When Is Shockwave Therapy Used?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to target areas of the body experiencing certain musculoskeletal and soft tissue problems. It is often considered when pain or dysfunction has persisted despite rest, activity modification, or other conservative approaches.
At Dallas Wellness, shockwave therapy is provided by Dr. Victor Matthiesen as part of an individualized approach to care. Whether shockwave therapy is appropriate depends on the condition being treated, the patient's symptoms, and findings from an evaluation.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers controlled acoustic waves into a targeted area of scar tissue. These waves create mechanical stimulation within the treatment area and are used clinically to support the body's natural healing and repair processes.
Unlike an injection or surgical procedure, shockwave therapy is performed externally through a handheld applicator placed against the skin. Treatment can be directed toward a specific tendon, muscle, or other soft tissue structure based on the findings of an evaluation.
Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for every type of pain or injury, which is why identifying the source of a patient's symptoms is an important part of determining whether it may be useful.
When Is Shockwave Therapy Used?
Shockwave therapy may be considered for certain musculoskeletal conditions involving persistent pain, soft tissue irritation, or restricted function. It is commonly used for conditions involving tendons and other soft tissues, particularly when symptoms have continued despite more conservative approaches.
Conditions commonly treated with shockwave therapy may include:
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Achilles tendon pain
Tennis or golfer's elbow
Patellar tendon pain
Shoulder and rotator cuff-related conditions
Hip and gluteal tendon pain
Old persistent injuries
Other persistent muscle and tendon complaints
Whether shockwave therapy is appropriate depends on the individual condition and findings from an evaluation.
What Does a Shockwave Therapy Session Look Like?
Before treatment, the provider evaluates the area of concern and determines whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.
During treatment, a handheld applicator is placed against the skin over the targeted area. Acoustic waves are then delivered into the tissue. The location and treatment settings are selected based on depth appropriate tissue evaluation.
Sessions are generally brief, and patients can typically return to their normal daily activities afterward. The number of sessions recommended varies depending on the condition and response to treatment.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
Patients may feel pressure, tapping, or temporary discomfort during treatment, particularly when the applicator passes over a sensitive area. Treatment intensity can be adjusted based on the patient's comfort level and the area being treated.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
One condition commonly treated with shockwave therapy is plantar fasciitis, which can cause persistent pain along the bottom of the heel or foot.
At Dallas Wellness, patients experiencing persistent heel or plantar fascia pain can be evaluated to determine what may be contributing to their symptoms. Shockwave therapy and soft tissue considerations common to plantar fasciitis are carefully examined.
Shockwave Therapy at Dallas Wellness
At Dallas Wellness, shockwave therapy is provided by Dr. Victor Matthiesen. Treatment begins with an evaluation rather than assuming shockwave therapy is appropriate for every patient.
The goal is to identify the area contributing to the patient's symptoms and determine an individualized approach to care. Depending on the patient's needs, shockwave therapy may be used independently or alongside other services offered at Dallas Wellness.
Interested in Shockwave Therapy?
If you're dealing with persistent muscle, tendon, or joint-related discomfort and would like to find out whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for you, contact Dallas Wellness to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Victor Matthiesen.
📞 (214) 238- 0489