Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy at Skillz Physical Therapy
Rediscover Pain-Free Movement — Without Surgery
At Skillz Physical Therapy, we believe in combining proven technology with hands-on care. Our Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is an innovative, noninvasive treatment designed to jumpstart your body’s healing response — even when traditional therapies haven’t given you full relief.
What Is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy uses focused acoustic pulses delivered to injured or painful tissue. Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) is a subtype of shockwave therapy designed to treat more superficial or moderate-depth soft tissue conditions with a broader “fan” of energy.
When applied by a licensed physical therapist, the RPW applicator transmits controlled high-frequency pressure waves through the skin into tendons, muscles, or fascia. These pulses help stimulate microcirculation, break down fibrotic tissue, and promote remodeling and regeneration in chronic or stalled injuries.
Why Choose Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?
- Non-surgical & drug-free — No incisions, injections, or extended downtime
- Fast sessions — Most treatments take just 5–10 minutes
- Efficient protocol — Many people see improvement within 3–6 sessions spaced about a week apart
- Stimulates your body’s own healing — unlike passive modalities, this encourages biological repair
Conditions We Commonly Treat with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy at Skillz
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy can help with a wide variety of musculoskeletal complaints, particularly when the issue is chronic, recurring, or has been resistant to standard care. Examples include:
- Plantar fasciitis / heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar (jumper’s) knee
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Calcific shoulder issues
- Gluteal tendon pain
- Chronic tendon irritation in hips, thighs, or hamstrings
- Myofascial trigger points
- Soft tissue stiffness or adhesions
(If your specific pain isn’t listed here, ask — we may still be able to help.)
What to Expect: The Treatment Process
- Initial Evaluation & Screening
Our therapist will assess your condition, review imaging or diagnostics (if available), and ensure Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
is appropriate and safe for you. - Setup & Targeting
A coupling gel is applied, and the RPW device is placed against your skin over the injured area. We may adjust angle, intensity, and applicator type based on depth and tissue type. - Treatment Delivery
You’ll feel rhythmic pulses or tapping sensations as the energy penetrates tissues. Treatment sessions generally last 5 to 10 minutes for the targeted region. - Post-Treatment Response
It’s common to feel mild soreness, warmth, or sensitivity in the treated zone for a few hours. Any mild swelling or bruising usually subsides within 1–2 days. - Repetition & Rehabilitation
The typical protocol is 3–6 sessions spaced ~1 week apart; in some cases up to 8. As your tissues respond, we’ll integrate targeted exercises, manual therapy, or mobilizations to reinforce the gains and support long-term recovery.
Does It Hurt?
You may experience mild discomfort or a “thumping” sensation during treatment, especially over bony or sensitive areas. However, the intensity is closely monitored — it should never be intolerable. After treatment, some transient soreness or aching is typical, but most patients recover quickly.
If any pain lingers beyond 48 hours or worsens significantly, contact us to adjust the plan.
Benefits You Can Expect
- Reduced pain and tenderness
- Improved mobility, flexibility, and tissue tolerance
- Faster return to daily and athletic activities
- Greater long-term durability of healing
- Less reliance on pain medications or invasive procedures
Many patients report noticeable improvements within just a few sessions.
Who Is a Good Candidate — and Who Isn’t?
Good candidates often include those with:
- Chronic soft tissue injuries (3+ months)
- Tendinopathies or recalcitrant tendon pain
- Stiff or “stuck” soft tissues that need mechanical remodeling
- Failed or plateaued progress with conventional therapies
Contraindications / Precautions (these should be assessed by your therapist):
- Open wounds, skin infections, or tumors in treatment zone
- Active bleeding or coagulation disorders
- Pregnancy (treatment over abdomen or pelvic area is contraindicated)
- Pacemakers or implanted electronic devices (in some cases)
- Recent injections of corticosteroids in the same region
- Severe nerve disorders or vascular compromise
Why Trust Skillz Physical Therapy for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?
- Our therapists are trained in advanced protocols for RPW
- We pair technology with personalized care, not a “one size fits all” approach
- Every treatment is integrated into a broader rehabilitation plan
- We monitor closely and adjust based on your response
Pricing & Insurance
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is often considered a specialty or elective therapy, and many insurance plans do not cover it. At Skillz, we’ll provide transparent pricing upfront and help you understand what’s covered by your plan. We also offer package pricing for multi-session treatment courses where applicable.
Ready to Give It a Try?
If you’re dealing with stubborn tendon pain, persistent soft tissue discomfort, or just want a cutting-edge boost to your rehab, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy at Skillz might be the missing piece.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or ask whether Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is right for your condition. We guide you through what to expect, explain how many sessions you’ll need, and create a plan to help you move better for the long term.
