Shockwave Therapy In Des Moines
Fast, Non-Invasive Relief for Chronic Pain and Soft Tissue Injuries
At Shaw Spine & Sport, we use shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT) to help patients recover from stubborn, chronic injuries that haven’t responded to other treatments. Whether you're an athlete with a lingering injury or simply want to move without pain again, shockwave therapy may be the answer.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. These waves increase blood flow, break up scar tissue, and promote the regeneration of healthy cells — all without the need for surgery, injections, or downtime.
It’s a safe and effective treatment backed by research and used worldwide in sports medicine and physical rehabilitation.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
Shockwave therapy is especially effective for:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar (jumper’s knee) and quadriceps tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Shoulder tendinopathies (calcific or non-calcific)
- Hip pain (gluteal tendinopathy, trochanteric bursitis)
- Chronic muscle trigger points
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shaw Spine & Sport offers shockwave therapy because they’ve seen its myriad benefits. This new pain treatment is one of the best treatments for chronic soft tissue injuries.
Common benefits of shockwave therapy include:
- No downtime after treatment
- Safe, noninvasive, and lasting results
- Restored motion patterns, mobility, and flexibility
- Improved comfort, often immediately
- It can eliminate chronic pain
- It’s an outpatient procedure
- An alternative to medication, surgery, or aggressive methods
- Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
- Reduced chronic inflammation
- Collagen production
- New blood vessel formation
Hundreds of clinical studies have shown the efficacy of shockwave therapy, and many patients believe it’s the best pain treatment they’ve ever received. With no risk, complications, and extensive downtime for recovery, why not give it a try?
What to Expect During Treatment
- Assessment – We’ll identify the exact location of pain and determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.
- Treatment – A handheld device is used to apply acoustic pulses to the affected area. Some discomfort is normal, but treatment is generally well tolerated.
- Post-Treatment – You may feel mild soreness afterward, similar to a workout, but most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Most patients experience improvement in 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about one week apart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes. It is FDA-cleared and widely used in orthopedic, chiropractic, and sports medicine clinics. It’s non-invasive, with minimal risks or side effects.
Q: Does shockwave therapy hurt?
You may feel mild discomfort during treatment, depending on the area and intensity. Most patients tolerate it well, and discomfort decreases with each session.
Q: How many treatments will I need?
Typically 3–6 sessions, depending on the condition and severity. We'll tailor the plan to your specific case.
Q: Are results permanent?
Shockwave therapy stimulates long-term healing, not just temporary relief. Many patients experience lasting improvement, especially when combined with rehab and proper movement patterns.
Q: Can I combine it with other treatments?
Absolutely. At Shaw Spine & Sport, we often combine shockwave with chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, and active rehab for even better outcomes.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
If you're dealing with a stubborn injury or chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, shockwave therapy might help jumpstart your healing process. At Shaw Spine & Sport, we’ll evaluate your condition and determine whether you’re a good candidate.