected and allow for any necessary adjustments to your recovery plan.

Complementary Treatments to Shockwave Therapy

To maximize the benefits of shockwave therapy, we often combine it with other treatments that speed healing, alleviate pain and promote musculoskeletal recovery:

Class 1–4 Laser Therapy: Helps accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation at the cellular level.
IV x IM Nutritional Therapy: Provides nutrients directly to the injured area to aid recovery, immune function, energy production and recovery.
TECAR Therapy x Chiropractic Care: Combining deep tissue stimulation with spinal adjustments to enhance mobility, reduce pain and correct alignment issues
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) x Manual Therapy x Cupping: This treatment enhances oxygen delivery, promotes tissue regeneration, relieves muscle tension and boosts blood flow.
Pedics x Custom Orthotics: Correct biomechanical imbalances, improve posture and gait, and provide support for long-term injury prevention.

Why Choose Club Five Health?

Shockwave therapy offers an innovative solution to pain management. By stimulating the body’s natural healing processes and healing systems, shockwave therapy stimulates the repair of damaged tissues while decreasing inflammation. Our expert team works closely with each of our clients to develop personalized plans to target their source of discomfort while encouraging long-term recovery.

Our team understands the effect that chronic pain and injuries have on everyday life. Our effective shockwave therapy treatment is necessary to restore mobility and alleviate symptoms quickly and with minimum downtime. Our compassionate care could get you feeling your best again quickly.

At Club Five Health, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and the most effective pain management solutions. If you’re struggling with chronic pain or a lingering injury, shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Schedule your consultation with us today!

Success Stories

Super Friendly

"Awesome staff, super friendly and was really surprised how fast they got me feeling back to my normal self!"

– Bryon Harper

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Customized Plans

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Get Started Today

If you’re ready to alleviate pain and promote healing with gentle, non-invasive Shockwave Therapy, contact us today to schedule your session. Let our experts help you reduce discomfort, enhance tissue repair, and restore mobility for a healthier, pain-free life.

Green Bay, WI | South Barrington IL - 5 more coming soon to Illinois & Wisconsin