Treatments

SoftWave therapy.

Acoustic shockwaves delivered through the skin to chronically painful tendon and soft tissue. It is the least invasive thing we offer, which makes it a sensible first step for the right problems.

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How it works

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy delivers acoustic pressure waves through the skin into the tissue underneath. The mechanical stimulus is thought to increase local blood flow and prompt a repair response in tendon that has become chronically painful and stopped healing on its own.

Treatment is done in the office. A handpiece is applied to the area with gel, and each session takes a matter of minutes. No needle, no anaesthetic, no recovery period — most people go straight back to their day. A course usually runs to several sessions spaced a week or so apart.

Shockwave has the best evidence in chronic tendinopathies — plantar fasciitis, Achilles, patellar and rotator cuff tendon pain, tennis elbow. It is not a treatment for acute injury, and it is not a substitute for working out what is wrong in the first place.

Good candidates

What responds to shockwave

  • Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Patellar tendinopathy — jumper's knee
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy, including calcific tendinitis
  • Tennis and golfer's elbow
  • Gluteal tendinopathy and greater trochanteric pain
  • Patients who want to avoid injections, or cannot have them

Common questions

Does it hurt?
Most people describe it as an intense tapping that is uncomfortable over a tender spot but tolerable. Intensity is adjusted to what you can handle, and it stops the moment the session does.
How many sessions will I need?
Typically a short course spaced about a week apart. We will set an expected number at the outset and reassess against it rather than extending indefinitely.
Is there any downtime?
No. You can drive yourself home and return to normal activity the same day, though we will usually ask you to avoid heavy loading of the treated tendon for a day or two.
Is it covered by insurance?
Usually not — shockwave is generally self-pay. You will be given the cost of a course before starting.

Eliminate pain and reclaim your life.

Request an appointment with Dr. Loch, or call the office at (904) 750-3787. Most patients are seen within a week.

Request an appointment