What is focused shockwave therapy?

Focused shockwave therapy uses targeted sound waves delivered through the skin to help reduce pain and stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Treatment does not involve surgery or injections.

Focused vs. radial shockwave therapy

Not all shockwave therapy is the same. O+FS uses focused shockwave technology, which concentrates energy at a specific treatment area and can reach deeper tissues with greater precision.

Radial shockwave therapy distributes energy more broadly and primarily targets superficial tissues. Focused shockwave allows your provider to direct treatment to a more precise depth and location based on the condition being treated.

At O+FS, we chose focused shockwave therapy for its precision, ability to treat deeper tissues, and strong clinical evidence for many orthopedic conditions.

What conditions may be treated?

Your provider may consider focused shockwave therapy for:

• Plantar fasciopathy: Persistent pain in the heel or bottom of the foot.
• Midportion/insertional Achilles tendinopathy: Pain in the Achilles tendon or where it attaches to the heel.
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee): Pain in the tendon below the kneecap.
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Pain on the outside of the elbow.
• Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy: Shoulder tendon pain associated with calcium deposits.
• Noncalcific rotator cuff tendinopathy: Shoulder pain caused by irritation or degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons.
• Greater trochanteric pain / gluteal tendinopathy: Pain on the outside of the hip involving the gluteal tendons.
• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy: Pain where the hamstring tendon attaches near the sitting bone.

Your provider will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments to determine whether this approach is appropriate.

What should I expect?

During treatment, a handheld device delivers sound waves to the targeted area. Visits are typically brief, and your provider will recommend the number and frequency of treatments based on your condition.

Shockwave therapy may be combined with exercises, physical therapy, or other treatments.