Shockwave Therapy in Lighthouse Point, FL
Shockwave therapy — formally called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) — is one of the most evidence-supported non-surgical treatments available for chronic musculoskeletal conditions. At McNamara Chiropractic Center, it's one of the core therapies in both the flagship programs and standalone treatment.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses a handheld applicator to deliver focused acoustic pressure waves into damaged tissue. These are not electrical shocks — the name refers to the mechanical pressure wave generated by the device.
The waves penetrate tissue at specific depths, creating a controlled mechanical stimulus that triggers several healing mechanisms:
Neovascularization: Shockwave stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization) in tissue that has been in a chronic, poorly-vascularized state. Tendons, fasciae, and other fibrous structures have limited blood supply — new vessel formation restores the healing environment.
Fibroblast activation: Fibroblasts produce collagen — the structural protein of tendons and ligaments. Shockwave activates quiescent fibroblasts and directs the production of organized, structurally sound collagen to replace the disorganized degenerated tissue that characterizes chronic tendinopathy.
Calcification dissolution: For calcific tendinitis of the shoulder and other calcium deposits in soft tissue, focused shockwave breaks up the calcium mechanically while simultaneously stimulating resorption.
Pain modulation: Shockwave reduces substance P and other pain mediators, producing both immediate and lasting pain reduction. The "counter-irritant" mechanism also plays a role in breaking the chronic pain-spasm cycle.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave
- Plantar fasciitis — One of the strongest evidence indications; especially for chronic cases where other treatments have failed
- Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder — Shockwave is the established non-surgical first-line treatment
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis/pickleball elbow) — Chronic tendinopathy that has outlasted standard conservative care
- Achilles tendinopathy — Both insertional and mid-portion presentations
- Patellar tendinopathy ("jumper's knee")
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome — Hip tendinopathy affecting the gluteal tendons
- Frozen shoulder — As a component of the Shoulder Restoration Program
- Chronic paraspinal involvement — As part of the Spinal Decompression Program
What a Shockwave Session Is Like
After the treatment area is identified, an ultrasound gel is applied to the skin. The applicator is moved across the targeted tissue in a systematic pattern while pulses are delivered. Sessions typically last 5–15 minutes depending on the area and protocol.
The treatment can be briefly uncomfortable over very tender areas — that's expected and is part of the mechanism. Most patients tolerate it well. There is no recovery time; you can drive yourself home and return to normal activities the same day.
A typical course is 3–6 sessions at weekly intervals for standalone conditions, or more frequent within the context of a multi-modality program.
Shockwave as Part of a Program
At McNamara Chiropractic Center, shockwave is used both as a standalone therapy and as a component of:
- Knee Restoration Program — Combined with Knee-on-Trac® and Class IV laser
- Spinal Decompression Program — Combined with Antalgic-Trac® and Class IV laser
- Shoulder Restoration Program — Combined with Class IV laser
- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment — Combined with Class IV laser
- Sports Injury Recovery Program — Combined with Class IV laser
FAQs
How many sessions will I need? Standalone shockwave courses typically require 3–6 sessions. Within multi-modality programs, the number varies per protocol.
Is it covered by insurance? Coverage varies by plan. Call (954) 943-1100 to verify.
What's the difference between focused and radial shockwave? Focused shockwave delivers energy to a precise depth; radial shockwave spreads energy more broadly. We use the appropriate type for each condition.
How do I get started? Call (954) 943-1100 or contact us online.
Ready to Feel Better?
Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Carol McNamara.