​What Is Shockwave Therapy?

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Shockwave Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) Therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses high‑energy sound waves to accelerate healing, relieve pain, and restore mobility in people with musculoskeletal conditions. This therapy targets damaged tissue to stimulate regeneration and repair so you can return to your active lifestyle faster.

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The sound waves used in shockwave therapy are similar to medical ultrasound, but with a stronger mechanical effect that helps break up tight, painful tissue and promote circulation.

 

Unlike injections or surgery, shockwave therapy:

• Does not damage healthy tissue

• Requires no downtime

• Encourages the body’s natural repair mechanisms

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At our clinic, shockwave therapy is often used when imaging or examination shows chronic tendon changes, poor blood flow, or long-standing soft-tissue irritation.

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Conditions Commonly Treated With Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is especially effective for chronic and overuse injuries, including:

• Plantar fasciitis / heel pain

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Patellar tendon pain (jumper’s knee)

• Tennis elbow & golfer’s elbow

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy

• Gluteal tendinopathy

• Hamstring tendinopathy

• Chronic foot and ankle pain

• Calcific tendinitis

• Myofascial trigger points

Many of these conditions involve tissue that has failed to heal properly over time — shockwave therapy helps restart that healing process.

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Why Shockwave Therapy Works for Chronic Pain

Chronic tendon and fascial injuries often suffer from poor circulation and degenerative tissue changes rather than inflammation alone.

Shockwave therapy helps by:

• Increasing local blood flow

• Stimulating collagen production

• Breaking down adhesions and calcifications

• Reducing pain signaling in the nervous system

• Improving tissue elasticity and load tolerance​

This makes shockwave therapy a powerful option for patients who feel “stuck” or plateaued in their recovery.​

 

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy Treatment​

During your shockwave therapy session, a specially trained therapist will apply a handheld device to the treatment area using a small amount of gel on the skin. You may feel tapping or mild discomfort as the shockwaves are delivered, but most patients tolerate the sensation well.

• Each session typically lasts about 5–10 minutes

• Most treatment plans involve several sessions spread over a few weeks for best results

• you can usually return to normal daily activities immediately after your visit.

Some people experience mild soreness or redness in the area for a short time after treatment, similar to what you might feel after a workout.

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How Many Shockwave Sessions Are Needed?

Most patients require 3–6 treatments, spaced about 3–10 days apart depending on the location being treated. 

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Many people notice improvement after the first or second visit, with continued gains over the following weeks as tissue healing progresses.

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Benefits of Shockwave RPW Therapy

• Effective Pain Relief: Shockwave RPW Therapy is known for its ability to significantly reduce pain in conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinitis, and chronic heel pain.

• Accelerated Healing: The increased blood flow and cellular activity triggered by the shockwaves help to speed up the body’s natural healing processes, allowing you to recover more quickly from injuries.

• Non-Invasive Treatment: Unlike surgical options, Shockwave RPW Therapy is a non-invasive treatment, meaning there are no incisions, no anesthesia, and minimal recovery time required.

• Improved Mobility: By breaking down scar tissue and reducing inflammation, Shockwave RPW Therapy helps restore range of motion and improve mobility in joints and muscles affected by injury or chronic conditions.

• Quick and Convenient: Sessions typically last 5-10 minutes, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Many patients experience significant improvement after just a few sessions.

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Conditions We Commonly Treat

Shockwave Therapy can help with a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including:

 

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain

• Achilles Tendinitis

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

• Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)

• Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis

• Muscle Strains & Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Trigger Point Pain & Rotator Cuff Dysfunction

• TMJ Disorders

…and more chronic tendon and soft-tissue complaints where healing has stalled. 

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Safety & Contraindications

Shockwave Therapy is generally safe, but it’s not appropriate for everyone. Certain conditions may mean this treatment is not recommended, including:

 

❌ Pregnancy (especially in the abdominal/pelvic region)

❌ Severe blood clotting disorders or current anticoagulant use

❌ Recent steroid injections at the treatment site

❌ Active infection, skin abrasion, or tumor over the area

❌ Pacemaker or implanted electronic device

❌ Certain vascular or nerve conditions

 

Your clinician will review your full history to ensure it’s safe and personalized for you.

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Why Choose Chattanooga Shockwave RPW Therapy?

 

Chattanooga is a trusted leader in rehabilitation equipment, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Their Shockwave RPW Therapy system is designed with patient comfort and effective results in mind, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

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Why Choose River Forest Health & Wellness for Shockwave Therapy?

Chattanooga is a trusted leader in rehabilitation technology, and their Shockwave RPW Therapy system is designed for both patient comfort and effective clinical results. At River Forest Health, you receive:

• Experienced providers who regularly treat foot, shoulder, elbow, jaw, and sports‑related conditions with shockwave therapy.

• Personalized treatment plans that may combine shockwave with chiropractic care, rehab exercises, or other therapies for better outcomes

• Convenient location serving River Forest, Oak Park, and Forest Park​

Shockwave therapy is never used in isolation — we ensure your treatment plan supports long-term recovery and injury prevention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is shockwave therapy effective if I’ve had pain for years?

Yes. Shockwave therapy is often most effective for long-standing, chronic conditions where the tissue has stopped healing properly. Many patients seek shockwave therapy after months or even years of persistent pain and have not responded to rest, injections, or traditional therapy alone.

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Can shockwave therapy replace surgery?

In many cases, shockwave therapy can delay or eliminate the need for surgery, especially for chronic tendon and fascial conditions. While not appropriate for every diagnosis, it is commonly used as a conservative alternative before considering invasive procedures.

 

What should I avoid after shockwave therapy?

We typically recommend avoiding:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for 48–72 hours

• Ice directly over the treated area

• High-impact or maximal loading activities for a short period

Normal daily activities are usually encouraged unless otherwise directed.

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Can I exercise while receiving shockwave therapy?

Yes — but exercise may be modified. Controlled loading and specific corrective exercises are often encouraged, while high-impact or aggravating movements may be temporarily reduced to allow tissue healing.

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Is shockwave therapy safe for athletes?

Absolutely. Shockwave therapy is widely used for competitive athletes and active individuals because it promotes healing without long rest periods or surgery. Many athletes use shockwave therapy to accelerate recovery and return to sport.

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How long do the results of shockwave therapy last?

When combined with proper rehabilitation, mobility work, and load management, the results of shockwave therapy are often long-lasting. Our goal is not only pain reduction but improving tissue resilience to prevent recurrence.

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Who is NOT a good candidate for shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy may not be recommended for:

• Acute fractures

• Active infections in the treatment area

• Certain vascular conditions

• Pregnancy over the treatment region

A full evaluation ensures the treatment is safe and appropriate.

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Does shockwave therapy cause inflammation?

Shockwave therapy creates a controlled biological response that stimulates healing rather than harmful inflammation. This is part of how the treatment encourages tissue regeneration.

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Can shockwave therapy be combined with chiropractic, physical therapy, or acupuncture?

Yes. Shockwave therapy works best when integrated with chiropractic care, physical therapy, McKenzie-based movement therapy, dry needling, or acupuncture — all services offered at River Forest Health & Wellness.

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Why does shockwave therapy work when other treatments have failed?

Many chronic pain conditions are not due to inflammation alone, but poor blood supply, degenerative tissue changes, and altered pain signaling. Shockwave therapy targets these underlying issues rather than just masking symptoms.​