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What is ShockWave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses focused acoustic waves — ultrasound energy — to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, replacing weak or damaged cells with new, healthy tissue.
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HOW IT WORKS

How RPW Shockwave Treatment Works

At the most basic level, shockwave therapy stimulates new cell growth. These new, healthy cells replace old, weak, or damaged cells to speed recovery.
Shockwaves are focused ultrasonic energy — sound waves with a vibration frequency greater than 20,000 Hz. For reference, most humans hear sounds between 20 and 20,000 Hz.

Doctors first used shockwave therapy in the 1990s to treat kidney stones. When they noticed accelerated healing in bone and soft tissue, research expanded to other applications. Numerous clinical studies now show RPW is an effective way to eliminate chronic pain without surgery.

BENEFITS

The Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy

Over 20 years of research demonstrates RPW’s effectiveness against chronic pain and inflammation.

Improved blood flow

Acoustic waves create microscopic tears in tissue, prompting the body to build new blood vessels — increasing oxygen delivery and speeding recovery.

Reduces inflammation

Shockwaves increase mast cell activity, helping the body fight the chronic inflammation that causes pain and limits function.

Increased collagen production

Collagen forms the structure of muscle, skin, and connective tissue. RPW stimulates collagen so new cells have a strong support structure.

Reduces calcification

Damaged tendons build up calcium. Acoustic waves break through those deposits so the body can naturally expel them.

Interrupts the “pain train”

These hyaluronic acid injections are excellent for treating arthritis, particularly in the knee.

Relaxes trigger points

Releases tension in tight neck, back, shoulder, and limb trigger points to restore blood flow and break the metabolic crisis cycle.

THE TERMINOLOGY

Shockwave, RPW, acoustic, focused, extracorporeal — what’s the difference?

All of these use the same essential component – sound waves – to effect change in the body. This page from the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment describes the principles of shockwave therapy in great detail, including how the device produces and transmits acoustic energy to the treatment area.
The only real difference in these therapies is the frequency (i.e., speed) of the sound waves produced and the depth and range of the treatment area. Radial pressure wave therapy loses energy as it travels, making it better suited to treatment areas that are closer to the skin. Focused shockwaves allow for deeper penetration – up to 12cm – with reduced impact on surrounding tissues. All of these treatments fall under the general umbrella of shockwave therapy.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What to Expect - A RPW Shockwave Therapy Demonstration

Treatment is quick and easy. Dr. Taylor begins with a physical exam to pinpoint the treatment area, applies a gel ointment so the RPW applicator glides smoothly, then passes the applicator over the area with gentle pressure.

In the video below, Dr. Taylor demonstrates an RPW Therapy treatment for a patient with plantar fasciitis.
In the video below, Dr. Taylor demonstrates an RPW Therapy treatment for a patient with an elbow injury.

APPLICATIONS

Conditions Treatable with PRP

Chiropractic care is about more than spinal manipulation — we treat the source of pain wherever it occurs, including shoulder, back, hip, and common foot issues that cause heel pain.

RPW Therapy for shoulder pain

Shoulder Pain

Calcification, chronic inflammation, or acute injury may cause shoulder pain and limited function. Most patients see significant relief within four treatments.

Hip Pain

Muscles and tendons in the hips are prone to overuse, especially with age. RPW reduces inflammation, speeds healing, and eliminates pain.
RPW Therapy for jumper's knee

Jumper's Knee

Patients with this difficult-to-treat condition typically feel pain relief immediately following the first treatment.
RPW Therapy for Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow

Traditional epicondylitis care leans on steroid injections and pain medication. Shockwave therapy offers lasting relief in only a few sessions.
RPW Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or injured, heel pain follows. RPW relaxes the tissue, promoting healing and easing pain.
RPW Therapy for bone spurs

Bone Spurs

Calcium deposits on the heel bone can form painful spurs. Acoustic waves break up the calcification to relieve pain and restore function.

Chronic Tendinopathy

Overuse and acute injury can cause chronic tendon inflammation — most common in the Achilles. Symptoms typically ease within three to five treatments.
Radial Pressure Wave Therapy for Medial tibial stress syndrome

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Repetitive stress from running or walking on hard surfaces causes shin pain. Shockwave gets you back on your feet twice as quickly as RICE therapy.
RPW Therapy for rotator cuff calcification

Rotator Cuff Calcification

Reduces pain and restores range of motion by breaking up calcium deposits in the rotator cuff for quick, lasting relief.
RPW Therapy for Insertional tendinitis

Insertional Tendinitis

Achilles inflammation is often caused by calcification or a bone spur. RPW increases blood flow to speed healing and reduce pain.

GET STARTED

Non-surgical, drug-free relief starts here

Schedule an appointment with Southwest Spine & Rehab today. We work with you to resolve the issue causing your pain — not simply hide it with medication.
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