Focused Shockwave Therapy
Non-Invasive. Powerful. Proven to Heal Chronic Pain and Soft Tissue Conditions.
WHAT IS FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic (sound) waves to target damaged or dysfunctional tissue within the body. Unlike radial shockwave therapy — which disperses energy over a broader area — focused shockwave delivers concentrated energy with precision to a specific depth and location, making it especially effective for treating deeper structures like tendons, ligaments, and bone.
At Healing Star Physical Therapy, our clinicians use focused shockwave therapy as a powerful complement to manual therapy, exercise, and other modalities — helping patients with chronic conditions that have not responded to conventional treatment finally achieve meaningful, lasting relief.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The shockwave device generates acoustic pressure waves that are transmitted through the skin into the targeted tissue. These waves:
- Break down calcifications and scar tissue that impair normal tissue function
- Stimulate collagen production, promoting the repair and remodeling of damaged tendons and connective tissue
- Increase local blood flow, creating the metabolic environment necessary for healing
- Reduce pain by desensitizing local nerve endings and interrupting the pain cycle
Many patients notice improvements after just a few sessions, though a full course of treatment typically consists of 3–6 sessions depending on the condition being treated.
CONDITIONS TREATED WITH FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Focused shockwave therapy is supported by a growing body of research and is particularly effective for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis — chronic heel pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia
- Achilles tendinopathy — persistent Achilles tendon pain, stiffness, and degeneration
- Patellar tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee) — knee tendon pain common in athletes
- Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder — calcium deposits in the rotator cuff causing pain and limited motion
- Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) — chronic outer elbow pain
- Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) — chronic inner elbow pain
- Hip tendinopathy — gluteal, iliotibial, or hip flexor tendon conditions
- Chronic back or neck pain — related to myofascial tightness and trigger points
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT
Your focused shockwave session at Healing Star PT begins with a targeted assessment of your condition. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin at the treatment site — similar to an ultrasound — and the shockwave handpiece is positioned and applied directly to the area.
Treatment typically lasts 5–10 minutes per site. You may feel pressure, mild discomfort, or a tapping sensation during the session. Most patients tolerate it well and can return to their normal daily activities immediately afterward. Temporary soreness in the treated area for 24–48 hours is common and typically a sign that the healing response has been triggered.
IS FOCUSED SHOCKWAVE THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?
Shockwave therapy is an excellent option for patients who:
- Have chronic tendon or soft tissue pain lasting more than 3 months
- Have not found adequate relief through rest, stretching, or conventional PT alone
- Want to avoid cortisone injections or are seeking a non-surgical solution
- Have a recurrent injury that keeps returning despite treatment
Your Healing Star PT therapist will review your diagnosis, imaging (if available), and treatment history to determine if focused shockwave therapy is appropriate for your case.
GET STARTED
Focused Shockwave Therapy is now available at both of our New Jersey locations. If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain or a stubborn tendon condition, this may be the breakthrough your recovery has been waiting for.
Eatontown, NJ: 145 Wyckoff Rd, Suite 102 — (848) 208-2721
Freehold, NJ: 501 Iron Bridge Road, Suite 2 — (732) 272-1438