Shockwave Therapy - Upward PT Seattle

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If you’re dealing with pain that hasn’t responded to rest, manual therapy, or exercise—or you’ve hit a rehab plateau—shockwave therapy may be the game-changer you’re looking for. At Upward PT, we integrate shockwave with our comprehensive movement-based care to calm pain and support your body’s own healing processes so you can recover quicker and get back to the activities you love.

Physical Therapist Shockwave Therapy Seattle Ballard

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses targeted acoustic (sound) waves delivered through a handheld device to stimulate your body’s natural healing mechanisms in injured or painful tissues. Unlike injections or surgery, shockwave is non-invasive and works by encouraging circulation, tissue regeneration, and pain modulation — all without medication. 

In simple terms, Shockwave:

  • “Jump-starts” stalled healing processes in chronically irritated soft tissues

  • Improves blood flow and nutrient delivery to areas that normally heal slowly

  • Stimulates collagen production and growth factors for stronger, healthier tissue

  • Calms overactive pain pathways so you can move with less sensitivity

  • Reduces chronic low-grade inflammation often associated with long-standing pain

Shockwave doesn’t just mask pain — it helps reset your body’s repair response so healing can continue after treatment.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Help?

Chronic & Persistent Pain

Plantar fasciitis / heel pain

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Gluteal tendinopathy / lateral hip pain

  • Tennis & golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis)

  • Hamstring tendinopathy

  • Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)

  • Frozen shoulder / adhesive capsulitis

  • Scar Tissue (including c-section scarring)
    (These are conditions where traditional treatments sometimes

    plateau; shockwave can help “restart” the healing response.)

Subacute & Healing-Stalled Injuries

 

When an injury should be improving but hasn’t — like a moderate tendon strain, persistent muscle tightness, or pain that lingers despite rehab — shockwave can support recovery by increasing micro-circulation and tissue responsiveness.

Post-Surgical & Recovery Support

 

For individuals cleared by their surgeon, shockwave may help address residual pain, tissue sensitivity, or mobility limitations after procedures (e.g., tendon repairs or chronic tendinopathy surgeries) by encouraging healthier tissue remodeling during rehab.

We always assess timing, tissue type, imaging, and rehab status to ensure shockwave is appropriate for your situation.

What to Expect During a Session

A typical shockwave visit at Upward PT lasts about 10–20 minutes and can be incorporated into your overall therapy session.

  • A gel is applied to the area to help the device contact your skin.

  • The clinician delivers rapid acoustic pulses through a handheld applicator.

  • Many people describe the sensation as deep pressure or tapping that’s intense but tolerable — we adjust settings for your comfort.

  • Most people can return to normal daily activity immediately afterward.

How Many Treatments Are Typical?

Treatment plans vary by condition and response, but most people complete 4–8 sessions, spaced about 1 week apart. Some patients feel noticeable improvement within a few sessions, and many continue to see gains as the tissue healing cascade continues over weeks.

Pricing info:

  • Single Session: $150 (Current Patients $125)

  • 4-Pack: $400 ($100/treatment)

  • 8-Pack: $725 (~$90/treatment)

    **Shockwave is not covered by insurance and is considered an add-on service to PT. You may use HSA/FSA for payment as well.

Ready to get started with Shockwave Therapy?

Book Your Session Here!