Shockwave Therapy
Radial Pressure Wave Therapy, or RPW, is a non-invasive treatment that delivers pressure waves to the area being treated.
These pressure waves may help stimulate tissue, support blood flow, and assist the body's natural recovery process as part of your care plan.
What Is Radial Pressure Wave Therapy?
Radial pressure waves are acoustic waves that generate oscillations in the tissue. The wave reaches the body at the skin surface and travels radially into the body to a depth of around 2 inches.
In the body, the pressure waves stimulate metabolic activity and the body's intrinsic healing mechanism.
Treatment Goals of Radial Pressure Wave Therapy
- Reduce muscle pain and aches
- Temporarily increase blood flow
- Activate connective tissue
Could Radial Pressure Wave Therapy Help With Your Pain?
If muscle aches and pains are making it harder to move, work, exercise, or enjoy daily activities, your provider may recommend Radial Pressure Wave Therapy as part of your treatment plan.
RPW Therapy may help address pain and stiffness associated with sore muscles and other muscle, tendon, and joint conditions.
Common Treatment Areas
- Trapezius Muscle
- Shoulder Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Knee Pain
- Achilles Tendon Pain
- Plantar & Heel Pain
Why Your Provider May Recommend RPW Therapy
Short Treatment Sessions
Treatment sessions are typically short and are often completed in about 10 minutes.
Non-Invasive Treatment
RPW Therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for muscle aches and pains.
Drug-Free Option
RPW Therapy provides a drug-free treatment option that may be included as part of your care plan.
Comfort-Guided Treatment
Treatment settings can be adjusted according to your comfort level during the session.
Treat Larger Areas
Radial Pressure Wave Therapy can be used to treat larger areas of muscle and tissue.
Vibrating Applicator
The treatment applicator produces tapping, pressure, and vibration as it moves over the treatment area.
What Happens During Treatment?
Treatment sessions are typically short and often completed in about 10 minutes.
Gel Is Applied
Your provider will apply gel to the skin and move an applicator over the treatment area.
Pressure Waves Are Delivered
You may feel tapping, pressure, vibration, or temporary discomfort, especially over sensitive tissue.
Treatment Is Adjusted for Comfort
Your provider can adjust the settings based on your comfort level, so be sure to share feedback during treatment.
How Many Visits Will I Need?
Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your condition, goals, and how your body responds.
RPW Therapy is often completed in a series of visits, commonly 4–6 treatments.
Is Radial Pressure Wave Therapy Right for You?
Talk with your provider about whether RPW Therapy may be right for your condition, goals, and treatment plan.
Clinical References
- Damian M, et al. Trigger point treatment with radial shock waves in musicians with nonspecific shoulder-neck pain: data from a special physio outpatient clinic for musicians. Med Probl Perform Art. 2011 Dec;26(4):211-7.
- Beyazal MS, et al. Comparison of the effectiveness of local corticosteroid injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Dec;27(12):3755-8.
- Cacchio A, et al. Effectiveness of Radial Shock-Wave Therapy for Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Study. Phys Ther. 2006 May;86(5):672-82.
- Rompe JD, et al. Eccentric Loading Versus Eccentric Loading Plus Shock-Wave Treatment for Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy. A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Sports Med. 2009 Mar;37(3):463-70.
- Furia JP, et al. A single application of low-energy radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective for the management of chronic patellar tendinopathy. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013 Feb;21(2):346-50.
- Gerdesmeyer L, et al. Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Is Safe and Effective in the Treatment of Chronic Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis. Results of a Confirmatory Randomized Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study. Am J Sports Med. 2008 Nov;36(11):2100-9.
