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Our Most Frequently Asked Questions About ESWT

August 13, 2025, 7:51 AM
  • What is ESWT?
    Extracorporeal shockwave therapy treats your pain non-invasively. ESWT is an evidence-based treatment that was originally developed to disintegrate kidney stones several decades ago. Its mechanism of action is based on acoustic mechanical waves that act at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels to generate a biological response.

  • Is there a difference between EPAT and ESWT?
    There is an important difference between radial shockwave therapy (also known as Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology - EPAT) and focused shockwave therapy. Focused ESWT, which is the machine we have at Delaware Sports Medicine, uses hydroelectric impulses to create a soundwave that is much more focused and can penetrate deeper than those generated by radial ESWT. Radial ESWT only penetrates to a depth of about 1 cm and most of the energy is distributed at the skin surface. This can be effective for superficial tendon injuries (such as tennis elbow) and myofascial pain but cannot penetrate deep enough for effective treatment for deeper tendons such as the rotator cuff, hamstring, or gluteal tendons. It is also not effective for calcium deposits.

  • How does ESWT work?
    ESWT helps to break up adhesions, calcifications, scar tissue, and ossifications that are causing delay in the healing process. This promotes healthy new blood flow to allow the healing process to restart.

  • What injuries are treated with ESWT?
    Research supports the healing process of chronic tendon injuries. We frequently treat tennis/golf elbow and tendinosis of the achilles tendon, patella tendon, plantar fascia, hamstring, glutes, rotator cuff, and adductors. This is not an all-inclusive list.

  • Is this covered by insurance?
    Unfortunately, ESWT is not covered by insurance. There is not a billing code for this procedure. Our current pricing reflects $165 per body part, per treatment.

  • When can I start treatment?
    Usually, this treatment is indicated if a trial of home exercises, physical therapy, or other procedures have not been recently helpful.

  • How often is the treatment?
    Once a week for a minimum of 3 weeks. With more chronic or severe conditions, additional treatments may be necessary.

  • How long does the treatment take?
    5-10 minutes per body part, depending on intensity

  • What does it feel like?
    A deep, achy sensation. The sound waves pass through healthy tissue without eliciting a pain response. We titrate it between a 3 or 4 out of 10 on your pain scale.

  • What medications can I continue to take?
    Your medications are safe to take with this treatment. However, we strongly suggest avoiding any NSAIDs or steroids 1 week before treatment and to continue to avoid up to 6 weeks after treatment to allow inflammation to naturally occur. Tylenol, moist heat, and topical analgesics are best for discomfort during this treatment. Please discuss these at your appointment.

  • What happens if my schedule changes?
    Treatment is most effective if appointments are 1 week apart. If it needs to be spaced closer together or further spaced out, that can be arranged.

  • Do I have any restrictions after treatment?
    There are no restrictions after treatment. We do ask that you avoid soft tissue modalities (eg: dry needling, deep tissue massage, etc.) over the area during this time. You may feel an increase in soreness 24-48 hours after treatment which is something you may need to plan around.

  • When will I start to see results?
    This depends on the injury and chronicity. Some conditions take only 1 or 2 sessions to notice a difference. Other times, it may not be until the 3rd or 4th treatments.

Contact Us

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OUR LOCATIONS

North Wilmington Office
Address
1403 Foulk Rd, Suite 103, Wilmington, DE 19803
Contact Information

Phone: (302) 792-7222
Fax: (302) 792-7220
Townsend Office
Address
3920 S. Dupont Pkwy, Townsend, DE, 19734
Contact Information

Phone: (302) 792-7222
Fax: (302) 792-7220

OFFICE HOURS

Monday
09:00 am - 03:00 pm
Tuesday
09:00 am - 04:00 pm
Wednesday
09:00 am - 04:00 pm
Thuirsday
09:00 am - 03:00 pm
Friday
Every other Friday 09:00 am - 03:00 pm
Weekend
Closed

OFFICE HOURS

Monday
09:00 am - 03:00 pm
Tuesday
09:00 am - 04:00 pm
Wednesday
09:00 am - 04:00 pm
Thursday
09:00 am - 03:00 pm
Friday
Every other Friday
09:00 am - 03:00 pm
Weekend
Closed