At Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists Physical Therapy, we offer Shockwave Therapy, also known as Acoustic Compression Therapy, to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions. There are several brands of acoustic compression technology available today — Piezowave is one of the leading systems, and is one of the devices we use in our clinics to deliver precise, highly-effective treatment with fast results.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy (also known as Acoustic Compression Therapy) is a treatment used by licensed physical therapists to help relieve pain and promote healing in soft tissue and musculoskeletal conditions. This cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment uses focused acoustic sound waves to penetrate soft tissues at varying depths. These compressed sound waves create intense, brief mechanical stimulation within the tissue, increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, breaking down dysfunctional tissue, and activating the body’s natural healing response.
This innovative therapy effectively addresses both acute and chronic conditions while promoting tissue healing and regeneration — often when other treatments have failed.
What are the Benefits to Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy offers numerous advantages as a safe and effective alternative to invasive treatments like surgery or steroid injections. Additionally, it boasts a shorter recovery time, enabling patients to resume their regular activities sooner. It’s a non-invasive, non-surgical, and drug-free treatment option that can complement traditional physical therapy techniques.
Clinical studies and patient outcomes have demonstrated its ability to significantly reduce pain in as little as one treatment while also accelerating recovery.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave (Acoustic Compression Therapy) is widely used to treat pain and dysfunction in muscles, tendons, joints, and connective tissues. It is especially effective for chronic, overuse, and slow-to-heal injuries.
Common conditions improved by Shockwave Therapy include:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Rotator cuff tendonitis or shoulder pain
- Hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy
- Shin splints
- Scar tissue and adhesions from old injuries or surgeries
- Myofascial trigger points and chronic muscle tightness
- TMD/TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction)
- Calcific tendon conditions
Shockwave Therapy: What to Expect During Treatment
The Shockwave therapy machine generates focused acoustic waves that travel through the wand to the skin, similar to an ultrasound machine.
During treatment, you’ll feel a series of quick tapping or pulsing sensations on your skin as the sound waves are delivered to the treatment area. The intensity can range from mild to moderately strong, depending on the settings and how sensitive the area is.
Watch this video of Maverick Nichols, DPT, treating Plantar Fasciitis with shockwave therapy:
How Many Shockwave Treatments Will I Need?
Most patients start to notice significant improvement after 3-4 sessions, but can experience some relief in as little as one session. On average, 6-8 sessions in combination with physical therapy are recommended to achieve full results. The exact number depends on the condition and response to treatment.
Treatments can be performed as frequently as once every fourth day. Your ORS Physical Therapist will work with you and create a plan of care that includes the right fit for you as well as reevaluation of the treatment after the first 3-4 sessions.
Call 877-202-2175 to get started today
Frequently Asked Questions
> Is Shockwave Therapy covered by Insurance?
We are proud to offer shockwave therapy as an advanced treatment option. While it is not currently covered by insurance companies, we’ve created discounted pricing options for patients who combine it with physical therapy, because we believe it should remain accessible to those who need it most.
Since shockwave therapy uses advanced equipment that isn’t covered by insurance and the technology is highly specialized and costly to maintain, there’s an out-of-pocket fee for each session. This allows us to continue offering this effective treatment option to our patients.
In many cases Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans will allow reimbursement for this medical treatment. Please check with your human resource department or plan administrator for confirmation.
> How much does Shockwave Therapy cost?
Because we believe strongly that our patients should have access to this technology, we are offering significantly discounted rates when shockwave therapy is part of your overall physical therapy plan of care. For patients who wish to use shockwave therapy outside of a traditional physical therapy plan, the service is still available but will be billed at the standard rate due at time of service.
Shockwave Treatment Pricing
| Treatment Type | Eval Only | Eval + Shockwave | Future Shockwave Appointments |
| Physical Therapy with Insurance | Billed through insurance | Insurance + $35 | Insurance + $35 |
| Physical Therapy self pay (no insurance) | $137.50 | $137.50 + $35 | $110 + $35 |
| Shockwave Service Only with Insurance Covered Eval | Billed through insurance | Insurance + $35 | $100 |
| Shockwave Service Only no insurance use | $137.50 | $137.50 + $35 | $100 |
*In many cases Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plans will allow reimbursement for this medical treatment. Please check with your human resource department or plan administrator for confirmation.
> How many treatment sessions will I need?
Most patients notice significant improvement after 3-4 sessions, spaced about once per week. On average, 8-10 sessions are recommended to achieve full results. The exact number depends on your condition and response to treatment. Your therapist will work with you on the right plan for you.
> Why does ORS offer this treatment?
Simply put, because it works. We have seen excellent results in our patients, and the research supports its use. Our mission is to provide the best possible outcomes, and shockwave therapy is an important tool in achieving that goal. That’s why we are offering significantly discounted rates when shockwave therapy is part of your overall physical therapy plan of care.
> Is Shockwave Therapy safe for all patients?
While shockwave therapy is safe for many patients, there are certain situations where it should not be used. Your physical therapist will review your medical history to ensure this treatment is appropriate for you.
Shockwave therapy is not recommended in the following cases:
Treatment over the lungs or abdominal organs
Pregnancy
Presence of a local tumor or active infection in the treatment area
Pre-ruptured tendons
Blood clotting disorders or local thrombosis
Open growth plates (in children/adolescents)
Treatment over the brain or spinal cord
If you have questions about whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for you, please discuss your medical history with your provider before starting treatment.
> Where can I get Shockwave Therapy at ORS?
We are proud to be one of the leading providers of Shockwave Therapy in mid-Michigan. You can get specialized Shockwave Therapy (also known as Acoustic Compression Therapy) from a licensed physical therapist at any of these ORS locations:
ORS Holt
ORS Jackson – West Ave
ORS Jonesville
ORS Lansing – Gateway Lofts
ORS Lansing – Patient Care Dr
ORS Lansing – West Lansing
ORS Okemos
