Radial Shockwave Therapy for Treatment of Tendinopathy
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a high-energy sound wave (not an electrical shock) used to stimulate your body's natural healing ability and alleviate pain in chronically irritated tendons. At Mountain2City PT we utilize Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT). This is also sometimes called Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT) or Radial Pressure Wave Therapy.
RSWT is a non-invasive treatment method that delivers high-energy shockwaves to the affected area. These shockwaves stimulate blood flow, increase cellular metabolism, promote the regeneration of tissues, and can provide short-term pain relief. SWT has been used by the medical field since the early 1980s with no long-term effects for a number of conditions. While certain conditions benefit from the more expensive Focal Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracoporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), tendinopathy can be treated just as effectively with RSWT.
Who Can Benefit from Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is used for chronic tendinopathy that has not resolved with prior therapy including:
-Achilles Tendinopathy
-Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow (aka lateral epicondylitis or medial epicondylitis)
-Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis
-Shoulder Calcific Tendinitis
-Patellar tendinopathy
-Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (aka gluteal tendinopathy)
What to Expect During a Session
During a Radial Shockwave Therapy session, a specialized applicator is used to deliver shockwaves to the targeted area. The procedure is typically well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort. The treatment itself usually lasts between 10-20 minutes, and you may start to notice improvements in your condition after just a few sessions.
Is there a difference between Tendinitis & Tendinopathy?
Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon and is generally associated with acute (recent) injury. Tendinosis refers to collagen changes or damage to the tissue and does not involve inflammation. Tendinosis is actually much more common then tendinitis and many times a tendinosis is erroneously called tendinitis. Tendinopathy is a more general term meaning pain and dysfunction of a tendon and is generally the most appropriate term for a tendon that is not healing. So whether you've been diagnosed with a tendinitis, tendinosis, or tendinopathy, you may benefit from RSWT.
How to Get Started and Cost
Your first visit will involve one-on-one evaluation and assessment of your issue to determine if RSWT is an option for you. Your health insurance will often pay for this visit. Most insurances do not pay for SWT treatment sessions, however. We charge a flat rate of $125 per session for a single treatment location. Payment is collected at the time of your appointment. You may be able to pay with your HSA account (check with your HSA provider to see if this is an allowable expense). Depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition, you will require 3-6 sessions. Sessions are scheduled about once/week.