Imagine jump-starting your body’s healing process—without surgery, needles, or long recovery times. That’s exactly what Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) does. This advanced treatment uses sound waves to increase blood flow, break up stubborn scar tissue, and help damaged tissue heal faster.
At Runners’ Edge Alaska, we offer two types of shockwave therapy—radial and focused. These treatments use sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain, with each best suited for different injuries.
Backed by strong evidence, both play a key role in regenerative orthopedic care, helping us optimize musculoskeletal health for athletes and active individuals.
Radial Shockwave
Radial shockwave, also known as ESWT-EPAT, uses acoustic pressure waves that disperse over a broad area. This method is typically suited for treating larger, more superficial areas such as tendinopathies or myofascial pain. The energy spreads out from the application site, making it ideal for covering diffuse or widespread symptoms.
Radial Shockwave is favored for broad, diffuse musculoskeletal complaints, often in tendons or muscle bellies.
Focused Shockwave
Focused shockwave (ESWT) delivers electromagnetic waves that concentrate energy at a specific, targeted depth within tissues. This allows precise treatment of deeper structures, such as bone injuries, calcific deposits, or deep-tissue pathologies. The focused approach is preferred when pinpoint accuracy is needed for targeted healing.
Focused Shockwave is preferred where pathology is deeper or where a more targeted application enhances tissue healing, such as in chronic bone injuries or calcifications.
Benefits of ESWT:
- No down-time
- Quicker healing time so you can get back to the actives you love
- Non-surgrical
- Non-invasive
- Evidence-based
- No anesthesia required
- No scarring
- Cost effective
- Virtually no risks! Some patients may feel minor discomfort the day of treatment and a few days after. Residual pain is normal after intense exercise. Talk to your physical therapist to adjust your treatment to your needs.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is needed for ESWT treatment unless required by your insurance. If you’re new to our clinic and we haven’t reviewed your medical history, your first visit will include an initial evaluation with one of our Physical Therapists to assess your condition and determine the best approach for ESWT. After that, if only ESWT sessions are needed, follow-up appointments can be as short as 30 minutes!
Want more information to find out if ESWT is the best treatment option for you?
Did you know we offer FREE consultations? Chat with a sports Physical Therapist today and get back to doing what you love!
Give our office a call at 907-929-9009 or click below to get on the schedule!
