Focused Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Shockwave Therapy (Focused ESWT) in Portland
Evidence‑based focused ESWT for tendonitis, myofascial and joint pain and conditions like Frozen Shoulder, Meniscus tears, chronic Knee collateral injuries, Carpal Tunnel, Tennis Elbow and Fibrosis.
Fast relief, minimal downtime.
Delivered by a board‑certified chiropractic orthopedist in NE Portland.
Board‑Certified Care
Led by Dr. Dana Sibilla, Chiropractic Orthopedist, integrating manual care and rehab with ESWT on request.
Focused ESWT Device
We use a Chattanooga FSW focused shockwave system for precise energy delivery – modern, powerful, advanced.
Modern Protocols
Refined research-based protocols for unresolved sports injuries, post surgicel limited recoveries, unresolved conditions and degenerative change.
Transparent Pricing
Clear cash options and straightforward guidance on coverage and medical necessity.
What is Focused ESWT?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in chronically irritated or degeneratied tissues. Focused systems can concentrate energy deep down, allowing targeted treatment of tendon, fascia, and structures around joints.
- Session time: typically 10–15 minutes
- Series: Typically 6 sessions depending on the condition and response
- Downtime: Minimal; light activity is usually fine unless advised otherwise
Examples of Conditions ESWT can help:
Foot & Ankle
- Plantar fasciitis, Spurs
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Peroneal & posterior tibial tendons
Shoulder
- Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Supraspinatus/infraspinatus tendon pain
- Adhesive capsulitis (supportive)
Elbow, Knee, Leg
- Lateral/medial epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow)
- Patellar & quadriceps tendinopathy
- Hamstring & ITB insertions
Hip & Spine
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Trigger points in paraspinals & SI region
- Facet Syndrome
What to expect
- Consult & exam: confirm diagnosis, rule out red flags, and determine candidacy.
- Treatment: focused ESWT parameters set to your case; treatment lasts ~10–15 minutes. Results are often immediate.
- Aftercare: activity guidance and any adjunctive rehab/manual care as appropriate.
Common sensations: brief, localized tapping/pressure, a brief “funny bone” or “mosquito bite” sensation; intensity rate and depth is adjusted to comfort while maintaining efficacy.
Safety & contraindications
ESWT is non‑invasive and well‑tolerated. We avoid treatment over areas with the following:
- Active infection, open wound/abrasion, cancer or malignancy in the treatment field
- ESWT has not been approved for treatment on a pregnant patient
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders; current anticoagulant medications.
- Unhealed current fractures or directly over growth plates in children (or generally not used on children less than 18 years old, except for treating Osgood-Schlatter disease)
- History of Tendon Ruptures or active thickness tears, or during surgery recovery requires a review.
- Recent Corticosteroid injection to the site < 6 weeks requires a review.
- Electronic implants in or near the treatment path (case‑by‑case); no Pacemakers.
- Paget’s disease of bone, inflammatory rheumatic arthritis
- Immunosuppressive therapies.
This list is of course not exhaustive, and these guidelines are constantly being updated and reviewed. An assessment by a practitioner is always necessary. We know from experience there are certain treatments, conditions and individual histories that are likely respond better or worse to Shockwave, however in every assessment we look at the safety first.
Pricing & coverage
We offer transparent cash options for ESWT. Insurance does NOT cover shockwave treatments, but may cover the Evaluation and Management associated with workups. When medically appropriate, we’ll also discuss any pre‑authorization pathways for related services, such as X-Ray or MRI.
ESWT FAQs
Is focused ESWT different from radial shockwave?
Yes, significanlty. Focused systems concentrate energy at a selectable focal point, enabling deeper, more precise dosing, more specific recovery. Radial devices disperse energy superficially, without “focus”, and energy decreases as it radiates deeper. Focused puts the energy exactly where it is needed.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients show substantial response within 3 visits depending on condition chronicity, tissue quality, and load management, and are done with a treatment course within 6 visits.
Can I get ESWT on the first Visit?
In order to receive ESWT, you need to become a patient and be examined at the clinic. Since this is a detailed exam, and occasionally records may need to be ordered and reviewed, we find we get to apply Shockwave on the first visit less than half the time; the next visit is then pure shockwave – this does not change the cost of the exam or the first shockwave. Probably plan for it on visit 2.
Does it hurt?
Discomfort is usually very brief (microseconds) and tolerable. We will work right with you, adjusting intensity to maintain effectiveness while respecting comfort.
What’s recovery like?
Minimal downtime. Gentle activity is typically fine; we’ll guide you on progressive loading between sessions.
Will insurance cover it?
Insurance at this time does not cover Shockwave Therapy for muscular/skeletal, but often covers the Exam and Evaluation phase, or other related aspects of treatment. Since the Shockwave treatments span multiple sessions, purchasing multiple sessions at once allows you a 10% discount.
If you have more questions, there is an “ESWT Questions Deep Dive” here. Better yet, give us a call and ask to speak about “ESWT” for your specific problem.
Ready to see if ESWT is right for you?
