SoftWave shockwave therapy sessions involve a handheld device delivering acoustic sound waves directly to the injured area for a few minutes, with no needles, no incisions, and no downtime afterward. Dr. Jeff Swanson, D.C., CSCS, FASA, at Cedar Park Chiropractic & Acupuncture uses the FDA-approved SoftWave OrthoGold 350 device to treat patients throughout Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Bee Cave, and the greater Austin area for conditions ranging from rotator cuff pain to tennis elbow to Achilles tendinitis. Here’s a walkthrough of exactly what to expect from evaluation to treatment to recovery.
What Happens at the First Shockwave Therapy Visit?
The first shockwave therapy visit starts with a consultation and evaluation, where Dr. Swanson reviews the patient’s symptom history, prior treatments already tried, and performs a physical exam of the affected area. This step matters because shockwave therapy isn’t the right fit for every condition or every stage of injury — it tends to work best for chronic, stubborn cases that haven’t responded to rest, physical therapy, or medication, rather than a brand-new injury in its first few days. Once Dr. Swanson confirms shockwave therapy is appropriate, treatment typically begins the same day, so most patients walk out having already had their first session.
What Does the Treatment Itself Involve?
During treatment, Dr. Swanson applies the SoftWave device directly to the skin over the injured area, delivering acoustic pulses in a rhythmic pattern. Because SoftWave uses unfocused acoustic waves that spread energy across a broader treatment area, roughly the size and depth of a soup can, it treats the surrounding tissue rather than concentrating force on one single point, which is a meaningful difference from older focused shockwave devices. A typical session takes only a few minutes per area treated, and no anesthesia, numbing, or sedation is used or needed.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
Shockwave therapy is generally uncomfortable rather than outright painful, with most patients describing a deep pressure or pulsing sensation as the acoustic waves reach the tissue. Sensitivity varies depending on how inflamed or degenerated the area is — a long-neglected tendon injury may feel more tender initially than it will after a session or two. Dr. Swanson adjusts the device’s intensity based on each patient’s tolerance and talks through what to expect before starting, so there are no surprises once treatment begins.
Is There Any Downtime After a Shockwave Session?
There’s no downtime after a shockwave therapy session — patients typically return to normal activity immediately, including work, exercise, and daily routines. Some patients experience mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area for a day or two afterward, similar to the feeling after a deep tissue massage or a new workout, but this isn’t a restriction, just a common short-term sensation. This no-downtime aspect is part of why shockwave therapy fits so well for Cedar Park patients who can’t afford to take extended time off from work, parenting, or an active lifestyle to address chronic pain.
How Many Sessions Are in a Typical Shockwave Treatment Plan?
Most shockwave treatment plans involve a series of sessions spaced about a week apart, since the therapy works by triggering a biological healing response that builds progressively across multiple visits rather than resolving in one appointment. The total number of sessions depends on the specific condition, how long it’s been present, and how the tissue responds — a shoulder, elbow, or Achilles tendon that’s been symptomatic for a year typically needs a longer series than one caught within a couple of months. Dr. Swanson reassesses progress throughout the series and adjusts the plan based on what he’s seeing rather than committing every patient to an identical schedule.
When Will I Notice Results From Shockwave Therapy?
Some patients notice initial improvement within the first few sessions, while the full tissue regeneration process typically continues developing over several weeks, even after the treatment series itself has concluded. This delayed-but-continuing improvement is expected, since shockwave therapy works by activating the body’s own healing mechanisms rather than providing instant symptom relief the way a pain medication or injection might. Dr. Swanson sets realistic expectations at the outset so patients understand that steady progress, not overnight results, is the typical pattern.
What Conditions Is Shockwave Therapy Used For?
Shockwave therapy at Cedar Park Chiropractic & Acupuncture is used for a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including rotator cuff pain, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, gluteal tendonitis, knee pain, and peripheral neuropathy. Across all of these conditions, the common thread is chronic tissue damage that hasn’t resolved with more conservative treatment, which is exactly the kind of stalled healing shockwave therapy is designed to restart. Dr. Swanson evaluates each patient’s specific condition individually rather than applying a one-size-fits-all protocol, since the treatment approach and expected session count differ depending on the tissue involved.
Cedar Park Chiropractic & Acupuncture
345 Cypress Creek Road #103, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Phone: (512) 335-0641
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Hours:
Monday: 9 to 12:30 & 3 to 6
Tuesday: 9 to 12:30 & 3 to 6
Wednesday: 9 to 12:30 & 3 to 6
Thursday: 9 to 12:30
Friday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy Sessions
How long does a shockwave therapy session take?
A shockwave therapy session typically takes just a few minutes per area treated, and appointments including check-in usually run well under an hour.
Do I need to prepare anything before a shockwave therapy appointment?
No special preparation is required before a shockwave therapy appointment. Patients can eat, drink, and go about their normal routine beforehand, and no fasting or medication adjustments are needed.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for shockwave therapy varies by plan and provider. The Cedar Park Chiropractic & Acupuncture office can help verify individual benefits, and cash-pay options are available for patients without coverage.
Can I drive myself home after a shockwave therapy session?
Yes, since no anesthesia or sedation is used, patients can drive themselves to and from appointments and resume normal activity immediately afterward.
Will I need shockwave therapy on an ongoing basis, or is it a one-time treatment plan?
Shockwave therapy is typically delivered as a defined series of sessions to resolve a specific condition, not an ongoing treatment. Some patients return for periodic sessions later if a new issue develops, but it isn’t structured as continuous maintenance care.
What should I do differently between shockwave therapy sessions?
Dr. Swanson provides guidance specific to the condition being treated, which often includes modifying aggravating activities, targeted stretching or strengthening, and general advice for supporting the tissue while it heals between visits.
Can shockwave therapy be combined with chiropractic adjustments in the same visit?
Yes, shockwave therapy is often combined with chiropractic adjustments or other physiotherapy modalities in the same visit, since addressing joint mechanics and soft tissue healing together frequently produces better overall results than either approach alone.