What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment used by physical therapists to address chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, muscle tightness, and more. At Salisbury Physical Therapy, we’ve helped many individuals in Acworth, Dallas GA, and surrounding areas find lasting pain relief and restore their quality of life. Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy acoustic waves (electromagnetic in our clinic) to injured tissues, stimulating healing, breaking up scar tissue, and reducing pain at the source.

Is Shockwave Therapy Effective?

The effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy is supported by both clinical research and real-world results seen at Salisbury Physical Therapy. This treatment directly stimulates tissue repair, reduces pain mediators, increases blood flow, and can break up calcified deposits. Many individuals in Acworth and Dallas GA have reported reduced pain, improved mobility, and faster recovery from chronic and stubborn conditions after incorporating shockwave therapy into their plan of care.

How is Shockwave Therapy Different from Other Modalities?

This is a common question. While massage, cupping, or electrical stimulation can address pain and tightness, shockwave therapy goes deeper by delivering controlled energy pulses into damaged or inflamed tissue. Unlike passive treatments, shockwave prompts a biological response—stimulating your body to accelerate its own healing. At Salisbury Physical Therapy, we use electromagnetic shockwave therapy, which allows for precise targeting and deeper tissue effects without invasive procedures.

How Does it Work?

Shockwave Therapy works through multiple mechanisms. The acoustic waves:

• Stimulate local blood circulation and metabolism
• Trigger the release of growth factors
• Break up adhesions and scar tissue
• Reduce pain by altering nerve signal transmission
• Promote collagen production and tissue regeneration

Think of it as a cellular-level reset. For many chronic issues that haven’t responded to other treatments, shockwave acts like a wake-up call to the healing system—activating repair processes that have gone dormant.

What can Shockwave Therapy Help?

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Tendinitis & Tendinosis (shoulder, elbow, hip, Achilles)
• Calcific Tendinopathy
• Trigger Points & Muscle Knots
• Back and Neck Pain
• Shin Splints
• Hip Pain
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow
• Heel Spurs
• Chronic Joint Pain
• Sports Injuries
• Scar Tissue & Adhesions

If you’re struggling with ongoing pain or injury in the Dallas or Acworth area, this may be the next step in your recovery.

What does Shockwave Therapy Feel like?

Most people describe the sensation as a series of rapid, firm pulses—like a mild tapping or snapping feeling on the skin. It can feel more intense over very tight or irritated areas. Some describe it as strange but tolerable. The treatment typically lasts 5–10 minutes and is well-tolerated by most people. Post-treatment, there may be some mild soreness or fatigue in the area, similar to what you might feel after a workout.

How Long Will it Take for Shockwave Therapy to Work? How Long Do Results Last?

Many people experience relief within 1–3 sessions, but optimal results often occur after 3–6 treatments, depending on the condition. Chronic issues may take longer, especially if underlying problems (such as biomechanics or muscle imbalances) are also contributing. The goal is long-term resolution, not temporary relief, and most people find that their pain does not return once the tissues are healed and normal function is restored—especially when combined with rehab exercises.

Is Shockwave Therapy Better Than Other Treatments and Modalities?

That depends. People respond to different types of treatments and sometimes conditions at different times respond in different ways. Massage or soft tissue and cupping both have similar aims and some people may respond to these better during a phase in rehabilitation than dry needling. In general I have found that dry needling is one of the more efficient techniques in accomplishing decreasing trigger points, pain and improving muscle function.

Are There Any Side Effects of Shockwave Therapy?

Most people experience little to no side effects. However, some may feel:

• Temporary soreness, like after a deep massage
• Redness or slight bruising at the treatment site
• Sensitivity in the treated area for 24–48 hours

These effects are normal and short-lived. Rarely, individuals may have an exaggerated response, but these are uncommon. At Salisbury Physical Therapy, we use evidence-based protocols and take every precaution to ensure your safety and comfort. If you have concerns, we’re happy to talk them through with you.

Does Insurance Cover Shockwave Therapy?

Currently, shockwave therapy is not covered by most insurance providers, including Medicare. However, at Salisbury Physical Therapy, we offer affordable self-pay options so you can access the care you need. We’ll go over all pricing upfront and offer packages to make your recovery cost-effective and convenient.

Curious to see what Shockwave Therapy Looks Like?Check at this video.

Video Coming Soon.