If you’ve been dealing with a stubborn tendon injury, plantar fasciitis, or a chronic overuse condition that just won’t resolve, you’re not alone. Many musculoskeletal issues respond well to exercise, manual therapy, and progressive loading — but sometimes the tissue needs a stronger biological stimulus to restart the healing process.
That’s where Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSW) comes in. And I’m excited to share that I’ll be adding focused shockwave at Superior Physical Therapy in the coming months.
Below is a clear breakdown of what focused shockwave is, how it works, what the research says, and why I’m bringing it into the clinic.
What Is Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSW), also called focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fESWT), uses high‑energy acoustic waves that converge at a precise depth inside the body. Unlike other technologies, focused shockwave delivers energy exactly where the injured tissue is — whether that’s a tendon insertion, deep fascia, or bone interface.
These acoustic waves create a mechanical stimulus that triggers a cascade of biological responses, including:
- Improved blood flow and new blood vessel formation (neovascularization)
- Stimulation of fibroblasts and collagen production
- Activation of local stem cells
- Regulation of inflammation
- Pain modulation through effects on nerve fibers
- Acceleration of tissue regeneration and remodeling
This process is known as mechanotransduction — using mechanical energy to drive cellular healing.
How Focused Shockwave Is Used in Musculoskeletal Care
Focused shockwave is particularly effective for chronic, stubborn, or degenerative soft‑tissue conditions, especially where the tissue has stopped responding to traditional care.
Research supports its use for:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
- Bone stress injuries and delayed union fractures
Focused shockwave is especially helpful when:
- The injury has been present for months
- The tissue is degenerative rather than inflamed
- Progress has plateaued with exercise alone
- The client wants to avoid injections or surgery
It pairs beautifully with the kind of care you already provide — progressive loading, movement retraining, and hands‑on treatment.
What the Research Says
Focused shockwave has been studied extensively in orthopedics and sports medicine. Research consistently shows:
- High effectiveness for chronic plantar fasciitis, often outperforming injections
- Strong evidence for calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy, including reduction of calcium deposits
- Significant improvements in pain and function for Achilles and patellar tendinopathy
- Better outcomes when combined with progressive loading programs
- A favorable safety profile with minimal side effects
Many studies highlight that focused shockwave is most effective for chronic conditions — the ones that haven’t responded to rest, stretching, or strengthening alone.
What Focused Shockwave Feels Like
Most people describe it as:
- A tapping or pulsing sensation
- Mild to moderate discomfort that decreases as the tissue responds
- A short treatment time (5–10 minutes)
There’s no downtime afterward, and you can return to normal activity immediately.
Why I’m Adding Focused Shockwave at Superior Physical Therapy
A large portion of the clients I work with — especially active adults, racquet‑sport athletes, runners, and those with long‑standing tendon issues — struggle with conditions that respond exceptionally well to focused shockwave.
After reviewing the research, evaluating the technology, and speaking with clinicians who use it daily, it’s clear that focused shockwave is a powerful complement to the hands‑on care and movement‑based rehab I already provide.
It aligns perfectly with my goals for your care:
- Faster healing
- Better long‑term outcomes
- Fewer flare‑ups
- A non‑invasive alternative to injections or surgery
- A way to help chronic tissues finally “wake up” and remodel
I’m excited to integrate this technology into treatment plans soon.
Coming Soon to Superior Physical Therapy
Focused Shockwave Therapy will be available in the coming months as part of:
- PT + Shockwave combination sessions
- Shockwave‑only treatment plans
- Discounted multi‑session packages
I’ll share more details — including pricing, scheduling, and how to know if you’re a good candidate — as we get closer to launch.
If you’re dealing with a chronic tendon issue or a nagging injury that hasn’t responded to traditional care, focused shockwave may be exactly what your body needs.
Feel free to reach out with questions — I’m always here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Keely Behning
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