Focused Shockwave Therapy
The Wave of the Future
Pain can keep you from working, walking, exercising, sleeping, and simply enjoying life. When the same injury keeps coming back — or when soreness turns into long-term pain — your body may need help restarting the healing process.
Focused Shockwave Therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses targeted sound waves to reach painful, irritated, or injured tissue. These waves are directed into the area of concern to help stimulate the body’s natural repair response.
It is not an electric shock. It is not surgery. There are no needles and no long recovery time.
Focused Shockwave Therapy may be a helpful option for patients dealing with stubborn muscle, tendon, joint, or soft tissue pain that has not improved enough with rest, stretching, medication, therapy, or other conservative care.
How Does Focused Shockwave Therapy Work?
Think of it like sending a strong, targeted “wake-up call” to an area of the body that has been slow to heal.
When an injury becomes chronic, the body can sometimes stop actively repairing the area. Focused Shockwave Therapy helps bring attention back to that tissue by using acoustic waves that may help:
- Increase blood flow to the area
- Stimulate healing activity in the tissue by recruiting stem cells
- Reduce pain signals
- Improve mobility and function
- Support recovery in tendons, fascia, muscles, and other soft tissue
Because the therapy is focused, the energy can be directed more precisely to the area that needs attention.
What Conditions May Benefit from Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Focused Shockwave Therapy may be used as part of a care plan for many common pain conditions, especially those involving irritated tendons, tight soft tissue, inflammation, or chronic overuse.
Common areas treated may include:
- Tennis elbow
Pain on the outside of the elbow, often caused by repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, or sports activity.
- Carpal tunnel and other wrist and hand discomfort
Shockwave may be considered when wrist, hand, or forearm symptoms are related to soft tissue irritation. A proper exam is important because numbness, tingling, and weakness can have several causes.
- Plantar fasciitis
Sharp heel or arch pain, often worse first thing in the morning or after standing for long periods.
- Shoulder pain
Including rotator cuff irritation, tendon pain, and certain chronic shoulder conditions.
- Neck pain
Especially when pain is related to tight muscles, trigger points, soft tissue irritation, or chronic tension.
- Back pain
Focused Shockwave Therapy may help certain muscle and soft tissue-related back pain. Dr. Herbener will evaluate your condition to determine whether this treatment is appropriate.
- Hip pain
Including pain along the outside of the hip, gluteal tendon irritation, and soft tissue pain around the hip.
- Additional areas that may be evaluated include:
- Golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendon pain
- Knee tendon pain
- Shin splints
- Hamstring tendon irritation
- Muscle trigger points
- Chronic soft tissue pain
-Sports-related overuse injuries
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
During treatment, a handheld device is placed over the painful area. A gel is used on the skin to help the sound waves travel into the tissue.
Most patients describe the feeling as tapping, pulsing, or pressure over the sore area. Some spots may feel tender during treatment, but the intensity can often be adjusted for comfort.
A typical treatment session is usually short, and most patients can return to normal daily activities afterward.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Every patient is different. The number of visits depends on your condition, how long you have had pain, and how your body responds.
Many patients receive a series of treatments over several weeks. Dr. Herbener will discuss a recommended plan after evaluating your symptoms, health history, and goals.
Ready to Ride the Wave?
If pain is holding you back, Focused Shockwave Therapy may be worth exploring. Focused Shockwave Therapy: The Wave of the Future
Call today to schedule an appointment and find out whether this treatment is right for you.
- Tunkhannock Office: 570-836-5305 - Hazleton Office: 570-450-9909
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Herbener will determine whether Focused ShockwaveTherapy is appropriate based on your individual condition.