Shockwave Therapy for Pain
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical treatment that uses sound waves to help heal injuries, restore mobility, and eliminate pain.
Visit the interactive WellWave℠ ESWT Conditions Checker to see how shockwave could help your condition.
How It Works?
- Acoustic energy: A handheld applicator delivers controlled acoustic waves to the targeted tissue.
- Mechanical stimulation: The acoustic energy interacts with tissue and may influence local circulation and biological responses.
- Natural response: ESWT is designed to stimulate processes associated with tissue remodeling and recovery.
Common Uses?
- Plantar fasciitis: Commonly studied for persistent plantar heel pain.
- Tendinopathy: Used for certain chronic tendon conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, knee and Achilles tendon.
- Bone healing: Certain forms of shockwave therapy have also been studied for delayed or impaired bone healing.¹⁻⁵
What to Expect ?
- Fast treatment: Sessions are typically completed within a relatively short office or mobile-care visit.
- Noninvasive: Treatment is applied externally, with no incision or stitches.
- Sensation varies: Patients may feel tapping, pressure or temporary discomfort as acoustic energy is delivered.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT),¹¹ is a noninvasive treatment that delivers precision acoustic energy waves to a targeted area of the body for fast pain relief and accelerated healing. Mechanistically speaking, it works through mechanotransduction — the conversion of mechanical pulses into cellular signaling that influences tendon and soft-tissue biology.¹⁰ Shock waves have been studied and used in physiotherapy and musculoskeletal medicine for a range of chronic and acute pain conditions, tendon injuries, and other common soft-tissue conditions affecting both athletes and aging bodies; with supporting published research spanning a range of common painful conditions.
We combine a professional in-home assessment with convenient mobile care to determine whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for your symptoms and condition.
WellWave℠ providers use professional STORZ Medical shockwave technology and maintain ESWT training and certification through the Shock Wave Society of North America (SWSNA). Treatment parameters are selected based on the device being used, the area being treated and the patient’s individual clinical circumstances.
Not all shockwave systems are the same…
Device technology, energy delivery, treatment protocols, FDA classification and cleared indications can vary substantially among systems. That is why every WellWave℠ USA in-home appointment begins with an individualized assessment to determine whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for your condition.
𝒾 Learn more about ESWT treatment conditions and review research with the WellWave℠ Conditions Checker.
How Shockwave Therapy Works | WellWave℠ USA
Watch this 60-second video to see our STORZ shockwave technology in action.
Learn how extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) uses externally applied acoustic energy to stimulate targeted tissues and support the body’s natural recovery processes. WellWave℠ USA combines STORZ Medical shockwave technology with individualized assessment and SWSNA-certified shockwave providers in Florida.
How Does ESWT Treatment Work?
During ESWT treatment, acoustic energy is transmitted through a handheld applicator into a targeted treatment area.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is noninvasive: energy is applied externally rather than through a surgical incision. The acoustic waves travel through soft tissue and interact with tissues in the targeted area, supporting the body’s own healing response through stimulation of growth factors, blood flow, and cellular repair pathways.¹
A participating WellWave provider determines whether treatment may be appropriate based on your symptoms, diagnosis, relevant medical history, previous treatment and other clinical factors.
What Is Shockwave Therapy Used For?
Research and clinical use of shockwave therapy for pain and musculoskeletal conditions includes certain tendon and soft-tissue disorders affecting several areas of the body.
Select a body area below to learn more about ESWT treatment ↓
Illustration for educational purposes — select a marker or use the list below
Select a treatment area on the diagram or list to learn more about the research.
Information provided is for educational purposes and reflects findings from the cited research. It is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or guarantee of individual results. A qualified healthcare provider should determine whether ESWT may be appropriate for your individual condition.
CONDITIONS CHECKER
What Is Shockwave Therapy Used For?
Research and clinical use of shockwave therapy for pain and musculoskeletal conditions includes certain tendon and soft-tissue disorders affecting several areas of the body.
*Discussion of a condition in medical research does not mean that every shockwave device is FDA authorized for that condition or that insurance or Medicare covers treatment.
Is Shockwave Therapy FDA Approved?
FDA regulation applies to specific medical devices and their labeled indications, rather than broadly approving shockwave therapy for every condition.
Specific extracorporeal shock wave devices have received FDA authorization for defined indications. For example, FDA premarket approval records include ESWT devices indicated for chronic proximal plantar fasciitis that has failed to respond to conservative treatment, with at least one device’s approval later expanded to include chronic lateral epicondylitis that has failed conservative treatment.¹⁷
Authorization of one device for a particular indication should not be interpreted as authorization of every shockwave device for every musculoskeletal condition.
WellWave℠ care is based on the device being used, applicable labeling, individual clinical circumstances and professional judgment.
Shockwave FAQs
Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a noninvasive treatment that delivers acoustic energy from outside the body to a targeted treatment area. Different shockwave technologies generate and deliver this energy in different ways, so the device, treatment parameters and appropriate clinical use matter. FDA patient information for authorized ESWT devices similarly describes shockwave energy being delivered externally to targeted tissue.
Shockwave therapy has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly certain chronic tendon and soft-tissue disorders involving areas such as the foot and ankle, knee, hip, shoulder and elbow. However, clinical evidence, treatment protocols and FDA-authorized indications vary by condition and device. A healthcare provider should determine whether ESWT treatment is appropriate for your diagnosis.
The FDA authorizes specific shockwave devices for specific indications rather than broadly approving “shockwave therapy” for every condition. For example, FDA records identify the STORZ Medical DUOLITH SD1 for extracorporeal shock wave treatment of heel pain due to chronic proximal plantar fasciitis under defined circumstances. Other ESWT devices have their own regulatory status and labeling.
Shockwave therapy is delivered externally without a surgical incision. During treatment, patients may feel repetitive tapping, pressure or temporary discomfort as acoustic energy is applied to the targeted area. Treatment experience varies according to the treatment site, device, settings and individual patient. Your WellWave℠ provider can explain what to expect based on your assessment and treatment plan.
There is no single ESWT treatment schedule appropriate for every patient or condition. The number and frequency of treatments can vary according to the diagnosis, shockwave technology, treatment protocol, clinical response and individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider should recommend a treatment plan after evaluating your condition rather than promising a predetermined number of sessions.
Coverage for shockwave therapy and ESWT treatment depends on the insurer, benefit plan, diagnosis, medical necessity, service performed and applicable coverage policy. Medicare coverage should not be assumed simply because a shockwave device has FDA authorization; FDA authorization and Medicare coverage are separate determinations. CMS maintains ESWT-specific Medicare coverage and billing materials, illustrating why eligibility must be evaluated for the individual service. WellWave℠ can review applicable benefits before scheduling, but verification of benefits is not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Verify Benefits Online: https://app.formdr.com/practice/NDA4MjA=/form/XwyOAfqSwRuN5cWanZ5oF-n5rE5VcXPB
References
- Notarnicola A, Moretti B. The biological effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on tendon tissue. *Muscles Ligaments Tendons J*. 2012;2(1):33-37. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237058245_The_biological_effects_of_extracorporeal_shock_wave_therapy_eswt_on_tendon_tissue
- Jun JH, Park GY, Chae CS, Suh DC. The Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain Intensity and Neck Disability for Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the Neck and Shoulder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. *Am J Phys Med Rehabil*. 2021;100(2):120-129. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32520797/
- Gerdesmeyer L, Wagenpfeil S, Haake M, et al. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of chronic calcifying tendonitis of the rotator cuff: a randomized controlled trial. *JAMA*. 2003;290(19):2573-2580. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/197669
- Yao G, Chen X, Chen J, Duan Y. Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. *Biomed Res Int*. 2020;2020:2064781. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/2064781
- Yildirim P, Gultekin A, Yildirim A, Karahan AY, Tok F. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy versus corticosteroid injection in the treatment of trigger finger: a randomized controlled study. *J Hand Surg Eur Vol*. 2016. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1753193415622733
- Liu K, Zhang Q, Chen L, et al. Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 632 patients. *J Orthop Surg Res*. 2023;18:455. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37355623/
- Wu T, Li S, Ren J, Wang D, Ai Y. Efficacy of extracorporeal shock waves in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical studies. *Ann Transl Med*. 2022;10:165. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358824059_Efficacy_of_extracorporeal_shock_waves_in_the_treatment_of_myofascial_pain_syndrome_a_systematic_review_and_meta-analysis_of_controlled_clinical_studies
- Yuan P, Ma D, Zhang Y, et al. Efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Neurourol Urodyn*. 2019;38(6):1457-1466. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31037757/
- Zhang D, Wang YL, Gong DX, Zhang ZX, Yu XT, Ma YW. Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy as a Novel Agent for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Refractory to Current Medical Therapy. *Am J Mens Health*. 2019;13:1557988319831899. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988319831899
- Li G, Xu X, Man L. Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for Peyroniès disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *BMC Urol*. 2024;24(1):217. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11459888/
- Rhim HC, Shin J, Beling A, et al. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. *JBJS Rev*. 2024;12(8). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39297780/
- Carlisi E, Cecini M, Di Natali G, Manzoni F, Tinelli C, Lisi C. Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy for greater trochanteric pain syndrome with gluteal tendinopathy: a randomized controlled trial. *Clin Rehabil*. 2019;33(4):670-680. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269215518819255
- Vahdatpour B, Taheri P, Shahbandari M, Parvaresh M. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Venous Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Trial. *Galen Med J*. 2021;10:e1931. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8995091/
- Persson Krogh T, et al. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. *Transl Sports Med*. 2021;4(4):534-544. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/tsm2.246
- Chen L, Qing A, Zhu T, Yang P, Ye L. Effect and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for postherpetic neuralgia: A randomized single-blind clinical study. *Front Neurol*. 2022;13:948024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9548589/
- Melese H, Alamer A, Getie K, Nigussie F, Ayhualem S. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain and foot functions in subjects with chronic plantar fasciitis: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. *Disabil Rehabil*. 2022;44(18):5007-5014. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1928775
- US Food and Drug Administration. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data: OssaTron Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy device, premarket approval supplement P990086/S003. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/P990086S003b.pdf
- National Library of Medicine. Tendinitis. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001229.htm
- National Library of Medicine. Plantar fasciitis. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007021.htm
- National Library of Medicine. Achilles tendinitis. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001072.htm
- US Food and Drug Administration. Home page. https://www.fda.gov
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov
- Cleveland Clinic Canada. Shockwave therapy. Accessed August 20, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/canada/services/shockwave-therapy
- Yang T, Ma T, Liu X, Wang Y, Wang Y, Chen X, Wei H and Chen D (2025) Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy improves pain and plantar pressure in patients with early-to-mid-stage unilateral knee osteoarthritis: a retrospective before-after controlled study. Front. Med. 12:1707739. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1707739
Medical & Coverage Disclaimer
Information provided by WellWave℠ USA is for general educational and informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, a guarantee of treatment outcome, or a determination of insurance coverage. Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for every patient or condition. Treatment decisions should be based on individual clinical assessment. FDA authorization applies to specific medical devices and their labeled indications and should not be interpreted as authorization of WellWave℠ or shockwave therapy for every condition. Medicare and commercial insurance coverage depend on the specific service, diagnosis, benefit plan, medical necessity and applicable coverage requirements. Verification of benefits does not guarantee coverage or payment.
