Focused Shockwave therapy is an innovative, clinically proven treatment that has rapidly gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. At HP Spine Center in Smyrna, Georgia, our commitment to evidence-based care drives everything we do and shockwave therapy is one of the most powerful tools we offer. Utilizing Storz, the gold standard in shockwave technology, this non-invasive treatment relieves chronic pain and accelerates healing, helping patients across Metro Atlanta reclaim their quality of life.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers high-energy acoustic waves to damaged tissue. Rather than masking pain, shockwave therapy addresses the root cause. Shockwave stimulates cellular repair which improves blood flow, and breaks down scar tissue so your body can heal itself. At HP Spine Center we use a specific form of shockwave therapy called Focused Shockwave.
Shockwave Therapy may be used to:
Focused Shockwave vs Radial Shockwave
Both are forms of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) used in physical therapy, sports medicine, and orthopedics, but they generate and deliver energy very differently.
Radial Shockwave (RSWT)
Characteristics:
Focused Shockwave (FSWT)
Characteristics:
How Does Shockwave Work?
Instead of spreading energy across the surface, this device pinpoints it to a specific depth inside the tissue like how a magnifying glass bends light rays to meet at one exact point. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic (sound) waves, not electrical current, not heat, and not ultrasound in the traditional sense to deliver mechanical energy into tissue. These are the same basic physics used in lithotripsy (breaking up kidney stones), just applied at lower intensities to soft tissue and bone. The waves cause rapid, brief changes in pressure that create a controlled "micro-trauma" in the target tissue. This sounds counterintuitive, but that micro-trauma is actually the therapeutic mechanism. It tricks the body into restarting a healing response in tissue that has become "stuck" in a chronic, non-healing state.
Shockwave Q&A
Is it safe?
Generally, yes. Shockwave therapy has a strong safety profile when administered by a trained professional, and it's non-invasive (no needles, no anesthesia, no incisions). Shockwave therapy has been used clinically for decades (originally for kidney stones, then adapted for orthopedic use since the 1990s). It's considered a low-risk procedure compared to injections or surgery, which is part of why it's often tried before more invasive options.
Are there any side effects?
Some patients experience mild soreness/bruising in the treated area and it will typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
Will I feel anything?
Most patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, which is completely normal and a sign the therapy is working. Sessions last just 5–15 minutes and our doctors always adjust the intensity to your comfort level.
How many sessions will I need?
Most conditions respond well to 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart. Many patients notice significant improvement after just 2–3 visits. Our doctors will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition.
How much does it cost?
The fee for a standard shockwave treatment on one area is $150.
6-visit treatment plans for one area is $810 ($135 per).
Shockwave Therapy may be used to:
- Relieve plantar fasciitis
- Reduce swelling and inflammation in tendons & soft tissues
- Decrease healing time after injury
- Increase range of motion
- Reduce scar tissue formation after surgery
Focused Shockwave vs Radial Shockwave
Both are forms of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) used in physical therapy, sports medicine, and orthopedics, but they generate and deliver energy very differently.
Radial Shockwave (RSWT)
Characteristics:
- Energy is highest at the skin surface and disperses as it travels deeper
- Penetration depth: typically 3–4 cm
- Lower peak pressure, more divergent energy
- Treats a broader surface area at once
- Often better tolerated (less intense sensation)
Focused Shockwave (FSWT)
Characteristics:
- Energy peaks at a defined depth rather than at the surface
- Penetration depth: can reach 4–12 cm depending on device settings
- Higher peak pressures, precisely targeted
- More intense at the focal point
- More research backing for tissue regeneration effects (e.g., stimulating healing, breaking down calcifications)
How Does Shockwave Work?
Instead of spreading energy across the surface, this device pinpoints it to a specific depth inside the tissue like how a magnifying glass bends light rays to meet at one exact point. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic (sound) waves, not electrical current, not heat, and not ultrasound in the traditional sense to deliver mechanical energy into tissue. These are the same basic physics used in lithotripsy (breaking up kidney stones), just applied at lower intensities to soft tissue and bone. The waves cause rapid, brief changes in pressure that create a controlled "micro-trauma" in the target tissue. This sounds counterintuitive, but that micro-trauma is actually the therapeutic mechanism. It tricks the body into restarting a healing response in tissue that has become "stuck" in a chronic, non-healing state.
Shockwave Q&A
Is it safe?
Generally, yes. Shockwave therapy has a strong safety profile when administered by a trained professional, and it's non-invasive (no needles, no anesthesia, no incisions). Shockwave therapy has been used clinically for decades (originally for kidney stones, then adapted for orthopedic use since the 1990s). It's considered a low-risk procedure compared to injections or surgery, which is part of why it's often tried before more invasive options.
Are there any side effects?
Some patients experience mild soreness/bruising in the treated area and it will typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
Will I feel anything?
Most patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, which is completely normal and a sign the therapy is working. Sessions last just 5–15 minutes and our doctors always adjust the intensity to your comfort level.
How many sessions will I need?
Most conditions respond well to 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart. Many patients notice significant improvement after just 2–3 visits. Our doctors will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition.
How much does it cost?
The fee for a standard shockwave treatment on one area is $150.
6-visit treatment plans for one area is $810 ($135 per).
