Radial Pressure Shockwave Therapy

RPW therapy aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and promote tissue regeneration by inducing controlled microtrauma to the affected area. This process triggers an inflammatory response, leading to increased blood flow, neovascularization, and the release of growth factors, which ultimately facilitate tissue repair and regeneration.

RPW therapy is effective for treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain syndromes such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and various forms of muscle and tendon injuries. It is also beneficial for promoting healing in cases of delayed fracture union or non-union.

RPW therapy is effective for treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain syndromes such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and various forms of muscle and tendon injuries. It is also beneficial for promoting healing in cases of delayed fracture union or non-union.

Key features of RPW therapy include its non-invasive nature, which eliminates the need for surgery or pharmaceutical interventions, and its ability to provide targeted treatment to specific areas of the body. Additionally, RPW therapy is typically well-tolerated by patients and requires minimal downtime, allowing for a quick return to normal activities.

The benefits of RPW therapy include reduced pain and inflammation, improved tissue healing and regeneration, increased range of motion, and enhanced overall function and performance. It offers a safe, effective, and drug-free alternative for patients seeking relief from chronic musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy:

During shockwave therapy, you’ll experience a gentle series of pulsating sensations in the targeted area, almost like rhythmic tapping. The treatment intensity can suit your comfort level and preferences, ensuring a personalized experience. While some individuals may perceive a mild tingling or prickling sensation, many find the overall sensation quite tolerable and even soothing. Any discomfort you may feel during the session is fleeting and usually fades quickly once the treatment concludes. 

In the aftermath, some patients may notice a mild soreness, akin to the feeling after a satisfying workout. However, this sensation is transient and often indicative of the body’s natural healing response kicking in. Ultimately, shockwave therapy is widely recognized for its ability to relieve discomfort and promote optimal healing, making it a well-regarded and enjoyable treatment option for many.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) Therapy?

Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) Therapy, also known as shockwave therapy or softwave therapy, is a
non-invasive, drug-free treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Using the Chattanooga® RPW device,
controlled acoustic waves are delivered into muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. These waves
increase blood flow, reduce tension, and stimulate natural healing. RPW therapy is especially effective
for stubborn conditions that don’t respond to rest or medication, offering relief from pain and faster
recovery without injections or surgery.

The Chattanooga® RPW device produces acoustic waves that penetrate the targeted tissues. These
waves create a mechanical effect that stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes
cellular repair. They also help break down adhesions or scar tissue that limit movement. Unlike
medications that simply mask symptoms, shockwave therapy addresses the underlying dysfunction,
allowing the body to heal more effectively. This makes it a valuable complement to chiropractic care for
musculoskeletal recovery.

RPW therapy (shockwave/softwave) is effective for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow,
golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff pain, shin splints, and chronic muscle tightness. It also helps with bursitis,
scar tissue, and repetitive strain injuries. Many patients with long-standing musculoskeletal problems
benefit, particularly when other treatments have failed. By stimulating healing and reducing
inflammation, RPW therapy provides lasting relief for both acute and chronic conditions.

Yes. Radial Pressure Wave therapy is FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and drug-free. No needles, surgery,
or medication are involved. Patients wear no special equipment, and the treatment is delivered directly
through the skin with a handheld applicator. Some people experience mild soreness afterward, similar
to what is felt after a deep tissue massage, but this is a temporary and regular part of the healing
response. Shockwave therapy is considered safe, effective, and well-tolerated by most patients.

During treatment, a handheld applicator attached to the Chattanooga® RPW device is placed on the
skin over the problem area. The applicator delivers acoustic waves in rapid pulses for several minutes.
Patients typically feel a tapping or thumping sensation that is strong but tolerable. Sessions last about
5–15 minutes. Many notice reduced stiffness or improved mobility right away, while long-term
improvements build over a series of treatments.

The number of sessions depends on the condition and its severity. Acute problems may resolve in 3–5
treatments, while chronic conditions often require 6–10 or more. Sessions are typically scheduled once
or twice a week. Because shockwave therapy stimulates long-term healing, results usually continue
improving after the treatment series ends. Consistency is key to achieving lasting results, particularly
for conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis.

Many patients feel some relief after the first session, such as reduced pain or loosened muscles. For
chronic problems, improvements usually build gradually over several treatments as circulation
increases and tissues remodel. Because RPW (shockwave/softwave) therapy triggers the body’s
natural healing response, benefits often last beyond the treatment period, helping patients return to
activity with less discomfort and better mobility.

The acoustic waves act like a deep massage at the cellular level. They disrupt tight muscle fibers,
release adhesions, and improve blood flow to the affected area. This relaxes tissues, decreases
stiffness, and restores mobility. Shockwave therapy is especially effective for chronic tightness that
doesn’t respond to stretching alone. By reducing muscle tension, RPW therapy improves movement
patterns and reduces the likelihood of future strain or injury.

Yes. Shockwave/softwave therapy is widely used for chronic musculoskeletal pain caused by overuse,
poor healing, or degenerative changes. It stimulates new blood vessel growth, increases collagen
production, and promotes tissue repair, helping the body break out of a chronic inflammation cycle. This
makes it highly effective for long-term conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or calcific
tendonitis, that have not improved with other conservative treatments.

Most patients experience reduced pain, improved mobility, and greater function after a series of RPW
treatments. Acute injuries heal more quickly, while chronic conditions improve steadily as circulation
and tissue health are restored. Results are typically long-lasting, especially when combined with
chiropractic adjustments, stretching, or strengthening exercises. Many patients report that they can
return to normal activities or sports more comfortably and with a lower risk of recurring pain.