Recovery tech
Radial Pressure Wave Therapy
Radial pressure waves applied to stubborn tendon, heel, and muscle pain.
In plain language
What is radial pressure wave therapy?
Radial pressure wave therapy is a form of shockwave therapy: an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate your body's own healing process, improve pain, and help you stay active. A handpiece delivers repeated pressure waves that spread radially through the treatment area rather than focusing on a single deep point.
The waves enhance blood circulation, encourage collagen synthesis, and help release growth factors, which supports healing in stubborn musculoskeletal conditions affecting bone, tendon, ligament, and muscle. Depending on the injury, treatment may help patients avoid more invasive options. It requires no incision and no downtime.
Clinical fit
Which problems respond to radial pressure wave therapy?
Conditions commonly treated here include Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, hip bursitis and tendinopathy, frozen shoulder, tennis and golfer's elbow, tendinitis in the foot, ankle, hip, or shoulder, strained calves and hamstrings, and osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder.
It is also used for slow-healing bone problems such as stress fracture and fracture nonunion. Whether it fits your case is a clinical decision: your provider will confirm the diagnosis and review what loading and rehabilitation has already been tried.
Making the choice
How many treatments does it take?
Most patients see notable results within 3-6 treatments. Sessions are usually spaced across several weeks so the tissue has time to respond between visits.
Pressure wave therapy sits alongside a loading plan rather than replacing it. Exercise and activity progression rebuild the strength and tolerance that the device cannot build on its own, which is what keeps the result once treatment ends.
The visit
How is a pressure wave session delivered?
A session targets a defined area and uses tolerable, controlled dosing. Progress is judged across visits by function, not by soreness immediately afterward.
Confirm the diagnosis
History and loading tests are used to make sure the apparent tendon, fascia, or muscle target matches the symptoms.
Set the dose
The clinician chooses pressure, pulse count, and applicator position based on the tissue being treated.
Monitor tolerance
Intensity can be adjusted throughout. More pain during treatment is not the goal and does not produce a stronger response.
Continue loading
Exercise and activity progression address the capacity problem the device cannot rebuild by itself.
Before you book
Questions about radial pressure wave
Is radial pressure wave therapy the same as ESWT?
Both are forms of shockwave therapy, but they are not the same. Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy concentrates energy at a depth, while our clinics use radial pressure waves, which disperse across the treatment area from the surface.
Does it hurt?
It can be uncomfortable, especially over a sensitive tendon, but intensity is adjusted to a level you can tolerate. Severe pain is not required for benefit.
How long is a treatment?
Treatment time varies with the protocol used and the body part being treated. There are no incisions and no downtime, so you can usually return to your day straight afterward.
Does it replace tendon exercises?
No. Loading remains important because it rebuilds the strength and tolerance needed for work, walking, or sport.
This page is educational and cannot determine whether radial pressure wave is safe or appropriate for you. A provider reviews your history and examination findings first, and will tell you what to expect before any treatment begins.
Explore more care
Get treated with Radial Pressure Wave.
Call the clinic that's closest to you or request a time online. The team can help you check plan-specific referral and insurance requirements.
Already a chiropractic patient? Schedule in the patient portal (opens in a new tab)
Portsmouth, NH · Seacoast
Alton, NH · Lakes Region