Shockwave Therapy
Ride the sound wave to non-invasive pain relief and healing.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy (also called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT) is a
non-invasive treatment that delivers focused, therapeutic sound-pressure waves
into injured or painful tissue. These pulses activate local cells, improve blood flow,
and support the formation of healthier new tissue to replace damaged areas.
Shockwave may help stimulate vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), angiogenesis
(new blood vessel formation), and restoration of musculoskeletal tissues such as
muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and cartilage.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave treatments send rapid pulses of energy into the affected area. The body
responds by increasing circulation and converting the mechanical stimulus into
cellular repair activity (often called mechanotransduction).
- Increases circulation around injured tissues
- Stimulates healing cells that create new connective tissue and bone
- Helps break down calcified deposits in chronic tendon or joint conditions
- Reduces pain by decreasing hypersensitive nerve signaling
Research supports these biologic effects, including increased micro-circulation and
angiogenesis after shockwave exposure. Lippi L et al., 2024 — Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis on Plantar Fasciopathy
Conditions We Commonly Treat
Shockwave Therapy is often used for chronic pain and soft-tissue injuries such as:
- Plantar fasciitis & heel spurs
- Achilles pain (Achillodynia)
- Patellar tendon pain (jumper’s knee)
- Tennis elbow & golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis)
- Shoulder tendonitis & calcific tendonitis
- Trochanteric bursitis (hip pain)
- Myofascial trigger points (neck or back)
- Shin splints / periostitis
- Post-muscle injury recovery
- Thumb basal joint arthritis / rhizarthrosis
- Dupuytren’s disease
What the Research Shows
Plantar Fasciitis
Multiple systematic reviews show ESWT is effective and well-tolerated for plantar
fasciopathy, producing meaningful pain reduction and improved function compared
with placebo or standard care. Lippi L et al., 2024
Tendonitis (Shoulder, Elbow, Biceps, Finger)
A 2024 meta-analysis found shockwave therapy improves pain and function across
several upper-limb tendon conditions, with radial shockwave showing particularly
strong benefits in follow-ups at 3–6 months. (Xiong Y et al., 2024)
Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder
Evidence supports ESWT as a useful non-surgical option to help promote resorption
of calcific deposits and improve shoulder comfort. Xue X et al., 2024 – BMC Musculoskelet Disord
Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow (Epicondylitis)
Recent clinical studies and reviews show ESWT offers significant pain relief and
can outperform other conservative approaches over time, especially for chronic
cases. Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in lateral epicondylitis) – Xiong Y et al., 2024
What to Expect
- No surgery, no injections: Treatment is done externally.
- Short office sessions: Most visits take about 10–20 minutes.
- Gradual improvement: Healing builds over weeks as circulation and tissue repair increase.
- Minimal downtime: Most patients return to normal activity quickly.
Some soreness after treatment is normal and often a sign that healing activity has
been stimulated.
Why Choose McBride Wellness Center?
We use advanced shockwave protocols tailored to your condition and goals.
Our approach focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and supporting
long-term tissue health — without relying on medication or invasive procedures.
Schedule a Consultation
McBride Wellness Center
127 N. Garden Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755
Phone: (727) 454-5526
Note: Regenerative and rehabilitative outcomes vary by individual.
We will review whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.