Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)

A modern option for stubborn tendon and soft-tissue pain

For selected tendon and soft-tissue conditions, shockwave therapy may fit into a larger plan for pain, function, and return to activity.

How it fits

A regenerative treatment for chronic pain and musculoskeletal skeletal injuries or conditions

ESWT uses focused acoustic (sound) waves delivered through the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

The mechanical energy creates controlled micro-trauma within injured or degenerated tissue.

ESWT is a regenerative treatment rather than simply a symptom-management tool.

Common evaluation topics

Plantar fascia pain

Rotator cuff-related tendon pain

Patellar tendon pain

Persistent soft-tissue irritation

Tennis elbow

Achilles tendon pain

Appropriateness depends on the clinician's exam, diagnosis, tissue involved, and treatment plan.

Patient questions

ESWT uses acoustic pressure waves delivered through a handheld applicator.
Over a course of treatments, shockwave therapy can improve the strength, pliability, and symmetry of injured tendons and ligaments. It’s also frequently used to prepare tissue in advance of PRP or other regenerative injections, optimizing the environment for those treatments to take effect.
No. ESWT is a non-surgical, in-office treatment with no incisions and minimal downtime, making it an appealing option for patients looking to avoid surgery or accelerate recovery from a chronic soft-tissue injury.
Foot & Ankle
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Chronic ankle instability–related tendinosis
Knee & Hip
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• IT band syndrome
• Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip bursitis)
Elbow, Shoulder & Upper Body
• Lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golfer’s elbow)
• Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff/shoulder
• Chronic shoulder tendinosis
Spine & Core
• Lumbar facet arthritis
• Sacroiliac joint pain
• Chronic myofascial pain and trigger points
General/Other
• Calcific tendinitis and tendinosis (any location)
• Chronic tendon and ligament injuries
• Scar tissue restriction
• Stress fractures with delayed healing
Call the clinic. The team can explain scheduling, what records may help, and whether a consultation is the right first step.

Next step

Call Wayfinder to discuss scheduling, referrals, or the best first step for your situation.