Chronic pain doesn’t have to be permanent. If you’ve tried rest, physical therapy, or cortisone injections and still haven’t found lasting relief, shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
At RESPORT Chicago, we use Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) — a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment that delivers targeted acoustic pressure waves to injured tissue, stimulating your body’s natural healing process from the inside out. No injections. No surgery. No extended downtime.
This guide covers everything you need to know about shockwave therapy: how it works, what conditions it treats, what the research says, what to expect during treatment, and how to know if it’s right for you. If you have questions or are ready to get started, our team at RESPORT is here to help.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy — also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, or ESWT — is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic pressure waves to accelerate healing in injured muscles, tendons, and connective tissue.
The term “extracorporeal” simply means the treatment is delivered from outside the body. A handheld device is placed against the skin and transmits shock wave energy directly to the injured area. There are no incisions, no needles, and no anesthesia required.
At RESPORT, we use radial shockwave therapy — the most widely studied and clinically validated form of ESWT. Radial shockwave delivers energy across a broader treatment zone, making it especially effective for conditions involving tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue close to the surface. Sessions are typically 15–20 minutes, and most patients begin noticing improvement within 3–5 treatments.
Shockwave therapy has been used in sports medicine and orthopedic care for over 30 years. It is FDA-cleared for several musculoskeletal conditions and endorsed by leading sports medicine organizations as a first-line conservative treatment for chronic tendon pain.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Chronic injuries — particularly tendon conditions — often fail to heal because the body stops sending the repair signals the tissue needs. The injury becomes stuck in a cycle of low-grade inflammation without meaningful regeneration. Shockwave therapy breaks that cycle.
When acoustic pressure waves reach the injured tissue, they trigger a cascade of biological responses:
- Increased blood flow — ESWT stimulates the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization) in the damaged area, restoring the oxygen and nutrient supply that chronic injuries lack.
- Collagen production — The waves activate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for building collagen, which is the primary structural component of tendons and ligaments.
- Calcium deposit breakdown — For conditions like calcific shoulder tendinitis, ESWT mechanically disperses calcific deposits that conventional treatment cannot reach.
- Pain signal disruption — Shockwave therapy reduces substance P, a neurotransmitter associated with chronic pain, providing lasting pain relief beyond the biological repair itself.
Unlike cortisone injections — which suppress inflammation temporarily but do not address the underlying tissue damage — ESWT promotes structural repair. Unlike surgery, it requires no recovery period and carries none of the risks associated with an invasive procedure. This is why shockwave treatment is increasingly used as a first-line option before more aggressive interventions are considered.
What Does the Research Say?
Shockwave therapy is one of the most well-researched non-surgical treatments in sports medicine. The evidence base is strongest for tendon conditions, where clinical trials consistently show meaningful outcomes for patients who have not responded to rest, physical therapy, or injections.
Here is what the research shows for the most common conditions we treat:
- Plantar fasciitis: Multiple randomized controlled trials show ESWT reduces heel pain in 60–80% of patients, with results superior to corticosteroid injections at 12-month follow-up.
- Achilles tendinopathy: Studies report significant reduction in pain and improved function in patients with both mid-portion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy after 3–5 sessions of ESWT.
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis: ESWT is particularly effective at dispersing calcific deposits, with resolution rates of 50–80% reported in clinical literature and sustained outcomes at one year.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Multiple systematic reviews confirm ESWT outperforms both sham therapy and corticosteroid injections for long-term pain reduction in lateral epicondylitis.
- Patellar tendinopathy: High-quality trials support ESWT as an effective treatment for jumper’s knee, particularly in athletes for whom surgery is not a preferred option.
The clinical picture is consistent: shockwave therapy produces durable results for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when other conservative treatments have not worked. At RESPORT, our approach is grounded in this evidence base — we use ESWT where the data is strongest and integrate it with chiropractic care and physical therapy for the best possible outcomes.
Conditions We Treat with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is effective for a wide range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. At RESPORT Chicago, we use ESWT to treat the following:
Foot & Heel Pain
Foot pain is one of shockwave therapy’s strongest applications. Plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the tissue running along the bottom of the foot — is among the most evidence-backed uses of ESWT, consistently outperforming cortisone injections for long-term relief. We also treat heel spurs and broader foot dysfunction that affects gait and daily activity. Most patients see significant improvement within 3–6 sessions.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy and Achilles tendon bursitis are frustrating overuse injuries common in runners and active adults. When the tendon becomes thickened and painful, rest alone often isn’t enough. Shockwave therapy stimulates collagen production to promote structural repair, making it effective for both mid-portion and insertional Achilles conditions.
Shoulder Pain
We treat a range of shoulder conditions with ESWT, including frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rotator cuff injuries, and calcific tendinitis. Shockwave therapy targets calcific deposits, promotes tissue mobility, and is frequently combined with physical therapy for optimal results. Patients who have not responded to injections or traditional treatment often see meaningful improvement.
Elbow Pain
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) are repetitive strain injuries affecting the forearm tendons. Shockwave therapy interrupts the chronic pain cycle and stimulates tendon healing at the cellular level. Research consistently shows ESWT produces better long-term outcomes than corticosteroid injections for both conditions.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist due to compression of the median nerve. Shockwave therapy reduces inflammation in the surrounding soft tissue, offering a conservative treatment option for patients seeking relief before surgery is considered.
Knee Pain
We treat a range of knee conditions including patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), runner’s knee, ACL injuries, and knee joint degeneration including osteoarthritis. Shockwave therapy is a popular option for athletes who need to stay active during treatment, as no downtime is required after sessions.
Shin Splints
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are a common running injury that can sideline athletes for weeks. Shockwave therapy accelerates tissue repair and reduces periosteal inflammation, allowing runners to return to training faster than with rest alone.
Low Back Pain & Sciatica
For patients with chronic low back pain related to soft tissue dysfunction, myofascial trigger points, or sciatic nerve irritation, shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical alternative. At RESPORT, ESWT is often integrated into a broader treatment plan alongside chiropractic adjustments and dry needling to address both the source and symptoms of back and sciatic pain.
Headaches & Migraines
Tension headaches and migraines with a musculoskeletal component — particularly those driven by cervical dysfunction or trigger points in the neck and upper back — can respond well to shockwave therapy. By reducing muscle tension and improving circulation in the cervical region, ESWT complements chiropractic care for patients with chronic headache patterns.
Joint Degeneration & Arthritis
Degenerative joint conditions — including osteoarthritis of the knee and hip — can benefit from shockwave therapy as part of a broader pain management plan. While ESWT does not reverse arthritis, it reduces pain signaling and improves soft tissue health around the affected joint, improving function and quality of life.
Muscle Strains
Acute and chronic muscle strains — including calf strains and other sports-related soft tissue injuries — can be treated with shockwave therapy to accelerate healing and reduce scar tissue formation. ESWT is particularly effective for strains that have become chronic or have not healed fully with rest and rehabilitation alone.
Sports Injuries
Beyond the specific conditions listed above, shockwave therapy is a valuable tool for a broad range of sports injuries — including overuse syndromes, tendinopathies, and soft tissue damage common in runners, cyclists, swimmers, and field sport athletes. At RESPORT, we integrate ESWT into sport-specific recovery programs designed to get athletes back to training as quickly and safely as possible.
Men’s & Women’s Health
Shockwave therapy has expanding clinical applications in men’s and women’s health. For men, ESWT has been shown to improve outcomes in erectile dysfunction by promoting blood flow and vascular repair. For women, shockwave therapy addresses pelvic floor dysfunction and imbalance — conditions that affect core stability, continence, and quality of life. These treatments are delivered with full clinical care and privacy at RESPORT.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Other Treatments
Patients considering shockwave therapy often want to understand how it compares to the other options they’ve been offered. Here is a direct comparison:
| Treatment | Mechanism | Invasiveness | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) | Stimulates tissue repair | Non-invasive | None | Chronic tendon & soft tissue conditions |
| Cortisone Injections | Reduces inflammation | Minimally invasive | 1-2 days | Short-terms flare relief |
| PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | Uses patient's own blood | Minimally invasive | 1-2 days | Tendon and joint repair |
| Dry Needling | Releases trigger points | Minimally invasive | Minimal | Muscle tension and trigger points |
| Surgery | Structural correction | Invasive | Weeks-months | Structural failure after all else |
Shockwave vs. Cortisone Injections: Cortisone injections are effective for short-term inflammation control, but research shows they do not produce lasting structural change and can weaken tendons with repeated use. Shockwave therapy, by contrast, promotes regeneration rather than suppression — making it a better long-term option for chronic conditions.
Shockwave vs. PRP: Both ESWT and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy are regenerative approaches. The key difference is delivery: PRP requires a blood draw and injection, while shockwave is entirely non-invasive. The two can also be combined for certain conditions. At RESPORT, your provider can advise on which approach — or which combination — is most appropriate for your situation.
Shockwave vs. Dry Needling: Dry needling and shockwave therapy work through different mechanisms and are often complementary rather than competing. Dry needling targets myofascial trigger points in muscle tissue; ESWT targets deeper tendon and connective tissue repair. Many RESPORT patients receive both as part of an integrated treatment plan.
Shockwave vs. Surgery: Surgery should be considered only after conservative treatments have been exhausted. Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective pre-surgical options available — it resolves a significant proportion of chronic tendon conditions that might otherwise lead to surgical referral. If ESWT is not sufficient, your provider will discuss next steps.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy works best for patients with chronic soft tissue injuries — typically pain that has persisted for three months or longer and has not fully resolved with rest, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have a tendon injury or chronic soft tissue condition that hasn’t responded to rest or physical therapy
- Have tried cortisone injections without lasting relief
- Are an athlete or active adult who wants to continue training while receiving treatment
- Are looking for a non-surgical, non-injection alternative
- Have been told surgery may be necessary and want to explore conservative options first
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate if you:
- Have an acute injury (less than six weeks old)
- Are currently taking blood-thinning medications
- Are pregnant
- Have a bleeding disorder or active infection in the treatment area
- Have certain nerve conditions affecting the treatment area
If you are unsure whether ESWT is the right fit, our team at RESPORT can evaluate your condition and recommend the most effective treatment approach. We offer shockwave therapy as part of an integrated care model — alongside chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and dry needling — so you receive a plan tailored to your specific injury and goals.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy at RESPORT
Many patients come in unsure of what a shockwave session actually involves. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect:
| 1 | Evaluation | Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and any relevant imaging. We confirm that shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition and identify the precise treatment zone. |
| 2 | Preparation | We apply a conductive gel to the skin over the treatment area — similar to what's used in an ultrasound exam. No anesthesia is required. The treatment is performed through clothing in some cases, but most areas require direct skin contact. |
| 3 | Treatment | The handheld applicator is placed against the skin and delivers radial shock wave pulses to the target area over 10–15 minutes. You will feel a rapid pulsing sensation — most patients describe it as a deep tapping or mild stinging. Discomfort is typically most noticeable in the first session and decreases as treatment progresses. |
| 4 | Aftercare | You can return to normal light activity immediately after your session. We recommend avoiding intense physical exertion for 24–48 hours post-treatment to allow the initial healing response to begin. Ice and anti-inflammatory medications are generally discouraged in the 24 hours following treatment, as some inflammation is part of the healing process ESWT is initiating. |
| 5 | Follow-up | Most protocols involve 3–6 sessions spaced approximately one week apart. Your provider will assess your progress after each session and adjust the plan as needed. Improvement often continues for 6–12 weeks after completing the full protocol as the tissue continues to heal and remodel. |
Shockwave therapy side effects are typically mild and temporary. You may experience some localized soreness, redness, or minor swelling in the treated area for 24–48 hours after your session. Serious adverse effects are rare. We walk every patient through what to expect before the first session so there are no surprises.
Shockwave Therapy Cost & Insurance Coverage
One of the most common questions patients ask before starting shockwave therapy is whether it’s covered by insurance — and the honest answer is: it depends on your plan.
Some insurance providers cover ESWT for specific conditions, most commonly plantar fasciitis. Others classify shockwave therapy as elective or investigational and do not cover it. Coverage also varies by state, insurer, and the specific procedure code used.
Here is what we recommend:
- Contact your insurer before your first appointment and ask specifically about coverage for ‘Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy’ (CPT code 0101T for musculoskeletal conditions is commonly used).
- Ask whether a referral or prior authorization is required.
- Ask about your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum for non-covered services.
At RESPORT, we are transparent about pricing and will help you understand your options before treatment begins. For patients paying out of pocket, shockwave therapy is typically offered as a per-session or package rate. Contact our team directly for current pricing — we are happy to walk you through the details.
Why Choose RESPORT for Shockwave Therapy in Chicago?
There are a growing number of clinics offering shockwave therapy in Chicago. Here is what sets RESPORT apart.
Evidence-based care: At RESPORT, we use ESWT where the clinical evidence is strongest. We don’t offer shockwave therapy as a one-size-fits-all solution — we evaluate each patient individually and recommend it only when it’s the right fit for the condition and the person.
Integrated treatment model: Shockwave therapy works best when it’s part of a comprehensive care plan. At RESPORT, ESWT is combined with chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and dry needling as needed — giving your body the best possible environment for recovery.
Sports medicine expertise: RESPORT is led by Dr. Sean Cooney, DC, CCSP — a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician with deep experience treating competitive and recreational athletes. If you’re a runner, cyclist, CrossFitter, or weekend warrior, you’ll be in the hands of a clinician who understands how your body moves and what it takes to get you back to performing at your best.
Convenient North Side location: RESPORT’s Old Town clinic is centrally located and easily accessible for patients from Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, River North, Lakeview, Gold Coast, and across Chicago’s North Side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shockwave therapy sessions do I need?
Most patients complete 3–6 sessions, spaced approximately one week apart. The exact number depends on your condition and how your body responds. Plantar fasciitis and calcific shoulder tendinitis often resolve in 3–4 sessions; more chronic or complex conditions may require the full 6-session protocol. Improvement typically continues for 6–12 weeks after treatment ends as the tissue continues to heal.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients feel a deep tapping or mild stinging sensation during treatment. Discomfort is typically most noticeable in the first session and decreases as the tissue begins to respond. Your provider will adjust the intensity based on your comfort level throughout the session. After treatment, you may experience temporary soreness or tenderness in the treated area for 24–48 hours — this is a normal part of the healing response.
What are the side effects of shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy side effects are generally mild and short-lived. The most common are localized soreness, redness, and minor swelling in the treated area for 24–48 hours following the session. Bruising occasionally occurs but is uncommon. Serious adverse effects are rare. We review potential side effects with every patient before the first treatment.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is FDA-cleared and has been used safely in clinical settings for over 30 years. It is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and carries none of the risks associated with surgery or injection-based treatments. Certain conditions are contraindications — your provider will screen for these during your initial evaluation.
How soon will I see results?
Some patients notice improvement after the first or second session. For most conditions, meaningful pain reduction is evident after 3–4 sessions. Results continue to improve for 6–12 weeks post-treatment as collagen production and tissue remodeling progress. Long-term outcomes are typically stronger than those from cortisone injections, which tend to provide short-term relief without structural benefit.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies significantly by insurer and condition. Some plans cover ESWT for plantar fasciitis; others classify it as elective. We recommend calling your insurer before your first visit and asking specifically about Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy coverage. RESPORT can assist you with this process — contact our team for guidance.
Who should not get shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is not recommended for patients who are pregnant, taking blood-thinning medications, have a bleeding disorder, have an active infection in the treatment area, or have certain nerve conditions affecting the targeted site. It is also generally not appropriate for acute injuries less than six weeks old. Your provider will screen for all contraindications during the initial evaluation.
Can shockwave therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes — and at RESPORT, it frequently is. We commonly combine ESWT with chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and dry needling as part of an integrated recovery plan. The right combination depends on your condition and goals. Your provider will recommend the most effective approach based on your individual assessment.
Book Your Shockwave Therapy Consultation in Chicago
If chronic pain has been holding you back, shockwave therapy at RESPORT may be the next step toward lasting relief. Our team provides evidence-based, non-invasive care for athletes, active adults, and anyone dealing with a musculoskeletal condition that hasn’t responded to conventional treatment.
RESPORT is located in Old Town, Chicago — conveniently accessible for patients from Lincoln Park, River North, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Gold Coast, and across the North Side. Same-week appointments are often available.
Book Your Shockwave Therapy Assessment at RESPORT
Questions? Contact our team — we’re happy to help you determine whether ESWT is right for your condition.
This article was medically reviewed by the RESPORT Chicago clinical team.
