What Is Shockwave Therapy Done With?

During treatment, the clinician identifies the tender or injured area and applies gel so the applicator can move over the skin. The device produces repeated mechanical pulses. A focused device directs energy toward a chosen depth, while a radial pressure-wave device spreads pressure from the applicator tip into nearby tissue.

The sensation can be strong or uncomfortable, particularly over a very tender spot. The clinician can adjust the intensity and position according to your response and the treatment plan. Shockwave therapy is not the same as an electrical nerve stimulation treatment.

Wear clothing that allows access to the treatment area. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, bleeding problems, medicines that affect clotting, a local infection, reduced sensation, or an implanted device. Do not hide severe tenderness because treatment settings may need to change.

Afterward, follow the activity advice you receive. Mild soreness or temporary skin sensitivity can occur. Avoid taking extra pain medicine without checking whether it fits your care plan, especially when the clinician is using symptoms to guide treatment.

Call the clinic if pain becomes severe or continues to worsen, or if swelling, marked bruising, skin injury, numbness, or weakness develops after treatment. Get urgent medical help for sudden breathing difficulty, fainting, or rapidly spreading redness with fever.

Which device is suitable for my problem, and how deep will the waves act? How many sessions are planned? What should I avoid between sessions? When should I expect the treatment plan to be reassessed?