Shockwave therapy uses focused sound-wave energy to stimulate healing in stubborn tendon and soft-tissue injuries — without surgery, needles, or downtime.
Acker Chiropractic uses the Chattanooga DuoLith Focused Shockwave, powered by STORZ Medical — an FDA-cleared system built on Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), also known as ESWT or shockwave therapy.
A handheld applicator delivers a rapid series of focused acoustic pressure pulses through the skin to the injured tissue beneath. Each pulse carries a burst of mechanical energy — not electricity, not heat — creating controlled micro-stress in the target tissue.
The body reads this as a reason to respond: metabolism increases, circulation improves, and dormant repair cells are recruited to the area. In tendons and fascia that have stalled in a chronic, under-healed state, this is often the disruption needed to restart the natural repair process your body couldn't complete on its own.
Radial pulse waveform → focal tissue depth
Shockwave responds best to chronic, localized tendon and soft-tissue conditions — especially ones that have plateaued with rest or stretching alone.
Persistent heel pain from chronic proximal plantar fasciitis — the primary FDA-cleared indication for our device.
Chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain throughout the foot and ankle that hasn't responded to rest alone.
Rotator cuff and shoulder tendinopathy, including calcific changes that limit range of motion.
Elbow, wrist, and forearm conditions such as tennis and golfer's elbow from repetitive strain.
Knee, hip, and leg tendinopathy, including patellar tendon pain common in athletes.
Myofascial trigger points and chronic musculoskeletal pain that limits mobility and quality of life.
A shockwave visit is quick, done fully clothed, and requires no anesthesia. Here's the sequence, start to finish.
Staff at Acker Chiropractic will locate the precise area of tissue involved through palpation and movement testing, confirming shockwave is the right fit for your condition.
A conductive gel is applied to the treatment area so acoustic pressure waves transfer cleanly into the tissue below.
Focused shockwaves are released through the applicator, which is moved around the area for 15 to 25 minutes.
Dr. Acker will give you specific instructions to follow during recovery. Some tenderness in the area is normal and generally resolves within a few days.
There's no recovery period — you can immediately bear weight and walk. Most patients resume normal activity within a few days of the procedure.
Shockwave therapy isn't the right fit for every condition. Here's a balanced view so you can make an informed decision with Dr. Acker.
Most patients describe it as a firm, rhythmic tapping rather than pain. Any discomfort afterward is typically mild and resolves within a few days, similar to residual soreness after an intense workout.
Sessions run about 15 to 25 minutes, and most treatment plans involve 6 to 8 sessions at roughly weekly intervals. More chronic conditions may need additional sessions. Dr. Acker will outline a specific plan after your assessment.
We use the Chattanooga DuoLith Focused Shockwave, an FDA-cleared system powered by STORZ Medical, which generates focused shockwaves through patented cylindrical-source technology for consistent, precisely targeted energy delivery.
Insurance typically does not cover shockwave therapy, but an elective payment option makes the procedure accessible at an affordable price — often well below the combined cost of deductibles, co-pays, and rehabilitation tied to surgical alternatives. Some patients use a flexible spending account to cover the cost with pre-tax dollars. Ask our front desk about current pricing.
Ultrasound uses continuous sound waves mainly for heating tissue, while shockwave delivers discrete high-energy pulses that trigger a mechanical repair response — generally better suited to chronic tendon conditions.
Many patients notice a difference after around 3 treatments, though for some it can take up to 4 weeks for pain relief to begin. In clinical research on chronic plantar fasciitis, focused shockwave therapy produced meaningfully better outcomes than a comparison treatment in a large multicenter trial.
Bring your specific pain history to a consultation with Dr. Acker and we'll map out a plan together.
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