Member May 2026: Advances in Shockwave Therapy for Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This member community session on shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal conditions provided a broad overview of current evidence, terminology, clinical applications, and procedural best practices. Speakers emphasized the importance of distinguishing true extracorporeal shockwave therapy from radial pressure wave devices, noting that focused shockwave is the correct term for true shockwave systems, while radial devices should be documented as radial pressure wave therapy. They reviewed how these technologies work, highlighting cellular mechanotransduction and pain-modulating effects such as hyperstimulation analgesia.<br /><br />The session summarized evidence for many indications, especially plantar fasciopathy, lateral epicondylopathy, calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, gluteal and proximal hamstring tendinopathy, knee osteoarthritis, bone stress injuries, delayed union/nonunion fractures, adhesive capsulitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and spasticity. Focused shockwave tends to be preferred for deeper or osseous pathology, while radial pressure wave therapy is often used for more superficial soft-tissue conditions.<br /><br />Practical guidance included selecting appropriate energy levels, impulse counts, applicator heads, patient positioning, and using clinical focusing rather than routine imaging guidance. Speakers recommended avoiding local anesthesia and NSAIDs when possible, continuing physical therapy during treatment, and documenting treatment parameters carefully to improve reproducibility and outcomes research. They also discussed contraindications and precautions, including active infection, malignancy, severe coagulopathy, and caution with pacemakers or other electronic implants.<br /><br />The session concluded with patient counseling points: treatment is typically noninvasive, often requires three to five sessions, can cause temporary soreness or bruising, and is usually paid out of pocket because insurance coverage remains limited.

Keywords

shockwave therapy

extracorporeal shockwave therapy

radial pressure wave therapy

musculoskeletal conditions

plantar fasciopathy

tendinopathy

pain modulation

clinical best practices

treatment parameters

contraindications

patient counseling