Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Non-invasive shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal pain.

Reduce Pain and Promote Recovery with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that can help relieve chronic tendon pain, improve function, and support your body’s natural healing process—without surgery or medication.

What is Shockwave Therapy?


Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues.

At Newington Spine & Joint, we use radial shockwave therapy as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function. Rather than simply masking symptoms, shockwave therapy encourages the body’s natural healing response and can be an effective option for patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Shockwave Therapy is often combined with therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and individualized rehabilitation plans to achieve long-term results.

Why Patients Choose Newington Spine & Joint

At Newington Spine & Joint, treatment begins with understanding why you’re experiencing pain—not simply where it hurts.

Every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying source of their symptoms. If shockwave therapy is appropriate, it becomes one component of a personalized treatment plan that may also include physical therapy, manual therapy, corrective exercise, and patient education.

Our goal is to help you move better, recover faster, and return to the activities that matter most.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

  • Completely non-invasive
  • No medication or injections required
  • Supports the body’s natural healing response
  • Helps reduce chronic tendon pain
  • Improves mobility and function
  • May stimulate circulation in injured tissues
  • Short treatment sessions
  • Minimal downtime after treatment
  • Can complement physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Helps many patients return to activity without surgery

Conditions That May Benefit from Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy may be recommended for a variety of chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
  • Shoulder pain
  • Hip tendon pain
  • Hamstring tendinopathy
  • Chronic muscle pain
  • Certain overuse injuries

Your provider will determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate based on your diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Radial shockwave therapy delivers controlled acoustic pressure waves into the affected tissue using a handheld applicator.

These mechanical waves stimulate a biological response within the treated area, which may improve circulation, encourage tissue remodeling, and reduce pain sensitivity. This process can help the body recover from chronic tendon injuries that have been slow to heal.

Treatment is performed in the office and typically takes only a few minutes for each area being treated.

Shockwave Therapy is most effective when combined with an individualized rehabilitation program designed to restore strength, mobility, and healthy movement patterns.

Therapist using shockwave therapy device during rehabilitation.
Physical therapist performing radial shockwave therapy on a shoulder.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your first visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.

During treatment, a handheld applicator is placed against the skin over the affected area using a conductive gel. The device delivers a series of acoustic pulses while your provider carefully adjusts the treatment based on your symptoms and tolerance.

Most patients describe the sensation as repetitive tapping or pulsing. Some areas may feel mildly uncomfortable during treatment, particularly when chronic tendon injuries are involved, but the treatment is generally well tolerated.

Following the session, most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities with little or no downtime.

Safe, Non-Invasive Care

Shockwave Therapy is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment when performed by trained healthcare professionals.

Before beginning treatment, we review your medical history to determine whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for your condition. We also discuss any factors that may influence your treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.

Patient safety and individualized care remain our highest priorities throughout every stage of treatment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?

Most patients experience a tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment. Depending on the area being treated, mild discomfort may occur but usually subsides shortly after the session.

How long does each treatment take?

Most Shockwave Therapy treatments last between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.

How many treatments will I need?

Treatment recommendations vary based on your diagnosis, the duration of your symptoms, and your goals. Many conditions respond well to a series of treatments combined with an active rehabilitation program.

Is there any downtime?

Most patients return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment. Your provider may recommend temporarily modifying certain activities depending on your condition.

Can Shockwave Therapy replace physical therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Combining it with therapeutic exercise and movement-based rehabilitation often produces better long-term outcomes than passive treatment alone.

Our Approach

Treating the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms

At Newington Spine & Joint, our approach goes beyond temporary pain relief.

Shockwave Therapy is one of several evidence-based treatment options we use to help patients recover from musculoskeletal injuries.

By combining advanced technology with hands-on care, individualized exercise, and patient education, we aim to restore healthy movement, reduce pain, and help prevent future injuries.

Every treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals so you can return to the activities you enjoy with greater confidence.

Non-invasive shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal pain.

Ready to Get Back to Doing What You Love?

If chronic tendon pain or a lingering injury is limiting your daily life, Shockwave Therapy may be an effective treatment option.

Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with Newington Spine & Joint to learn whether Shockwave Therapy can help you move more comfortably and recover with confidence.

All concussion treatment follows physician referral or medical clearance. Individual results may vary based on injury severity and personal factors.