Focused Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Deep, pinpointed acoustic energy for stubborn tendon and bone pain.
Frequently layered with Radial Pressure Wave (EPAT) and EMTT in the same plan.
Imaging-guided precision
When the case calls for it, Clarius MSK diagnostic ultrasound is used to either differentiate between two possible diagnoses or guide treatment precisely to the right spot. It's quick, in-office, and used selectively, not for every patient every time.
Learn about Clarius MSKWhat it is
Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) delivered with Storz Medical DUOLITH equipment. Pinpointed acoustic energy reaches deep tissue to stimulate a controlled healing response in chronic tendon, fascial, and bone-related conditions that haven't responded to rest, stretching, or generic rehab.
How it works
High-energy focused acoustic waves penetrate to a precise depth in the tissue and trigger a controlled biological response: neovascularization (new blood vessel growth), collagen remodeling, modulation of pain signaling, and, when present, breakdown of calcific deposits in tendon. In short, the wave delivers a targeted mechanical stimulus that restarts a stalled healing process. Targeting is informed by Clarius MSK diagnostic ultrasound when the case calls for precision.
Who it's for
- Chronic or stubborn tendinopathy that hasn't responded to rest, stretching, or generic rehab
- Calcific tendinopathy (e.g., rotator cuff)
- Plantar fasciitis / chronic heel pain
- Bone stress injuries and bone-related pain
- Deep targets that need pinpoint accuracy rather than broad coverage
What it helps
- Plantar fasciitis / heel spur
- Achilles & patellar tendinopathy
- Bone stress injuries
- Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff
- Chronic insertional tendon pain
- Greater trochanteric pain / hip tendinopathy
What to expect
A typical course is approximately 6 weekly visits, about 30 minutes each. It's non-invasive with no downtime, so you can usually train around it. Results build over the series and continue developing for months after the final session as the tissue remodels. Most people describe focused shockwave as a strong, deep tapping sensation. It's intense in the moment, easy to tolerate, and leaves no recovery time afterward.
Why my shockwave is different
Storz Medical equipment
Dr. Patane uses Storz Medical DUOLITH devices, the gold-standard in focused and radial shockwave, not the cheaper electromagnetic knock-offs many clinics rely on.
Expert-trained protocols
Treatment parameters come from advanced mentorship with internationally recognized experts in shockwave for running and tendon injury, not a one-day weekend certification.
Whole-runner integration
Shockwave is delivered inside the ADAPT framework (assessment → load management → loading rehab), as part of a plan rather than a standalone "zap and hope" treatment.
FAQ
Does focused shockwave hurt?+
There's some discomfort during the pulses. Most people describe it as a strong, deep tapping. I dial the intensity to your tolerance throughout, no anesthetic is needed, and it stops the moment I stop.
How many sessions will I need?+
A typical course is approximately 6 weekly visits, about 30 minutes each. Some cases need fewer, some need more, and I reassess every visit.
How soon will I see results?+
Some change can show up inside the series, but the bigger gains build over the months after the final session as the tendon remodels. I'm treating biology, not masking a symptom.
Is there any downtime? Can I keep training?+
No real downtime. You can train around it. I'll coach you on what to load, what to dial back for 24–48 hours after a session, and how to integrate it with your running or strength work.
Is it safe? Is it FDA-cleared?+
Yes, shockwave and EMTT are FDA-cleared, well-studied, and have been used clinically for decades. There are a few situations where I don't use it (pregnancy, certain implants, blood thinners, active cancer in the treatment area, open wounds). I screen for all of that at your evaluation.
Who is NOT a good candidate?+
I avoid shockwave during pregnancy, over active malignancy in the treatment area, over open wounds or active infection, and over certain implants or pacemakers. Patients on blood thinners need a conversation first. I screen all of this at evaluation.
How is this different from cortisone or surgery?+
Cortisone calms inflammation short-term but can weaken tendon tissue over time. Surgery is a last-resort option with a long recovery. Focused shockwave is non-invasive, stimulates actual healing of the tissue, and lets you keep training. I use it specifically so people can avoid the cortisone-or-surgery fork.
How is this different from the shockwave at other clinics?+
I use Storz Medical DUOLITH (the clinical gold-standard hardware, not the cheaper electromagnetic knock-offs), protocols built from advanced mentorship rather than a weekend course, and Clarius MSK ultrasound to guide treatment when precision targeting matters.
What happens at the first visit?+
A full evaluation: history, exam, movement screen, and ultrasound imaging if it'll sharpen the diagnosis or treatment target. Then I lay out the plan, including how many sessions, what I expect, how it fits with your training, and what you'll do between visits.
How long do results last?+
Because shockwave drives actual tissue remodeling, not just symptom relief, results tend to hold long-term when paired with the loading and movement work I build into the plan. Most patients don't need ongoing maintenance sessions.
Is it covered by insurance?+
Form & Function is a cash-based (self-pay) practice. I don't bill insurance directly, which lets me spend more time with you and build your plan around what you actually need instead of what an insurer will approve. Fees are discussed up front. On request I can provide a detailed receipt (superbill) you may submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, though reimbursement isn't guaranteed.
Conditions I use it for
Book your evaluation.
I'll figure out whether Focused is the right fit for your case.