How All-Natural Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Can Help Heal Soft Tissue, Ligament, and Tendon Inj

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an innovative, noninvasive treatment that uses sound waves to address musculoskeletal issues. By targeting damaged or injured areas with these waves, ESWT enhances blood flow, stimulates tissue repair, and promotes faster healing.

For those dealing with injuries to soft tissues, ligaments, or tendons, shockwave therapy offers a safe and effective alternative to more invasive treatments like surgery.

At TruMotion Chiropractic, our experienced doctor, Austin Schauer, DC, often incorporates ESWT into patients’ personalized treatment programs. The therapy’s versatility and effectiveness make it popular for treating a wide range of conditions.

How shockwave therapy works

ESWT delivers acoustic waves to injured tissues, encouraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The sound waves boost blood circulation, trigger cellular repair, and promote tissue regeneration.

This process reduces pain and improves mobility, making it a powerful tool for healing tendon, ligament, and soft tissue injuries without surgery or long recovery times.

ESWT involves a hand-held device that directs pressure waves to the injured area. Inside the device, a projectile moves rapidly within a tube, creating energy that converts into acoustic waves.

When applied to the skin with a water-based gel, these waves penetrate tissues as deep as 2-plus inches, reaching areas traditional therapies or massages can’t.

The waves improve blood flow and stimulate metabolic activity, especially beneficial for connective tissues that typically receive limited blood supply. ESWT helps break down scar tissue, promotes new cell growth, and encourages the natural healing process.

Conditions shockwave therapy treats

Shockwave therapy is highly effective for injuries that impact soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons, particularly those in the extremities. Common conditions it addresses include:

• Achilles tendinopathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Back pain
• Tendinitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Bursitis in the hip or other joints
• Certain auto accident injuries
• Tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Jumper’s knee
• Strained calves and hamstrings
• Neck pain

Musculoskeletal injuries often interfere with daily life, making activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting uncomfortable. Shockwave therapy helps patients return to their routines without relying on invasive procedures.

What to expect during ESWT

Each shockwave therapy session typically lasts about 15 minutes. Most patients require 2-3 sessions over 6-12 weeks.

During the treatment, you wear clothing that allows easy access to the affected area. We position you comfortably, apply a water-based gel to the treatment site, and move the hand-held applicator over the area while releasing sound waves. 

The intensity increases gradually until reaching a therapeutic level. Most patients describe the sensation during treatment as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. For example, some compare it to a deep tissue massage, while others say it feels like a gentle jackhammer.

Sensitivity can vary based on the treatment location, so areas with less muscle, like over a hip bone, might feel more sensitive compared to fleshy areas like the calves. After a session, some patients feel immediate relief, while others notice improvement over several days.

It’s normal to experience mild soreness or bruising in the treated area. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, which could interfere with the natural inflammation-based healing process that ESWT promotes. Stay hydrated and maintain light activity to support recovery.

Benefits of ESWT

Leading benefits of shockwave therapy include:

Accelerated healing

ESWT enhances blood flow and stimulates tissue regeneration, speeding up recovery.

Noninvasive approach

There are no incisions with ESWT, so patients avoid the risks and extended recovery periods associated with surgery.

Effective pain relief

ESWT targets pain at its source, offering relief without relying on medications.

Improved mobility

By addressing underlying issues, shockwave therapy helps restore movement and functionality.

Cost-effectiveness

Compared to long-term medication or surgical options, ESWT is often a more affordable treatment.

Minimal side effects

Most patients experience only mild soreness or bruising, which typically resolves quickly.

Shockwave therapy is an excellent option for those who’ve tried traditional treatments without success or want to avoid invasive procedures. Approved by the FDA, it’s a safe and effective way to heal musculoskeletal injuries and regain quality of life.

If you’re struggling with a soft tissue injury, extracorporeal shockwave therapy might be the key to your recovery. To learn more, call our office in Chandler, Arizona, or use online booking to schedule a consultation.