Shockwave

Shockwave Therapy, also know as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or EPAT is offered in both our Glenside and UPenn Offices.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave is a FDA approved non-invasive office based procedure that is used to help treat various musculoskeletal conditions

How Does it work?

It uses pressure waves and acoustic signals to stimulate healing and decrease pain. These shockwaves stimulate the local metabolism, encourage healing processes, increase blood flow, and interfere with pain signals

How is the Treatment Applied/Given?

It is a series of 3-4 treatments at 1 week intervals with each treatment taking 5-10min. It is applied with a wand similar to an ultrasound with gel

What are the Benefits?

It does not involve any incision or puncture through the skin, no injection, no anesthesia, and no downtime after the procedure with studies showing the potential for high success rates

What are the risks and side effects?

Shockwave is a low risk procedure as there are very little side effects with the therapy except for minor discomfort and potential residual pain following treatment

What conditions can be treated with shockwave?

It can treat many acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions throughout the body. For the lower leg and foot shockwave can be used to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis such as Achilles tendonitis, sesamoiditis, and shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)

Is there anybody who can’t get this therapy?

Yes, pregnant women, people with cancers/malignancies, DVTs (deep vein thrombosis), coagulopathies, local infections, or over open growth plates

Is it covered by insurance?

Shockwave is typically not covered by insurance. The total out of pocket cost ranges from $350-450 depending on the number of areas treated. While the upfront cost is high, this treatment can be cost saving in the long run compared to alternative treatments such as surgery or multiple appointments with copays