What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Focused Shockwave Therapy, also known as focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy or F-ESWT, is a noninvasive treatment that delivers precisely targeted acoustic waves into an injured area.

Unlike radial pressure-wave devices, focused shockwave technology concentrates energy at a specific location and tissue depth. This allows your provider to target a tendon, tendon attachment, or other injured structure with greater precision.

At Ultimate Sports Medicine, we use premium Swiss-made STORZ MEDICAL technology.

What conditions may benefit?

Focused Shockwave Therapy is most commonly used for persistent musculoskeletal conditions such as:

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Patellar tendinopathy or “jumper’s knee”

• Tennis or golfer’s elbow

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy

• Calcific shoulder tendinopathy

• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy

• Gluteal tendinopathy

• Plantar fasciopathy

• Other chronic tendon or tendon-attachment injuries

Shockwave Therapy is not appropriate for every injury. Your provider will first evaluate the area and determine whether it fits your diagnosis and stage of healing.

How does it work?

Focused shockwaves create a controlled mechanical stimulus within the targeted tissue. Research suggests this may influence pain signaling, local circulation, cellular activity, and the biological processes involved in tissue remodeling.

Shockwave Therapy does not simply “break up scar tissue.” Its primary purpose is to stimulate a healing response and improve the tissue’s ability to tolerate load.

What does treatment feel like?

Most patients describe a repetitive tapping or pulsing sensation. Certain areas may feel temporarily sensitive, especially directly over the injured tendon.

The treatment intensity can be adjusted throughout the session based on your comfort and the condition being treated.

How long does a session take?

The shockwave portion of a visit usually takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Your appointment may also include examination, manual therapy, mobility work, or a progressive rehabilitation program.

How many treatments will I need?

Many treatment plans involve approximately 3–6 sessions, commonly spaced about one week apart. The exact number depends on:

• The specific condition

• How long symptoms have been present

• The severity of the injury

• Your activity and training demands

• Your response to treatment

• Your participation in rehabilitation

Some patients notice improvement within the first few treatments, while chronic tendon conditions often improve gradually over several weeks.

Will I be sore afterward?

Mild soreness, redness, sensitivity, or temporary bruising can occur. These effects are usually short-lived.

A temporary increase in symptoms does not necessarily mean the condition has worsened, but severe or unusual pain should be reported to your provider.

Can I exercise after treatment?

In many cases, light activity and prescribed rehabilitation can continue. We may temporarily modify running, jumping, lifting, throwing, or other high-load activities based on your condition.

Shockwave Therapy generally works best when combined with a carefully progressed strengthening and loading program.

Is it a replacement for rehabilitation?

No. Shockwave Therapy can help create a better environment for recovery, but the tendon must still regain strength, capacity, and tolerance to athletic or occupational demands.

Our goal is not simply to decrease pain. It is to help you return to activity with a more resilient and better-prepared tissue.

Who should not receive Shockwave Therapy?

Focused Shockwave Therapy may not be appropriate over or near:

• Active cancer or a suspected tumor

• An active infection

• An acute tendon rupture or significant tissue tear

• Areas with impaired sensation or circulation

• Certain blood-clotting disorders

• Areas at significant risk of bleeding

• A developing fetal area during pregnancy

• Sensitive organs, lung tissue, the brain, spinal cord, or major nerves and blood vessels

Patients taking anticoagulant medication or who have recently received an injection or undergone surgery should tell their provider before treatment.

Are results guaranteed?

No medical procedure can guarantee a particular result. Outcomes vary depending on the diagnosis, duration of symptoms, tissue health, activity demands, and adherence to rehabilitation.

Focused Shockwave Therapy is best viewed as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Why are we using STORZ MEDICAL technology?

STORZ MEDICAL has developed medical shockwave systems in Switzerland since 1987. Focused technology allows energy to be directed toward a defined treatment area and depth rather than dispersing primarily at the skin surface.

Your provider will determine the location, intensity, number of impulses, and progression based on your diagnosis and response.