Treatment · Shockwave Therapy
Deep, targeted relief for pain that won’t quit.
Non-invasive Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (F-SW) at our Portland clinic — clinically proven to improve pain and function in chronic plantar fasciitis and other persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
The science
What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Despite the name, shockwave therapy doesn’t create an electrical shock. It uses focused acoustic sound wave pulses — transmitted into the body up to a depth of about 4.7 inches — to stimulate your body’s natural healing response by increasing circulation, promoting cellular activity, and encouraging tissue repair.
F-SW uses a similar waveform to the lithotripsy used to break up kidney stones — but at much lower energy. Rather than destroying tissue, it restarts the healing cascade through a process called mechanotransduction, helping resolve chronic conditions that haven’t responded to rest, stretching, or medication.
The technology. We use the Chattanooga Intelect Focus Shockwave, a clinical-grade F-SW system designed for precise, targeted application to deep musculoskeletal tissue.
Clinically proven results
Sessions typically needed
Per treatment session
Treatment depth
Session may bring relief
Conditions we treat with shockwave therapy
Best supported by clinical evidence for chronic, treatment-resistant conditions.
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain that’s lasted three months or more
Achilles Tendinopathy
Persistent calf and heel cord pain
Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow
Lateral and medial epicondylitis
Patellar Tendinopathy
Jumper’s knee at the front of the knee
Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis
Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff
Greater Trochanteric Pain
Chronic hip and gluteal tendon pain
What to expect during treatment
Three steps to relief.
Assessment
Your therapist confirms F-SW is appropriate and pinpoints the exact treatment site.
Treatment
Gel is applied and the handpiece delivers focused acoustic waves to the target tissue. Most sessions take only a few minutes.
Plan of Care
Typically 3-6 sessions, integrated with your broader rehab program for the best long-term outcome.
Why patients choose shockwave therapy
Short Sessions
Most treatments take only a few minutes
Reaches Deep Tissue
Targets tissue manual therapy alone can’t reach
Non-invasive
No needles, no incisions, no recovery downtime
Precise Targeting
Energy focused exactly where the pain originates
Few Treatments
Often 3-6 sessions for resolution
Alternative to Medication
A drug-free pathway to pain relief
Frequently asked questions.
No. Despite the name, shockwave therapy doesn’t deliver an electrical shock. It uses focused acoustic sound waves — pressure pulses that travel through tissue — to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. The sensation is more like a strong tapping or pulsing than anything electrical.
Most patients describe the sensation as a strong tapping or pulsing rather than pain. Your therapist can adjust the energy level for your comfort. Mild soreness for a day or two after treatment is common and a normal part of the healing response.
Most patients need 3 to 6 sessions, typically spaced about a week apart. Many people notice meaningful improvement by the third session, and some feel a difference after the first.
No. You can walk out and return to normal daily activities immediately. Your therapist may advise reducing high-impact activity for a short period to give the treated tissue time to heal.
Shockwave therapy is not appropriate during pregnancy, with certain bleeding disorders or blood thinner use, or over an active infection, open wound, tumor, or area with active cancer. We’ll review your medical history before treatment to confirm it’s a safe and appropriate option for you.
Coverage varies by plan. Our front office team can help you understand your benefits and out-of-pocket cost before you commit to treatment.
Focused shockwave (F-SW) uses a true acoustic wave focused through a lens to reach deep tissue, up to about 4.7 inches. Radial pressure waves disperse from the applicator surface and treat more superficially. F-SW is the appropriate choice when the target tissue sits deep beneath the skin.
Tired of pain that won’t quit?
See if shockwave is your next step.
Schedule a consultation to see whether Focused Shockwave Therapy is the right next step for your recovery.
Individual results may vary. The content of this page is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional for information on treatments that may be appropriate for you.