Shockwave Therapy
What is shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers high-energy acoustic waves to injured or painful areas of the body. Originally developed to break up kidney stones, the technology has been adapted for musculoskeletal medicine, where it stimulates the body's natural healing response at the cellular level.
At Chiropractic Solutions of Denver, we use radial shockwave therapy to treat stubborn soft tissue injuries, chronic tendon problems, and pain conditions that haven't responded to other conservative treatments. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 3 to 5 sessions.
How does shockwave therapy work?
During treatment, a handheld applicator delivers controlled acoustic pulses into the affected tissue. These pressure waves travel through the skin and into deeper structures — muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia — where they trigger several biological responses:
- Increased blood flow to the treatment area, bringing oxygen and nutrients that support tissue repair
- Collagen stimulation to rebuild and strengthen damaged tendons and connective tissue
- Pain reduction by disrupting pain signaling pathways and reducing substance P concentrations
- Breakdown of calcifications and scar tissue that can limit mobility and perpetuate pain
Each session typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. Treatment intensity is adjusted based on the condition being treated and your comfort level. There is no anesthesia required, and you can return to daily activities immediately after treatment.
Conditions we treat with shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic soft tissue conditions that involve tendon degeneration, inflammation, or calcification:
- Plantar fasciitis — heel pain and arch stiffness, especially first thing in the morning
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — pain on the outside of the elbow from repetitive gripping
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) — inner elbow pain from overuse
- Achilles tendinopathy — chronic pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy — shoulder pain from tendon irritation or calcification
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis — calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendons
- Myofascial trigger points — tight, painful knots in muscles
- Chronic low back pain — when combined with chiropractic care and rehabilitation
- IT band syndrome — lateral knee pain common in runners and cyclists
How shockwave therapy complements chiropractic care
Chiropractic adjustments restore joint alignment and mobility, but surrounding soft tissues — muscles, tendons, and fascia — often need targeted treatment to fully resolve a condition. Shockwave therapy addresses these soft tissue components directly, making it an ideal companion to spinal and extremity adjustments.
Dr. Baldwin frequently combines shockwave therapy with chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises, and acupuncture to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs.
What to expect during your visit
Your first visit begins with a thorough evaluation to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition. If it is, treatment can often begin the same day. A typical treatment plan involves 3 to 5 sessions spaced about a week apart, though some conditions may require additional visits.
Most patients feel a tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment. Some mild soreness in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours afterward is normal and a sign that the healing process is active.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage for shockwave therapy varies by insurance plan. Our team can help verify your benefits before treatment begins. We also offer affordable self-pay options for patients without coverage.
Contact us at 303.647.9196 or to schedule a consultation and find out if shockwave therapy in Denver is right for you.