Common Questions re: Shockwave Therapy (ESWT):

1). What is it?
Extracorporeal (which means “outside the body”) shockwaves are intense, short energy waves that travel faster than the speed of sound. It was established based on lithotripsy, a technology that uses acoustic sound waves to break up kidney stones.

2). How does it work?
Mechanical pressure increases cell membrane permeability, and causes small capillaries in tissue to rupture, which increases growth factors to the area. This creates new blood supply= more oxygen= better healing, and stimulates connective tissue healing of tendons, ligaments, and fascia. It can also destroy bone spurs, such as in plantar fasciitis or calcific shoulder tendonitis, and stimulates osteoblasts for new bone production, such as in a non-union fracture.

3). How does the machine work?
Radial wave pulses are produced by compressed air in the hand piece. A projectile in the hand piece generates kinetic energy. This energy is transferred into acoustic energy which is sent into nearby tissues, up to 6 cm. 1000-3000 pulses are transferred in one dose, and 3-4 doses occur in one, 15-25 minute treatment.

4). What conditions are treated with ESWT?
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Calcific Tendinopathy of Shoulder
• Patellar Tendinopathy
• Post-traumatic Myositis Ossificans (where a muscle starts to calcify after a trauma)
• Non-union Fractures
• Frozen Shoulder
• Dupuytren’s Contracture
• TMJ disorder
• And more….

5). Does it hurt?
Yes, it can be painful, but each dose only lasts 2-3 minutes, and it is within the tolerable range,
or approximately 4-6/10 pain scale. I keep in very close communication with the patient as I’m
performing the procedure. Generally, the areas that need the work the most will be somewhat
painful upon pre-procedure palpation, and during the treatment. Areas that don’t need it are
not. Afterwards, some people are sore for 1-7 days, or also may have greatly decreased pain!
There may be some redness at the spot focused on.

6). How much does it cost?
The first, trial visit is $49, which is added on to an exam or office visit fee. After that, one session is $105, or a package of 3 for $270. This is very comparable to cost at other local clinics, and often much less than at some orthopedic offices. As of now, insurance does not cover it, although we can bill your insurance for the office visit.

7). Do I have to be a chiropractic patient to do this treatment at ActiveLife?
No, you do not have to receive chiropractic manipulation. By law, you must have an exam/
history at the clinic for us to be able to treat you. It definitely is important to have someone
with an advanced healthcare license, as well as special training, perform the treatment. Please
be wary of “shockwave parties” where minimally trained practitioners give free trials, to the
general public, often without a waiver, nor an exam. I do not consider this ethical!

8). Can anyone receive this treatment?
No; there are several contraindications, such as having a pacemaker, a bleeding condition,
being on a medication that prolongs blood clotting, having open growth plates (children),
pregnancy, or acute injury. Also, people who are extra sensitive may not be good candidates.

9). If I get ESWT, is that all I need to fix something?
No, you still need to find what’s causing your issue and avoid it, and still need to do your therapeutic exercises, get bodywork as needed/if needed. Good nutrition always is helpful to the healing process.

10). How many treatments are needed?
It really varies. The average to get results is 5-6, but I’ve seen a few patients who noticed an immediate functional improvement, whereas some cases may need 8-10. The area will keep evolving even for a few months after treatments.