By Dr. Derrick Pallis, chiropractor (Life University) at Full Power Chiropractic. Updated November 2026.
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial shockwave therapy (also called radial pulse therapy or extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment for painful tendons, muscles and soft tissue. A handheld applicator delivers quick acoustic pressure waves through the skin into the treatment area. There are no needles, no medication and no downtime.
Clinical research supports pain relief and improved function for a number of musculoskeletal conditions, especially long-lasting tendon problems that have not settled with rest alone. Less pain means less limitation, so you can work toward walking comfortably, reaching overhead, getting back to the gym or playing with your kids and grandkids.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
The pressure waves spread through the tissue like a deep mechanical stimulus that encourages it to heal from the inside out. These waves help:
- Increase blood flow and circulation
- Stimulate new blood vessel growth
- Promote collagen production and tissue repair
- Reduce inflammation
- Break down scar tissue or calcifications
- Activate the body’s natural healing response
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Shockwave therapy is used for many common soft-tissue and tendon conditions, including:
- Shoulder pain: rotator cuff tendinopathy, calcific tendinitis, bursitis and impingement
- Elbow pain: tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Hip pain: tendinopathy, bursitis and soft-tissue pain with hip impingement
- Achilles tendon pain: Achilles tendinopathy and insertional tendinitis
- Knee pain: patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) and osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Chronic muscle pain: myofascial pain, trigger points and muscle tightness
- Sports injuries: tendinitis, sprains, strains and overuse injuries
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy
Before treatment
We review your health history and assess your movement and the treatment area to plan your care.
During treatment
Most patients describe the sensation as tapping, pulsing or firm pressure. The intensity is always adjusted for your comfort. Sessions are quick and efficient, about 5 to 10 minutes per area, and most care plans include 6 to 12 or more sessions depending on your condition.
After treatment
Shockwave triggers a brief inflammatory response, which is part of the body’s natural healing process. For this reason, avoid anti-inflammatory medications and ice for 24 hours if possible, as they may slightly reduce the treatment’s effect. You can return to normal activities right away, and any mild soreness usually resolves in a day or two. Contact our office if symptoms are severe, unexpected or getting worse.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Yes. Shockwave therapy has been used worldwide for many years with a strong safety record. Temporary soreness, redness, swelling or bruising can occur.
Before we begin, tell us about pregnancy, blood thinners or bleeding disorders, cancer, infections or wounds, implanted devices, recent surgery and recent steroid injections so we can plan safe care for you.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy in Walpole
- Reduce pain in sore tendons, muscles and joints
- Improve mobility, with less stiffness and better range of motion for everyday activities
- Support lasting recovery and stronger, more confident movement
- No drugs, no injections and no surgery
- Short sessions with no downtime
- Works alongside chiropractic adjustments and home exercises in one plan
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients feel tapping, pulsing or firm pressure rather than pain. We start gently and adjust the intensity to your comfort throughout the session. Some mild soreness afterward is normal and usually fades within a day or two.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Most people need 6 to 12 or more sessions, depending on the condition, how long you have had it and how your body responds. Dr. Derrick will recommend a plan after assessing your movement and treatment area.
How long does a shockwave session take?
Treatment itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes per area, so sessions are quick and fit easily into your day. You can go back to your normal activities right after your visit.
Yes. Your plan can combine shockwave, chiropractic adjustments and home exercises to reduce discomfort while you work toward stronger, more confident movement and the activities you love.
Shockwave Therapy in Walpole
Wondering if shockwave can help? Tell us what you want to get back to and we will build a care plan around your movement, comfort and recovery goals. Ask Dr. Derrick or call (508) 921-3114 to see if shockwave is right for you, or book an appointment at our office at 1000 East St, Walpole, MA 02081.
Selected sources: Mayo Clinic, Shockwave treatment (2025). Gerdesmeyer et al., The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2008).
