If you’ve been dealing with persistent shoulder pain, knee osteoarthritis, or tennis elbow that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment, musculoskeletal extracorporeal shockwave therapy might be the non-invasive solution you’ve been seeking. Backed by numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, this therapy is increasingly used for treating musculoskeletal conditions that don’t improve with rest, physical therapy, or steroid injections.
At the clinic of Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, Texas, shock wave therapy is part of a comprehensive strategy to promote healing and deliver real pain relief. Contact us today to find out if this treatment is right for you!
“Got checked in and into my appointment on time. Dr. Szerlip was prompt and very informative, while allowing any questions I may have had to be addressed while explaining my condition. He explained both a rotator cuff repair and a replacement for me to choose what will be best for me. He wasn’t trying to pressure me to choose without looking at both options. He was very supportive of the procedure I decided on and very supportive.” — Dale C.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to target injured soft tissue. Initially developed for kidney stones, ESWT is now widely adopted in orthopedics for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and lateral epicondylitis.
The goal of shockwave therapy is to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The pressure waves delivered during the session increase circulation, break up scar tissue, and reduce inflammation to reduce pain and restore mobility.
There are two primary forms of extracorporeal shock wave therapy used in orthopedic care:
Each treatment plan is customized by Dr. Szerlip to match your specific condition and treatment protocols.
Each treatment session typically lasts 15–20 minutes. After applying gel to the target area, a specialized device delivers shock waves directly into the affected tissue. While some patients feel mild discomfort, the procedure is generally well-tolerated and requires no anesthesia.
Dr. Szerlip closely monitors primary outcome measures like pain level, mobility, and functional improvement during and after your sessions.
In our Austin practice, extracorporeal shockwave therapy is administered by Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip. With expertise in minimally invasive therapies and non-surgical treatments, he ensures the use of up-to-date, evidence-based treatment protocols for optimal results.
Before your shockwave therapy session:
Dr. Szerlip will give personalized guidance tailored to your musculoskeletal condition.
While shock wave therapy is safe for most people, it may not be suitable if you:
You may notice minor redness or bruising post-treatment. These adverse effects are generally mild and temporary. Most patients can resume daily activities immediately, but heavy exercise should be avoided for 48 hours.
You may begin to notice treatment success after the second or third session. Secondary outcome measures, such as quality of life and range of motion, often improve over time as well.
Healing varies, but many patients report pain relief within 3–6 weeks. A full course usually includes 3–5 weekly sessions. Systematic review and meta-analysis data have shown significant differences in outcomes for those treated with ESWT versus placebo.
In one review and meta-analysis, ESWT was shown to be effective in relieving pain, aiding functional recovery, and maintaining function in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Struggling with chronic tendon or joint pain? Don’t wait until surgery is your only option. Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, offers state-of-the-art shockwave therapy in Austin, TX. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward lasting pain relief and recovery.
