What Issues Can Shockwave Therapy Address?

Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), provides a safe, noninvasive way to treat various musculoskeletal ailments and injuries.

At Rofé Medical in Boca Raton, Florida, family medicine specialist Dr. Sasson Moulavi and our team provide shockwave therapy onsite. The treatment is quick, effective, and provides lasting results. Here’s how this unique therapy works, and what it can do for you.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is an in-office procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to promote healing at the cellular level. During treatment, your provider simply runs a handheld device over the affected area, like an injured joint, for example. 

The sound waves painlessly penetrate your skin and stimulate the treatment site. This stimulation increases blood flow to the area, reduces inflammation, and encourages the growth of healthy new cells and tissues. These factors combine to ease pain and foster healing.

Common problems shockwave therapy can address

We regularly prescribe shockwave therapy to treat various musculoskeletal problems and injuries. You may qualify if you have:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Jumper’s knee (patella tendinitis)
• Golfer’s elbow
• Hamstring injuries
• Tennis elbow
• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Shin splints

Shockwave therapy can even treat several types of bone injuries, including nonunion fractures, stress fractures, and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (a condition that cuts off blood supply to the hip bone, causing it to collapse).

Although shockwave therapy is effective, it isn’t right for everyone. For instance, certain severe musculoskeletal injuries may require surgery. Similarly, shockwave therapy can exacerbate some musculoskeletal problems and make symptoms worse.

What to expect after shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy is a quick, outpatient procedure. Most sessions last 10-30 minutes, but treatment length varies depending on the injury and its severity. 

You may experience mild bruising, swelling, or pain at the treatment site. These symptoms typically improve within 24-48 hours. There’s no downtime, so you can return to work and other activities immediately after you leave our office.

Will I need more than one shockwave therapy treatment?

Yes. Shockwave therapy is a cumulative treatment, meaning the results add up over time. While no two treatment plans are alike, we typically recommend a series of three to five treatments spaced over several weeks. 

After each treatment, we monitor your symptoms and adjust your care plan as needed. Most injuries heal within this time, but we may recommend additional visits, depending on your symptoms and health.

Schedule a shockwave therapy consultation today!

If you regularly experience musculoskeletal pain due to a tendon, ligament, or muscle injury, our Rofé Medical team can help. Call 561-849-3000 to reach our office in Boca Raton, Florida, today, or click online to schedule an appointment with our wellness experts at your convenience.