Services  ·  Shockwave Therapy

For the pain that hasn't
responded to anything else.

Shockwave therapy is a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment for chronic pain and tendon injuries. If you've had months of stretching, massage, or cortisone injections without lasting results, shockwave works differently — it stimulates the tissue to actually heal, rather than masking the pain.

What Is Shockwave Therapy

Your body knows how to heal.
Sometimes it just needs a signal.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses focused acoustic energy — precisely delivered pulses — to target damaged or degenerated tissue. The energy creates a controlled micro-trauma at the tissue level, which restarts the body's natural healing cascade in areas that have become chronically inflamed, calcified, or stuck in a failed repair cycle.

This is why shockwave works on conditions that haven't responded to stretching, massage, or cortisone: those treatments address symptoms or temporarily reduce inflammation. Shockwave addresses the tissue itself — stimulating new blood vessel formation, breaking down calcific deposits, and triggering the cellular response needed for genuine repair.

Neovascularization
Stimulates new blood vessel growth in poorly vascularized tissue — the primary reason tendons heal slowly. Better blood supply means better nutrient delivery and faster repair.
Calcification breakdown
Focused acoustic energy mechanically disrupts calcium deposits in tendons and soft tissue — particularly effective for calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder and chronic heel pain.
Pain modulation
Reduces Substance P — a neurotransmitter associated with chronic pain signaling — providing both immediate pain relief and a longer-term reduction in the sensitized pain response.
Collagen synthesis
Triggers fibroblast activity and collagen production, restoring the structural integrity of degenerated tendons and ligaments — the actual repair process, not just symptom management.
The Device We Use
Piezowave by Richard Wolf —
focused ESWT, not radial.

Most shockwave devices in chiropractic and physical therapy offices use radial (ballistic) shockwave — energy that disperses broadly from a surface applicator. The Piezowave uses piezoelectric focused shockwave technology, which concentrates acoustic energy at a precise focal point deep in the tissue — exactly where the pathology is.

Focused delivery
Energy is concentrated at a specific tissue depth — not diffused across a surface area. More precise, more effective for deep structures.
Clinically validated
Richard Wolf is a medical-grade device manufacturer. The Piezowave platform is used in hospital and sports medicine settings worldwide.
Better for tendons
Focused ESWT consistently outperforms radial ESWT in clinical literature for tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and calcific conditions.
Conditions Treated

Best for chronic pain that
hasn't responded to other treatment.

Shockwave is not a first-line treatment for acute injuries. It's most effective for chronic, stubborn conditions where tissue has failed to heal normally — typically pain lasting more than 3 months despite conservative care.

Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Strong Evidence

One of the most well-researched applications of ESWT. Chronic plantar fasciitis — the stabbing heel pain that's worst with first steps in the morning — responds exceptionally well to focused shockwave when stretching and orthotics have failed to produce lasting change. Shockwave breaks down the chronic inflammatory tissue at the fascial insertion and stimulates genuine repair. Most patients see significant improvement within 3–5 sessions.

Achilles Tendinopathy
Strong Evidence

Achilles tendinopathy — chronic thickening, stiffness, and pain in the Achilles tendon — is notoriously difficult to resolve with eccentric loading alone. The Achilles has poor blood supply at the mid-portion, which is exactly why it heals slowly and why shockwave's neovascularization effect is so valuable here. Focused ESWT promotes tissue repair at the cellular level while reducing the chronic pain sensitization that makes every step uncomfortable.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy & Calcific Shoulder
Strong Evidence

Shockwave has among the strongest evidence of any non-surgical intervention for calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy — calcium deposits in the supraspinatus that cause severe shoulder pain with overhead movement. The focused acoustic energy mechanically disrupts the calcification and triggers resorption. For non-calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy, ESWT promotes tendon repair and reduces the chronic pain cycle that limits shoulder function.

Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
Good Evidence

Chronic patellar tendinopathy — pain at the inferior pole of the kneecap, worsened by jumping, squatting, and stair descent — often plateaus with loading programs alone. Shockwave combined with progressive tendon loading produces better outcomes than either treatment in isolation. At MMC, shockwave sessions are paired with corrective loading progressions as part of a complete rehabilitation plan.

Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow
Good Evidence

Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylalgia (golfer's elbow) are among the most common repetitive stress injuries in active and desk-working adults. Cortisone injections provide short-term relief but often worsen long-term tissue quality. Shockwave promotes real tendon repair at the elbow insertion and reduces the chronic sensitization that makes gripping and lifting painful.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Good Evidence

Lateral hip pain — often misdiagnosed as bursitis — is most commonly caused by gluteal tendinopathy at the greater trochanter. It's aggravated by sitting cross-legged, lying on the affected side, and climbing stairs. Cortisone injections are often recommended but produce poor long-term outcomes. ESWT combined with hip loading and movement correction produces durable results where other treatments have failed.

What to Expect

A typical shockwave session
from start to finish.

1
Assessment & target identification
Dr. Cagape locates the exact tissue target through palpation and confirms the treatment zone. For the Piezowave, precise focal depth is set based on the anatomy of the structure being treated.
2
Treatment (10–15 minutes)
The Piezowave applicator is applied to the skin with ultrasound gel. You'll feel a repetitive pulse sensation — some patients describe it as a deep tapping or pressure. The intensity is adjusted to your tolerance. The treated area typically feels warm during and immediately after.
3
Immediate post-treatment
Many patients notice a reduction in pain immediately after the session. Some experience temporary soreness for 24–48 hours as the healing response activates — this is normal and expected. Avoid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) for 48 hours after treatment, as the inflammatory cascade triggered by shockwave is part of the healing process.
4
Course of treatment
Most conditions require 3–5 sessions spaced 5–7 days apart. Sessions are often combined with chiropractic and corrective exercise at MMC for a more complete outcome. You'll receive a clear treatment plan after your assessment — no open-ended commitments.
Shockwave Therapy Pricing
Single Session
$150
Standalone or add-on to any visit
3 Sessions
$400
$133/session  ·  save $50
5 Sessions
$625
$125/session  ·  save $125
BEST RESULTS
Cash-pay  ·  HSA / FSA accepted  ·  Packages are prepaid and non-refundable after first use  ·  New patients begin with a $180 exam before enrolling in a package
Is It Right for Me

Shockwave is not for everyone.
Here's how to know if it's for you.

Good candidates
→ Chronic tendon pain lasting 3+ months
→ Tried stretching, massage, or cortisone without lasting results
→ Calcific tendinopathy confirmed on imaging
→ Want to avoid cortisone injections or surgery
→ Willing to commit to a full course of treatment
Contraindications
× Acute injury (less than 6 weeks old)
× Blood clotting disorders or anticoagulant medication
× Active local infection or open wound
× Pregnancy (over treatment area)
× Malignancy in or near the treatment area
Not sure if shockwave is appropriate for your condition? Book a new patient exam. Dr. Cagape will review your history, examine the tissue, and give you an honest recommendation — including whether a different treatment would serve you better.

Done managing it.
Ready to actually fix it.

Book a new patient exam. Dr. Cagape will assess whether shockwave is the right tool for your condition and build a clear treatment plan — with an expected timeline and no open-ended commitments.

Book My $180 New Patient Exam → or call / text (408) 519-2269

Modern Movement Chiropractic  ·  133 S. Main St, Milpitas, CA 95035  ·  (408) 519-2269  ·  Dr. Daniel Cagape, DC, CPT  ·  California Licensed Chiropractor

MORE ABOUT US

Shockwave Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How It Works
What is shockwave therapy and how does it work? +
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses focused acoustic energy to target damaged or degenerated tissue. The energy creates a controlled micro-trauma at the tissue level, which restarts the body's natural healing cascade in areas stuck in a failed repair cycle. It stimulates new blood vessel growth, breaks down calcium deposits, promotes collagen synthesis, and reduces the chronic pain signaling associated with long-standing tendon injuries.
What device do you use for shockwave therapy? +
We use the Piezowave by Richard Wolf — a focused ESWT device. Most shockwave devices in chiropractic and PT offices use radial (ballistic) shockwave, which disperses energy broadly from a surface applicator. The Piezowave uses piezoelectric focused technology, concentrating acoustic energy at a precise focal point deep in the tissue — exactly where the pathology is. Focused ESWT consistently outperforms radial ESWT in clinical literature for tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and calcific conditions.
How is focused shockwave different from radial shockwave? +
Radial shockwave uses a ballistic mechanism — pressure waves that disperse broadly from the surface applicator. Focused shockwave (piezoelectric) concentrates acoustic energy at a specific focal point deep in the tissue. Focused ESWT delivers more precise, higher-energy treatment to exactly the right tissue depth — which is why it consistently outperforms radial ESWT for deeper structures like the Achilles, rotator cuff, and plantar fascia.
Why hasn't stretching or cortisone fixed my tendon pain? +
Stretching addresses muscle tightness but doesn't repair degenerated tendon tissue or stimulate new blood vessel growth. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation temporarily but weaken tendon structure with repeated use and produce poor long-term outcomes for chronic tendinopathies. Shockwave addresses the tissue itself — stimulating genuine repair rather than masking the pain.
Treatment & What to Expect
Does shockwave therapy hurt? +
You'll feel a repetitive pulse sensation during treatment — most patients describe it as a deep tapping or pressure. The intensity is adjusted to your tolerance. The treated area typically feels warm during and immediately after. Many patients notice a reduction in pain immediately after the session. Some experience temporary soreness for 24–48 hours as the healing response activates — this is normal and expected.
Can I take anti-inflammatories after shockwave treatment? +
No — avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) for at least 48 hours after each session. Shockwave works by triggering an inflammatory healing cascade at the tissue level. Anti-inflammatories suppress exactly that response, which actively undermines the treatment. Ice and acetaminophen are fine if needed for discomfort.
How many sessions will I need? +
Most conditions require 3–5 sessions spaced 5–7 days apart. You'll receive a clear treatment plan after your assessment with an expected timeline and no open-ended commitments.
Can shockwave be combined with chiropractic care? +
Yes — and it often produces better outcomes when combined. Shockwave sessions can be added to any office visit or incorporated alongside chiropractic adjustments and corrective exercise. For tendinopathies especially, pairing shockwave with progressive loading rehabilitation produces more durable results than shockwave alone.
Conditions & Candidacy
What conditions does shockwave therapy treat? +
Shockwave is most effective for chronic tendon injuries and soft tissue conditions lasting more than 3 months that haven't responded to other conservative care. Conditions with strong evidence: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow. Conditions with good evidence: patellar tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, golfer's elbow.
Who is not a good candidate for shockwave therapy? +
Shockwave is not appropriate for acute injuries less than 6 weeks old, patients on blood thinners or with clotting disorders, active local infections or open wounds, pregnancy over the treatment area, or malignancy in or near the treatment area. Dr. Cagape will review your history and examine the tissue before recommending treatment.
Cost & Coverage
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance? +
Shockwave therapy is not covered by most insurance plans including Landmark and UHC. All shockwave services are cash-pay. HSA and FSA are accepted. Single session: $150. 3-session package: $400 ($133/session, save $50). 5-session package: $625 ($125/session, save $125).
Ready to stop managing it and actually fix it?
Book a $180 New Patient Exam Call or Text Us