Shockwave Therapy

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Failed PT? Try Shockwave Therapy.

The Athlete’s Secret for Chronic Pain. Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) in Brooklyn is a non-invasive ‘power tool’ for healing. It uses acoustic waves to physically break up stubborn scar tissue and calcification, jumpstarting the body’s natural repair process where other treatments have failed.

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What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Radial Shockwave Therapy, clinically known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. Unlike medication that masks pain, RSWT actually promotes repair at the cellular level, addressing the root cause of your discomfort while providing long-lasting relief.

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A chiropractor applies shockwave therapy to a patient’s elbow using a handheld device to reduce pain and inflammation.

How Does Radial Shockwave Therapy Work?

The DolorClast® system delivers controlled acoustic pressure waves through a handheld applicator placed on your skin through a handheld applicator placed on your skin over the affected area. These waves penetrate 3-5 cm into your tissues and trigger powerful healing responses:

Increased Blood Flow

Shockwaves stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularization), increasing blood flow to injured areas by up to 40%. This brings oxygen and nutrients essential for healing.

Better Tissue Repair

The therapy activates stem cells and growth factors that accelerate collagen production and tissue regeneration, improving the strength and flexibility of tendons and ligaments.

Pain Reduction

Shockwaves reduce levels of substance P (a pain neurotransmitter) by up to 60%, providing immediate relief while addressing the underlying condition.

Breaking Down Calcifications

The therapy can dissolve calcium deposits in soft tissues, which often contribute to chronic pain and limited mobility.

A chiropractor uses shockwave therapy on a patient’s upper back to relieve muscle tension and pain.

Conditions We Treat With Shockwave Therapy

Our DolorClast® Radial Shockwave system is particularly effective for treating:

Chronic Tendinopathies

  • Plantar Fasciitis: Research shows RSWT can reduce heel pain by 75% within 12 weeks
  • Achilles Tendinopathy: RSWT has been shown to reduce tendon thickness and allow faster return to activity
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Many patients experience 35° improvement in shoulder range of motion after treatment
  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): 82% of patients resume full grip strength after just 4 sessions

Myofascial Pain Syndromes

  • Trigger Points: RSWT can significantly reduce pain intensity in chronic neck and back pain
  • Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome: When combined with spinal adjustments, RSWT has shown remarkable success rates

Joint Conditions

  • Knee Osteoarthritis: RSWT improves function and can delay the need for invasive procedures
  • Hip and Shoulder Pain: The therapy helps restore mobility and function to affected joints

“For Brooklyn Chiropractic, healing means proper alignment, of the spine and all body tissues. Our approach with Radial Shockwave Therapy helps restore this alignment at the cellular level, promoting natural healing and long-term wellness.”

– Dr. Priyank Patel, Board Certified Chiropractor

The DolorClast® Advantage

We specifically chose the DolorClast® system for our practice because it’s backed by extensive clinical research. With over 34 randomized controlled trials supporting its effectiveness, it’s the most studied RSWT device on the market. Recent comparative research shows that the DolorClast® maintains high energy delivery at all frequency settings, ensuring optimal therapeutic effects during every treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

A typical treatment protocol includes:

  • 6-8 sessions spaced 5-7 days apart
  • Each session lasting less than 10 minutes
  • Customized intensity based on your specific condition and comfort level
  • Noticeable improvement often within 2-3 sessions

During the procedure, you’ll feel a tapping sensation on your skin as the shockwaves are delivered. While some patients experience mild discomfort, the treatment is generally well-tolerated, and any soreness typically resolves within 48 hours.

Integrating Shockwave Therapy with Chiropractic Care

At Brooklyn Chiropractic Care, we don’t view RSWT as an isolated treatment but as part of a full approach to your wellness. We often combine shockwave therapy with:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: To correct structural alignment issues
  • Rehabilitative Exercises: To restore strength and function
  • Ergonomic Education: To prevent recurrence

This integrated approach yields significantly better outcomes than any single therapy alone.

Our Process
Chiropractic consultation and patient assessment at Brooklyn Chiropractic Care in Greenpoint

Consultation

We discuss your concerns, symptoms, and goals to understand your needs.

Comprehensive chiropractic examination tools at Brooklyn Chiropractic Care

Assessment

We evaluate your condition to identify the root cause of the problem.

Gentle spinal adjustment treatment at Brooklyn Chiropractic Care in Greenpoint Brooklyn

Treatment

We create a personalized plan to address your pain and improve mobility.

Chiropractic recovery exercises and rehabilitation equipment at Brooklyn Chiropractic Care

Follow-Up

We provide guidance to maintain results and prevent future issues.

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Ready to Experience the Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy?

If chronic pain is limiting your life, our team is ready to help you determine if Radial Shockwave Therapy is right for you.

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References

  1. Chen, L. et al. (2022). RSWT-Induced Angiogenesis in Tendon Healing. Journal of Orthopaedic Research.
  2. Reinhardt, N., Wegenaer, J., & de la Fuente, M. (2022). Influence of the pulse repetition rate on the acoustic output of ballistic pressure wave devices. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 18060.
  3. Rompe, J.D., et al. (2010). Plantar fascia-specific stretching versus radial shock-wave therapy as initial treatment of plantar fasciopathy. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
  4. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. (2022). Effects of Radial Shockwave Therapy on Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy.
  5. American Journal of Sports Medicine. (2023). RSWT for Achilles Tendinopathy: Ultrasound Findings and Return to Activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does shockwave therapy treat? +

Shockwave therapy is most effective for chronic tendon conditions like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff calcifications, and patellar tendinitis. It also helps with chronic muscle trigger points and heel spurs that have not responded to other treatments.

Does shockwave therapy hurt? +

Most patients describe it as uncomfortable but tolerable. You will feel rapid pulses of pressure at the treatment site. Intensity is adjustable and Dr. Patel starts at a lower setting and increases gradually based on your comfort. Sessions last about 5 to 10 minutes per treatment area.

How many shockwave therapy sessions do I need? +

A typical treatment plan is 3 to 6 sessions spaced one week apart. Many patients notice improvement after the first or second session. The acoustic waves stimulate your body's natural healing response, so the benefits continue building between sessions.

Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance? +

Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance plans cover shockwave therapy when prescribed for specific diagnoses. Our front desk verifies your benefits before treatment so you know your costs upfront. Many patients find the treatment cost-effective compared to surgery or long-term medication.

What is the difference between shockwave therapy and ultrasound therapy? +

Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy acoustic pulses that penetrate deep into damaged tissue, stimulating cellular repair and new blood vessel growth. Ultrasound uses continuous sound waves primarily for surface-level heating and pain relief. Shockwave therapy is significantly more effective for chronic tendon conditions that have failed to respond to other conservative treatments.

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