SHOCKWAVE THERAPY IN GREENVILLE, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026

Shockwave therapy (extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that sends acoustic pressure waves into irritated tendons and soft tissue to stimulate the body's own repair process. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we use shockwave therapy as one part of a care plan for stubborn tendon and soft-tissue pain, combined with chiropractic care, hands-on soft-tissue work and rehab.

What shockwave therapy is commonly used for

Shockwave has its strongest research support for long-standing (chronic) tendon problems, the kind that linger for months despite rest, stretching or injections. We commonly use it for:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
• Outer hip pain (gluteal tendinopathy / greater trochanteric pain)
• Shoulder tendon pain, including calcific tendinopathy and rotator cuff problems
• Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)

Not every case is a good fit. We'll examine you first and tell you honestly whether shockwave makes sense for your problem.

How shockwave therapy works

The pressure waves create a controlled mechanical stimulus in the tissue. That stimulus is thought to:

• increase local blood flow and the formation of new small blood vessels,
• signal the tendon to remodel and lay down new collagen, and
• calm pain signaling in the treated area for a period of time.

Shockwave works best when it's paired with the right exercise. Tendons get stronger when they're loaded progressively, so your plan will include a rehab program and, where it helps, chiropractic care, Active Release Technique or dry needling.

What to expect at a shockwave session

Shockwave is done right in our office. After a quick check-in on how you're doing, your provider applies a small amount of gel and moves a handheld applicator over the sore area for a few minutes. You'll feel a rapid tapping; it can be uncomfortable over the most irritated spot, and we adjust the intensity so it stays tolerable. There are no needles, no medication and no downtime. Most people go right back to work, training or competition the same day; some feel mild soreness for a day.

Who should not have shockwave therapy

We screen for these at your exam. Shockwave is generally avoided:

• during pregnancy (over the abdomen or low back),
• with blood-clotting disorders or blood-thinning medication,
• over a tumor, an active infection or an open wound,
• over growth plates in children and teens, and
• over the chest of someone with a pacemaker.

Shockwave therapy FAQs

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

It's usually described as a strong tapping that can be uncomfortable over the sorest spot. We adjust the intensity to keep it tolerable, and sessions only take a few minutes.

How many shockwave sessions will I need?

It varies from person to person. We'll recommend a plan after your exam, combined with a rehab program, and adjust it as you progress.

How soon will I notice a difference?

It varies. Because shockwave works by stimulating the body's repair process, improvement often builds gradually and can continue after your last session. Results vary.

Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans don't cover shockwave, so it's a self-pay service. We'll go over costs and package options before you start.

Can I train or compete after shockwave?

Usually, yes. Shockwave has no downtime, and most athletes return to training or competition the same day. We'll tell you if there's any reason to modify your activity.

Shockwave therapy is offered when clinically appropriate after an exam. Individual results vary. Carolina Active Health Chiropractic · 800 E Washington St, Ste B, Greenville, SC.