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Shockwave Therapy for Soft Tissue Injuries

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves, applied through the skin with a handheld device, to treat painful tendons and soft tissue. It is one of the tools your ProCare provider may add to your plan.

In short

  • A handheld applicator sends pressure waves into the painful tissue.
  • It is mainly used for tendon and soft tissue problems that have lasted for weeks or months.
  • A session is short, usually a few minutes per area.
  • Most plans include several sessions spaced about a week apart.
  • It is not used during pregnancy, over tumors or for people with some blood clotting disorders.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT, delivers pulses of acoustic energy to an injured area. Gel is applied to the skin, and the provider moves the applicator over the painful spot.

It is used for long-lasting tendon and soft tissue pain, often together with stretching and strengthening exercises.

When it may be used

  • Shoulder tendon pain
  • Tennis or golfer's elbow
  • Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
  • Knee and hip tendon pain
  • Tight, painful muscles that have not improved with other care

What to expect

  1. Exam

    Your chiropractor checks the area and makes sure shockwave is safe for you.

  2. Treatment

    Gel is applied and the applicator is moved over the painful spot for a few minutes.

  3. Exercises

    You get stretches or exercises to support healing between sessions.

  4. Review

    After a few sessions your progress is checked and the plan is updated.

Insurance and paperwork

We accept auto insurance, help with Oregon PIP and workers' comp claims, and work with personal injury attorneys, including letter of protection (LOP) cases. Our staff checks your coverage before treatment. See insurance we accept.

What patients say

★★★★★

"Excellent care from start to finish. The chiropractor is knowledgeable, attentive, and truly cares about patients. The office is welcoming and I always leave feeling better."

Oleg Y., Google review, Portland
★★★★★

"The team is very organized and respectful of your time, and they genuinely care about your progress. They take the time to answer questions, explain treatments clearly."

Ener G., Google review, Portland

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Frequently asked questions

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

It can feel uncomfortable while the applicator is over the sore spot. The intensity can be adjusted. Some patients feel soreness for a day or two afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many plans include several sessions about a week apart. Your provider tells you after the exam and checks your progress along the way.

Who should not have shockwave therapy?

It is not used during pregnancy, over tumors or areas with infection, or for patients with certain blood clotting disorders. Tell us about your health conditions and medicines before treatment.

Is shockwave available at every ProCare clinic?

Call (503) 206-6078 before your visit and our team will tell you which clinic offers it.

Start with a consultation and exam

Your chiropractor checks what is causing your pain and explains your plan before treatment starts.