SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

How Shockwave Therapy Works

• • Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves — short, high-energy sound pulses — that are delivered to injured tissue. The goal is to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
  • Here’s what’s happening physiologically:
    • Mechanical stimulation: The acoustic waves cause controlled microtrauma in the targeted area.
    • Improved blood flow: This microtrauma triggers neovascularization (new capillary growth), which improves local circulation.
    • Cellular response: Shockwaves stimulate growth factors, encourage collagen production, and may break down calcific deposits.
    • Pain modulation: It’s believed to reduce pain by overstimulating pain nerves and promoting repair of chronic inflamed tissue.

Treatment Protocol

• • Number of sessions:  3–5 sessions usually about 1 week apart.
  • Shocks per session: ~1,500–2,500 shocks.
  • Energy level: low-to-moderate energy.
  • Noninvasive and no anesthesia required.

• • Cost
    • Medicare does not cover Shockwave therapy
    • Most commercial insurers (Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, etc.) do not cover Shockwave therapy. Their policies often list it as investigational or experimental.
    • Cash-Pay Reality
      • In the U.S., Shockwave for sports/orthopedic is cash pay/out-of-pocket.
      • Typical rates:
      • $250–$500 per session area; bundled packages $800–$1,500.
      • Please call for our pricing.

 If No Improvement

• • If patients don’t show meaningful benefit after 3–5 sessions, further treatments are unlikely to add value.
  • Booster sessions months later if symptoms recur.

Patient Experience

• • No anesthesia needed. Most sessions are 10-15 minutes.
  • Patients usually walk out immediately afterward.
  • Discomfort ranges from mild to moderate during delivery, but subsides quickly.