StemWave Shockwave Therapy in Kingsport, TN
What shockwave therapy is
Shockwave therapy has been used for musculoskeletal problems for decades. "Focused" devices concentrate the energy at a set depth in the tissue, as opposed to "radial" devices that spread it from the skin surface. The treatment is non-invasive: no needles, no medication and no downtime. Research on shockwave therapy is strongest for chronic plantar heel pain and calcific shoulder tendinopathy, with supportive evidence for several other tendon problems.
Common treatment areas
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Foot and ankle | Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain |
| Knee | Patellar tendon pain (jumper's knee) (knee pain) |
| Hip | Outer hip tendon pain (hip pain) |
| Shoulder | Rotator cuff and calcific tendon problems (shoulder pain) |
| Elbow | Tennis and golfer's elbow (elbow pain) |
Who is a good candidate
- •Tendon or plantar fascia pain that has lasted more than a few weeks to months
- •Pain that hasn't improved enough with exercise and hands-on care alone
- •People who want to avoid or delay injections, or who are weighing surgery
Who is not a candidate
Shockwave isn't used during pregnancy, over open wounds, infections or tumors, over growth plates in children, or in people with bleeding disorders or on blood-thinning medication without medical clearance. Dr. Douglas screens for these before treatment.
What to expect
Sessions take about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll feel tapping pulses that can be uncomfortable over the sore spot; the intensity is adjusted to what you tolerate. Care plans commonly run 8 to 12 sessions, combined with exercise for the area. Some people notice a change after the first few sessions; others improve gradually over the following weeks. Mild soreness or redness for a day or two is normal.
Common Questions
Clinical Sources & Guidelines
- Schmitz C, Császár NBM, Milz S, et al. Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for orthopedic conditions: a systematic review on studies listed in the PEDro database. British Medical Bulletin. 2015;116(1):115-138.
Ready to be seen?
Call 423-239-9122 or book online. We don't take walk-ins, but most new patients are seen within a week, and we check your insurance benefits before your first visit.