Shockwave Therapy for Tendinitis: A Game-Changer for Pain Relief and Healing

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is changing how we treat chronic pain. It's now used for tendon issues like tendinitis. This method started as a treatment for kidney stones in the 1980s.

If you've been dealing with stubborn tendinitis that just won’t go away, you're not alone. The constant ache, stiffness, and irritation can make even the simplest tasks—like gripping a coffee mug or taking a walk—feel like a challenge. Maybe you've tried ice, rest, physical therapy, or even cortisone shots, only to find temporary relief before the pain comes creeping back. What if there was a treatment that didn’t just mask the symptoms but actually helped your body heal for good?

Enter shockwave therapy—a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that is revolutionizing the way we treat tendinitis. Using high-energy sound waves, this therapy breaks down scar tissue, boosts circulation, and stimulates your body’s natural healing process. Unlike medications or injections that only provide short-term relief, shockwave therapy works at the source of your pain to repair damaged tendons and get you back to moving freely.

Imagine being able to use your hands, shoulders, or legs again without that nagging discomfort. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who just wants to live without pain, shockwave therapy could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Keep reading to learn how this breakthrough treatment can help you reclaim your active, pain-free life!

Patients usually have 8-10 sessions of shockwave therapy to maximize healing and recovery. Each session lasts 5–10 minutes. These sessions are spread out over weeks to get the best results.  Many people feel better after the first session. But the best results come after all the sessions are done; the body takes about 6-8 weeks to lay down new tissues and fibers to repair properly.  During recovery, it's okay to walk and stretch lightly. But, avoid intense activities for about 48 hours after treatment.

This therapy is great for people with Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendinitis.  Dr. Hamel of Kingwood Chiropractic Spine and Injury Center has been treating patients suffering with tendinitis and tendinopathy for over two years with shockwave therapy.  People love shockwave therapy because it is non-invasive; patients come in to our office; get their treatment, walk out of our office and continue on with their normal daily activities.  

The biggest pluses Dr. Hamel sees with shockwave therapy, and this is after treating patients for over 25 years, are that the treatments are quick and easy, you don't need a referral to get ESWT, we know if the patient will respond favorably within 3 visits, there is no downtime, there is no risk of getting addicted to pain medication, and insurance does not cover the treatment.  Think of shockwave therapy for tendinitis as an alternative treatment, just like PRP shots, ozone therapy, red light therapy or stem cell treatments; main stream insurance does not believe in these natural treatments.  Think of how many people pay out of pocket for stem cell, PRP, ozone and more; they get the treatment they want and the results they are looking for; they do not want medical insurance to dictate the type of treatment they get. 

Key Takeaways

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment aimed at promoting tendon healing and tissue repair.
Patients typically notice improvement after 1-3 sessions, each lasting 5–10 minutes. The recommended protocol for shockwave therapy is 8-10 treatments over 6-8 weeks; this gives the patient the best chance to fully recover and be pain free. 
The therapy offers significant pain relief for conditions like Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff syndrome, frozen shoulder, neuropathy and plantar fasciitis.
Light activities are usually permitted during the recovery phase, while high-impact activities should be avoided for 48 hours post-treatment.  Tendons and soft tissues take 6-8 weeks to recover; this is because new collagen has to come into to heal; patients are encouraged to let the body heal and recover; don't push too hard. 
Shockwave therapy is gaining popularity among athletes for its effectiveness in enhancing recovery without invasive procedures.  Many professional sports teams have found shockwave therapy to be a necessity in the locker room.  This treatment can help keep athletes injury free during the season or speed up healing for injuries like ankle sprains, patellar tendinitis, shoulder impingement and meniscal tears.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is becoming more popular for treating musculoskeletal disorders. It's a non-invasive method that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing and relieve pain. Let's explore how it works and its healing mechanisms.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Shockwave therapy, or ESWT, sends controlled acoustic waves to injured tissues. It has several benefits:

Neovascularization: It creates new blood vessels, improving blood flow and healing.  A main reason that chronic injuries do not heal is because of lack of circulation 
Collagen Production: It boosts collagen, essential for repairing tissues.  It takes 6-8 weeks for this to happen so be patient and let the healing happen. 
Breakdown of Calcifications: It dissolves calcified deposits, easing pain.  Calcium deposits and bone spurs form because of undue stress on a joint like the shoulder, elbow, heal and even the spine. 
Nerve Stimulation: It disrupts pain signals and stimulates cell regeneration.  To maximize healing you want proper nerve flow and blood flow into the injured area; this is a must.

Each therapy session lasts 5-10 minutes. Most people need 8-10 sessions for best results. Pain relief is often seen after just a few treatments, making it a good option for chronic conditions.  Dr. Hamel, shockwave therapy provider in Kingwood, Texas, tells his patients that unlike physical therapy; with ESWT you realize if it will help in 2-3 sessions; unlike PT where sometimes after 6 months there is no improvement.  PT is great for strengthening muscles and stabilizing joints; but first healing of the damaged tissues has to take place. 

Mechanisms of Healing

Shockwave therapy has many healing benefits. It promotes new blood vessel growth, improving tissue repair. It also boosts collagen production, helping tissues regain strength and flexibility.

It also breaks down calcifications, which helps in pain relief. For example, it helped 117 out of 135 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Their pain went from 2.80 to 0.18 (p

Studies also show great results in other conditions. For Achilles and plantar fasciitis, pain dropped from 2.35 to 0.11 and 2.52 to 0.06, respectively that is significant.

Patients also saw big improvements in quality of life and functionality. Their quality-of-life impairment went from 2.17 to 0.83 post-treatment.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

One of the main benefits of shockwave therapy is that it's non-invasive. This means no cuts or need for anesthesia, no need to go to a specialist or a hospital to get the procedure done. Patients can get back to their daily lives quickly, with little downtime.  It also means less need for pain meds, and we all know how bad the Opioid addiction is here in the United States.  This makes it a top choice for those looking for non-surgical pain relief.

Non-Invasive with Minimal Side Effects

Shockwave therapy is great for non-invasive pain relief with few side effects. Some people might feel a bit of discomfort or see some redness and swelling. But these issues are short-lived and most people can handle them.  This makes it a good option for those who don't want to deal with surgery risks or taking pain medication for long periods of time.  We see patients coming in with serious injuries like bone-on-bone knee pain, frozen shoulder, biceps tears and chronic tendinopathies; says Dr. Hamel; the majority of these folks respond well to a shockwave therapy protocol of 6-8 weeks.  It all depends on the goals of the patient; some people get 10 sessions; some get 20 or more; some patients want to be able to garden or walk their dog pain free; others want to get back to playing competitive pickleball tournaments or doing cross-fit 5 days a week. 

Accelerated Healing and Recovery

Shockwave therapy for tendinitis is known for helping injuries heal fast. Each session is about 5-10 minutes long. It usually takes eight to ten sessions over a few weeks to see optimal results.  Most of our shockwave therapy patients coming in says Dr. Hamel, have conditions like patellar tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis.  Studies show this sound wave therapy works well for chronic tendinopathy. Athletes can often get back to playing and training for their sport in a couple of weeks depending on the severity of the injury. This shows its power in quick injury recovery.

45% reporting positive results in shoulder tendinopathy.
60% success in treating lateral epicondylitis.
65% improvement in spasticity among multiple sclerosis patients.
78% of clinical studies show favorable outcomes in stroke-related spasticity.

It also helps heal at a cellular level. It boosts bone and tissue repair without needing surgery. This makes shockwave therapy a complete healing solution.

Common Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is great for many musculoskeletal issues. It's a flexible treatment that offers big benefits for several common problems such as inflammatory conditions, tendinitis, fracture healing, ligament injuries from whiplash and neuropathies. 

Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Shockwave therapy is mainly used for tendon and ligament injuries. It helps with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and tennis elbow. Studies show it works well, with a 70% success rate for tendinopathies (Moya et al, 2018; Dedes et al, 2018).

Bone and Joint Conditions

It's also good for bone issues like small stress fractures and osteoarthritis. It boosts blood flow and cuts down inflammation. This helps with joint pain and bone healing. Most people feel better in 6 to 8 weeks.

Muscle Pain and Myofascial Syndromes

Shockwave therapy is also great for muscle pain and myofascial syndromes. It releases trigger points, reducing muscle pain and improving movement. Patients usually need three sessions over three weeks, each lasting 5-10 minutes.

Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation

Athletes benefit a lot from shockwave therapy during their recovery. It speeds up healing, helping athletes get back to their sport quicker and in better shape. It's widely accepted and often used with professional sports teams.  Shockwave therapy is great for athletes because over their repetitive overuse injuries; these are very common in sports like swimming, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, cross-fit, baseball, football, and soccer. 

Shockwave Therapy for Tendinitis

Shockwave therapy for tendinopathy is a top choice for treating chronic cases. It targets inflamed or injured tendons, helping them heal fast and recover quickly.  The tech behind shockwave therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues. These waves help heal by boosting blood flow, reducing inflammation and making new collagen.

People getting this effective tendinitis treatment see quick results. They might need just 2 to 3 sessions to start seeing significant results and up to 10 treatments for full recovery. Each session is about 10 minutes, with most finding a little discomfort during the treatment.

Benefit	Details
Non-Invasive	Avoids repeated steroid injections and potential tissue breakdown.
Quick Results	Most patients feel immediate pain relief and improved function.
Minimal Side Effects	Mild soreness and bruising, with a swift return to normal activities.

A big plus of shockwave therapy for tendinopathy is it might cut down on the need for surgery or at least delay surgery.  The number of patients coming into our Kingwood shockwave therapy clinic who want to prevent surgery is almost 100% says Dr. Hamel.  Lots of people with knee and shoulder pain want to remain active; it is a big part of their lives to golf, play pickleball, go to the gym or go hiking.  With major surgery; you are looking at 6-8 months or rehab and most people are not willing to commit to that right now. The sound waves enhance the natural healing process of the body; this is what makes it unique.  ESWT has been used successfully for years; showing strong effectiveness with tendinitis treatment.

How Effective is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy for tendinitis is showing great promise with injuries such as golfer's elbow, biceps tendinopathy, Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis . It helps with pain relief, decreases inflammation and improves mobility. This non-invasive therapy is known for its low risk of complications, unlike surgery and Opioid medication.

Clinical Studies and Success Rates

Many clinical evidence studies show its effectiveness. ESWT success rates for tendinopathy range from 65% to 91%. This makes it a good alternative to surgery, Cortisone shots, and even physical therapy.  In a study, low-energy ESWT significantly reduced pain and improved function for plantar fasciitis which is a very common condition among athletes and non-athletes.  A study compared ESWT with corticosteroid injections for tendinopathies. ESWT proved more effective. For lateral epicondylitis, 65% of patients saw a 50% pain reduction, compared to 28% in the sham group.  With soft tissue injuries in tendons and ligaments; a full, 100% recovery is not possible; this is because when the tissues heal, they only contain collagen and not elastin.  We naturally have elastin in our tendons and ligaments when we are born; but we cannot produce new elastin, only collagen.  That being said, patients and athletes are only concerned about performance; there are many patients who are able to perform at a high level after getting shockwave therapy.  

Patient Experiences and Testimonials

Real-life patient success stories show the benefits of shockwave therapy. Many report significant pain relief and better mobility. It's helped those with chronic conditions like Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis. A study found a 25.8% success rate for LE at 3 months. Another measurement showed up to 31.7% success. This shows its effectiveness. Testimonials are supported by data. Traditional treatments often fail, making ESWT a valuable alternative. It promotes healing and improves blood flow, leading to quick recovery. This makes a strong case for shockwave therapy.

Testimonials:

"I found Dr. Hamel's office after a Google search for shockwave therapy. I've only done a few sessions, but have felt an improvement in my low back pain. Dr. Hamel and his assistant have a pleasant and relaxed demeanor that is comforting".  MT- New Caney, TX

"I’ve seen Dr. Hamel previously for neck and back pain, he fixed me up pretty good. Lately I had been suffering with rotator cuff problems in my left shoulder from playing tennis, and a sprained ankle. I didn’t really want to take medicine or get any kind of pain shots, so I was looking for something different. One of my friends recommended shockwave therapy, I looked it up, and Dr. Hamel was the only one in the Kingwood area providing shockwave treatments. I’ve been going in getting shockwave therapy 2x/week for about 6 weeks and my pain has decreased significantly. The shockwave therapy is not painful and helped me stay on the tennis court during my recovery. I have full range of motion in my swing without tightness/pain. My friends and I definitely recommend Dr. Hamel and his shockwave treatments for anyone suffering with shoulder pain, knee pain, ankle pain or plantar fasciitis; it just works!! There isn’t another therapy like this and no other doctors offer shockwave therapy in our north Houston area. Thanks again Dr. Hamel, I will be back in soon". CF-Kingwood, TX

"I was looking for a doctor to do shockwave therapy for my knee pain. I live in Porter and I happened to hear that Dr. Hamel in Kingwood was using shockwave therapy for his patients. Dr. Hamel explained my knee injury in detail and how shockwave treatments and exercises would help alleviate my knee pain. So far so good, I can tell immediately that I have less pain and better movement in that knee after just 2 treatments. If you are looking for a chiropractor in the Kingwood area that does shockwave therapy, go see Dr. Hamel".  KK-Porter, TX

Is Shockwave Therapy Right For You?

Figuring out if shockwave therapy is right for you is key. It's used for issues like Achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis. Most everyone can benefit from ESWT says Dr. Hamel; we recommend the patient be over 21 years old and that they do not have any pre-existing conditions that might be contraindicated such as cancer, bleeding disorders, and other auto-immune conditions. 

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive. It uses high-energy waves to help heal damaged tissues.  It boosts blood flow, reduces inflammation and blocks pain signals. It also breaks down calcium in tendons, helping to increase mobility.  If you have blood clotting issues, are pregnant, or have infections or tumors, it's not for you. Also, how severe your tendinopathy is can affect if it works.  In the past 2 years says Dr. Hamel, over 90% of our patients getting shockwave therapy have seen positive results, less than 10% do not see improvement and they are referred out to orthopedic doctor or other specialists. 

Talking to a doctor can help you decide if shockwave therapy is right for you. They'll look at your medical history and your injuries and make a decision to go ahead with treatment or refer you to another doctor.  Here are some things that might affect if you can get shockwave therapy:

Factors	Considerations
Pregnancy	May exclude a patient from being a suitable candidate
Blood Clotting Disorders	Can influence eligibility for treatment
Active Infections or Tumors	Could prevent suitability for therapy
Severity and Location of Tendinopathy	May affect treatment's effectiveness and suitability

Shockwave Therapy is done as an inpatient procedure; it is done mostly a chiropractic offices and orthopedic offices.  It is not a big-time commitment; each session only takes about 10 minutes. Tendon injuries require a series of shockwave therapy sessions. But most people see a big drop in pain and recovery is sped up. Some might feel a bit of discomfort during or after the treatment but it is short lived. 

Preparing for a Shockwave Therapy Session

Shockwave therapy for tendinitis can help speed up the healing process. Knowing what to expect and how to care for your body before and after each session is key. This ensures you get the most from this non-invasive, sound wave therapy treatment.

What to Expect During the Treatment

You'll lie comfortably on a table during a shockwave therapy session, usually at a chiropractors office or sports medicine doctor's office.  A trained professional will use a handheld device on the affected area constantly moving the head. For example, for shoulder tendinitis; the device will be used over all of the rotator cuff tendons, pectoralis muscle, triceps and biceps tendons.  The areas that are injured the most; where there is greater inflammation, the patient will feel this more; it is perfectly normal and means healing is taking place. 

The device creates a shockwave from an electrode; it then sends acoustic waves through ultrasound gel and deep into the injured tissues. This boosts blood flow and enhances the body's ability to heal and repair. You might feel a bit of discomfort during the treatment and that is normal, but it goes away fast. The sound waves actually aggravate the injured tissues during the treatment and this is the discomfort the patient is feeling says Dr. Hamel.  If you are not feeling any discomfort during the treatment; than healing is not taking place. 

Aftercare and Recovery Tips

Aftercare is vital for recovery. Avoid anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen or naproxen for 24 hours before and after each session to make sure it does not interrupt the healing process. About 20-30% of patients might experience mild pain, redness, or swelling. But these symptoms usually go away in a few days.

To help your body recover, stay active but avoid intense activities right after treatment. Drinking lots of water and eating well also helps. 

FAQ

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses high energy sound waves to help heal and relieve pain in damaged tissues. It's great for tendinitis, sprains, strains and managing chronic pain.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

It works by sending high-energy sound waves through ultrasound gel into the injured area. These waves cause microtraumas, which in turn stimulates healing and repair. This triggers the body's healing response, including more blood flow and growth factor to come into the area.

What are the Mechanisms of Healing?

Shockwave therapy stimulates collagen production and tissue regeneration. It also improves blood circulation. These actions help heal tendons and provide pain relief and increased mobility. 

What are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

It's non-invasive and has few side effects. It speeds up healing and recovery. It's a modern, natural, effective way to treat pain and injuries without surgery or taking strong medication. For people looking to get active again without relying on surgery or medicine; shockwave therapy is a great alternative. 

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

It treats tendon and ligament injuries, bone and joint conditions, muscle pain, neuropathies, and sports injuries. It's also good for sports rehab and chronic tendinopathy healing. The most common conditions people are seeking out shockwave therapy for are tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, patellar tendinitis, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. 

How Effective is Shockwave Therapy?

Studies and patient feedback show it's very effective with treatment of tendinitis and connective tissue injuries.  Many patients see significant pain relief and improvement in function after a few sessions; it is becoming the top choice for injury healing for professional sports teams and chiropractors around the nation. 

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

It's good for many patients, including those with tendinitis and pain. Talking to a healthcare provider can help decide if it's right for you.  Treatment outcomes can be very specific to the patient; some patients have severe injuries that will take months to heal whereas others only need a couple of weeks of shockwave therapy to get back on their feet and active again. 

How Should I Prepare for a Shockwave Therapy Session?

Wear comfy clothes and avoid anti-inflammatory meds before treatment. Your healthcare provider will explain what to expect and guide you through the process.  It is a very easy process; you don't have to worry about anesthesia or long waits in a hospital; the treatment is quick and most patients leave an office and go about their daily routine. 

What Should I Expect During the Treatment?

You might feel some discomfort as the sound waves are applied. But most people find it tolerable. Each session lasts about 10 minutes.  The doctor will have you move the injure area right after the shockwave therapy session to see if any improvement in pain relief and range of motion is happening. 

What Are the Aftercare and Recovery Tips?

Rest the treated area and avoid hard activities for a day or two, light stretching is fine but do not overdo it with intense activities.   Follow your healthcare provider's advice for the best recovery and healing.  No matter what; even with shockwave therapy; your body needs time to heal; so, give it that time. 

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Shockwave Therapy for Tendinitis: A Game-Changer for Pain Relief and Healing

February 18, 2025