Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), sends acoustic pulses through the skin to areas of chronic tendon and soft tissue pain. It is done in our office using a STORZ MEDICAL system. It is not an injection and is separate from our orthobiologic procedures.

The acoustic pulses are thought to increase local blood flow, help break up calcium deposits, and calm overactive pain signals. Together, these effects may help ease pain and support your body’s natural healing response. Results vary.

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Calcific shoulder tendinitis
• Gluteal tendinopathy and hip bursitis
• Hamstring tendinopathy and shin splints
• Chronic myofascial trigger points

Dr. Ghattas will tell you whether shockwave therapy is a good fit for your condition.

It can be uncomfortable during the session. Most patients describe it as strong tapping, and the intensity is adjusted to your comfort.

Each session takes about 45 minutes. A handpiece is placed over the treated area and delivers rapid pulses. No needles or anesthesia are needed.

Most patients return to work and normal activity right away. Mild soreness or redness for a day or two is common. Between sessions, stay active and follow Dr. Ghattas’s guidance on anti-inflammatory medication.

Shockwave is given as a short series of sessions. Dr. Ghattas will recommend the number at your consultation. EMTT is often scheduled in the same visit.

Yes. Shockwave can be used on its own or as part of one care plan that includes EMTT, laser therapy, or orthobiologic procedures such as Super Concentrated Platelets (SCP), platelet lysate, or bone marrow concentrate.

(when Shockwave may not be suitable)

While Shockwave is suitable for a large number of conditions both evidenced and experimental with minimal side effects, there are some conditions, also known as contraindications, that means Shockwave is not an option.

Shockwave is unsuitable in the following circumstances:

• If you are pregnant
• If you have a blood clotting disorder (including thrombosis)
• If you are taking oral anti-coagulants
• If you have received a Steroid injection within 6 weeks
• If you have a Pacemaker fitted
• If tumours are present at the treatment site
• If you have an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site
• If you are Under 18 (except in the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease)

Any treatment over an air-filled area such as the lungs or guts is also not possible.

This list is of course not exhaustive, and an assessment by a practitioner is always necessary. We know from experience there are certain treatments, conditions and individual histories that are likely respond better or worse to Shockwave, however in every assessment we look at the safety first.

Most insurance plans consider shockwave therapy investigational and do not cover it. Our team can review self-pay and CareCredit financing options with you at your consultation.

EMTT uses a high-frequency pulsed magnetic field to reach muscle, tendon, joint, and bone from outside the body. The field can reach deeper structures, including bone, that sound waves only partly reach. It is not an injection and is separate from our orthobiologic procedures.

The magnetic pulses pass through skin, soft tissue, and bone without producing heat. They are thought to act on cell membranes, supporting circulation and your body’s natural repair signals.

In a randomized controlled trial of 86 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, adding EMTT to shockwave reduced pain more at 24 weeks than shockwave alone (Klüter T, et al. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 2018). Research on EMTT is still emerging, and results vary.

Our EMTT device, the STORZ MEDICAL MAGNETOLITH, is FDA cleared for relaxing muscle spasm, increasing local blood circulation, and maintaining or increasing range of motion. Using it for tendon or arthritis-related pain is based on Dr. Ghattas’s medical judgment.

EMTT is often paired with shockwave for the conditions listed on the Shockwave page. It may also be used for muscle spasm, tightness, or restricted range of motion. Dr. Ghattas will tell you whether EMTT is a good fit for your condition.

No. Most patients feel gentle tapping or brief muscle twitching.

You sit or lie comfortably while the applicator rests over the treated area, often through light clothing. No gel, needles, or anesthesia are needed. Each session lasts 5 to 20 minutes.

You can return to work and daily activity right away. Some patients notice mild muscle fatigue or warmth that fades within a day.

A typical course is 6 to 8 sessions, usually scheduled in the same visit as shockwave.

Let us know if you have:

• A pacemaker, defibrillator, or other implanted electronic device
• Metal implants in or near the treatment area
• A current or possible pregnancy
• A tumor or active cancer in the treatment area

Most insurance plans consider EMTT investigational and do not cover it. Our team can review self-pay and CareCredit financing options with you at your consultation.