Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy in Marlton, NJ

Focused & Linear Shockwave Therapy for Tendon Pain, Muscle Injuries & Persistent Pain

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses acoustic waves to address certain painful tendon and soft-tissue conditions.

At South Jersey Sports Acupuncture, I use the PiezoWave2 system, which offers both focused and linear piezoelectric shockwave therapy. These two approaches allow me to deliver acoustic energy to localized structures or across broader treatment regions, depending on your condition.

Shockwave therapy may be particularly helpful for persistent tendon problems, overuse injuries, and certain musculoskeletal conditions that haven't responded adequately to other conservative treatments.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to mechanically stimulate tissues. This stimulation may influence pain signaling and biological processes involved in tissue repair.

Research supports shockwave therapy for certain musculoskeletal conditions, particularly some chronic tendon disorders and plantar heel pain. However, outcomes vary depending on the condition, treatment parameters, and individual patient.

Unlike radial pressure wave devices, the PiezoWave2 generates acoustic shockwaves using piezoelectric technology.

Focused vs. Linear Shockwave Therapy

One advantage of the PiezoWave2 system is the ability to choose between focused and linear treatment applicators.

Focused Shockwave Therapy

Focused shockwave therapy concentrates acoustic energy within a defined treatment region.

This allows me to direct treatment toward specific structures and localized areas of pain, such as certain tendons and tendon attachments.

Focused shockwave therapy may be considered for conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy.

Linear Shockwave Therapy

Linear shockwave therapy distributes acoustic energy along an elongated treatment region rather than concentrating it at a single focal point.

This allows treatment of a larger region of muscle, fascia, or other soft tissue without repeatedly repositioning a small focal area.

Linear applicators may be useful when symptoms involve a broader treatment region rather than one isolated point.

Both technologies use piezoelectric acoustic wave generation. I select the applicator and treatment settings according to the tissues involved and your individual evaluation.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help?

I commonly consider shockwave therapy for:

• Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow

• Patellar tendinopathy

• Certain rotator cuff tendon conditions

• Calcific shoulder tendinopathy

• Selected chronic muscle and soft-tissue problems

• Persistent sports and overuse injuries

The strength of clinical evidence differs among these conditions, and not every injury is appropriate for shockwave therapy. For a more complete list of conditions I commonly work with, visit What I Treat.

My Approach to Shockwave Treatment

With decades of experience working with musculoskeletal pain and movement problems, I look beyond the painful area to understand the tissues and movement patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.

My background in structural integration, acupuncture, and neuromuscular treatment influences how I evaluate injuries and choose treatment approaches.

Depending on your condition, I may use focused shockwave, linear shockwave, or a combination of approaches during your course of care.

Shockwave therapy may be provided independently or incorporated into a broader treatment plan that includes acupuncture or other appropriate techniques.

The objective is to select the treatment most appropriate for your condition rather than follow the same protocol for every patient.

What to Expect During Treatment

Shockwave therapy is performed in the office and generally requires no anesthesia.

A treatment applicator is placed against the skin, and acoustic pulses are delivered to the selected tissues.

You may experience some discomfort, particularly when treating sensitive tendons or painful areas. Treatment intensity can be adjusted according to your tolerance.

Sessions are relatively brief, and most patients can return to ordinary daily activities afterward.

A series of treatments is commonly recommended. The number and frequency depend on the condition, treatment approach, and how you respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Some discomfort is possible, particularly when treating sensitive or injured tissues. Treatment intensity can be adjusted to make the procedure more tolerable.

What's the difference between focused and linear shockwave therapy?

Focused shockwave concentrates acoustic energy within a defined region, while linear shockwave distributes energy along a longer treatment region. Both use piezoelectric technology, but their energy distribution differs.

How many treatments will I need?

Many treatment protocols involve approximately three to six sessions, although the number varies depending on the condition and individual response. I'll discuss an appropriate treatment plan after evaluating your problem.

How quickly will I notice results?

Some patients notice improvement early, while others experience gradual changes over several weeks. Improvement isn't guaranteed, and some conditions respond better than others.

Is there any downtime?

Most patients can resume normal daily activities following treatment. Temporary soreness, redness, or swelling may occur. I may recommend temporarily modifying strenuous activities depending on the condition being treated.

Is shockwave therapy safe?

Shockwave therapy is generally well tolerated when appropriately administered. However, it isn't suitable for every patient or anatomical region. Active infection, tumors in the treatment area, and certain other medical circumstances may make treatment inappropriate. I'll review relevant precautions before treatment.

Can shockwave therapy be combined with acupuncture?

Yes. Depending on your condition, shockwave therapy may be used alongside acupuncture or other appropriate treatment methods.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're dealing with persistent tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles problems, or another stubborn musculoskeletal injury, focused or linear shockwave therapy may be an option worth exploring.

At South Jersey Sports Acupuncture in Marlton, NJ, I'll evaluate your condition and determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your needs.

For additional information about shockwave technology, visit my dedicated website, Performance Shockwave of South Jersey.