Shockwave Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain

Shockwave or ESWT can be used for the following:

MSK / Pain Relief:
1. Plantar fasciitis & heel spurs
2. Achilles tendinopathy
3. Tennis elbow & golfer’s elbow
4. Shoulder pain / calcific tendinopathy
5. Patellar tendinopathy (“jumper’s knee”)
6. Hip bursitis & gluteal tendinopathy
7. IT band syndrome
8. Trigger points and muscle tightness
9. Chronic tendon pain or scar tissue

Aesthetic / Wellness:
1. Cellulite reduction
2. Skin tightening and firming
3. Post-liposuction tissue smoothing
4. Lymphatic stimulation and circulation support

1. Radial shockwave disperses energy over a wider area, ideal for muscles, tendons, cellulite, and scar tissue.
2. Focused shockwave penetrates deeper with pinpoint accuracy but is typically used in hospital or surgical settings.

You may feel mild to moderate tapping sensations during treatment. Intensity can be adjusted for comfort, and most patients describe it as tolerable. Any tenderness fades quickly after the session.

1. MSK injuries: Typically 3–6 sessions, spaced weekly.
2. Aesthetic treatments: Usually 6–10 sessions for optimal skin firming or cellulite reduction.

Results continue to improve for several weeks as your body’s healing response progresses.

Most appointments last 10–25 minutes, depending on the treatment area and condition.

No downtime is required. You can return to work and normal activity immediately, though we recommend avoiding intense exercise for 24–48 hours to allow tissues to recover.

Many patients feel a dramatic drop in pain after just 1 or 2 sessions. This is real, meaningful relief—but it is coming from temporary nerve signal modulation and pain signal suppression (Substance P depletion), not completed tissue healing. This phase is known as the "analgesic gap.

To achieve lasting, permanent tissue repair, completing your full recommended clinical series is vital to keep the tissue remodeling process moving forward without re-injury. Shockwave triggers your cells to gradually rebuild old, disorganized tissue into strong, healthy tissue. Because this structural repair takes time to mature, your peak results and maximum mobility will continue to develop up to 12 weeks after your final treatment session.

Yes. Radial shockwave therapy is FDA-cleared and backed by extensive clinical research. Side effects are minimal—usually mild redness or soreness that resolves within a day.

Shockwave therapy is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have bleeding disorders, active infections, open wounds, or metal implants near the treatment area. Your provider will review your medical history to ensure safety.

Metal implants (joint replacements, pins, or plates) near the area are a precaution, not a contraindication . We simply treat the surrounding painful soft tissues at a conservative pressure and avoid applying pulses directly over the hardware itself.

Most insurance plans do not cover shockwave therapy. Well Life ABQ offers transparent pricing and package discounts to make treatment accessible and affordable.

Studies show 70–90% improvement for chronic tendon and soft-tissue injuries, and visible smoothing and tightening in aesthetic applications. Results are long-lasting when combined with proper activity modification, nutrition, and hydration.

Yes. The acoustic waves break down fibrous bands under the skin that cause dimpling and restricted movement. This improves circulation, smooths the surface, and supports collagen rebuilding for healthier, firmer skin. To learn more, please visit Shockwave Aesthetics

Please Note: For aesthetic use, radial shockwave acts strictly as a non-invasive tissue remodeling tool to smooth fibrous tissue and activate your skin's natural collagen. It improves dermal structure and skin quality; it does not dissolve, remove, or surgically resect localized fat.