Shockwave Therapy in Pittsburgh, PA

Evidence-based radial shockwave therapy combined with individualized rehabilitation for stubborn tendon pain, overuse injuries, and selected musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr. Alex Tauberg, DC, CCSP®, PSP, CSCS

Shockwave therapy is available at our Harmar-area Pittsburgh office:
55 Alpha Drive West, Suite 6
Pittsburgh, PA 15238

300+ 5-star reviews across the practice | One-on-one care | Rehabilitation-focused treatment

Shockwave Therapy Should Be Part of a Treatment Plan, Not the Entire Treatment Plan

Shockwave therapy can be useful for certain persistent tendon and musculoskeletal problems, but owning a shockwave machine is not the same as knowing when the treatment is appropriate.

At The Pittsburgh Chiropractor, treatment begins by understanding the condition, how long it has been present, what has already been tried, how symptoms behave, and what activities the patient needs or wants to return to.

When radial shockwave therapy is appropriate, it may be combined with progressive strengthening, mobility work, load management, manual treatment, movement retraining, and other forms of rehabilitation.

The objective is not simply to apply a modality to a painful area. The objective is to develop a reasonable treatment strategy for improving pain, function, and tolerance to activity.

This combination of clinical assessment, shockwave treatment, active rehabilitation, and reassessment is central to how we approach persistent musculoskeletal problems.

Conditions We Commonly Treat With Radial Shockwave Therapy

Radial shockwave therapy is most useful when there is a reasonably clear diagnosis and the condition is appropriate for the treatment. It has been studied particularly for persistent tendon and overuse problems.

What Type of Shockwave Therapy Do We Use?

The Pittsburgh Chiropractor uses radial shockwave therapy, also referred to as radial pressure wave therapy.

The term “shockwave therapy” is commonly used by patients and clinicians to describe both radial and focused technologies, but radial and focused systems are not physically identical.

Radial Shockwave Therapy

A radial device generates pressure waves at the applicator that spread outward into the tissue and decrease in intensity with depth. This is the technology used in our Pittsburgh office.

Focused Shockwave Therapy

Focused extracorporeal shockwave systems generate acoustic energy that can be concentrated at a focal region deeper within the tissue. The way this energy is produced and distributed differs from radial treatment.

The International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment recognizes “radial shockwave therapy” as established medical terminology while explaining the technical distinction between focused shockwaves and radial pressure waves.

Does Shockwave Therapy Actually Work?

Shockwave therapy is supported by a substantial and growing body of musculoskeletal research, but the strength of the evidence varies by diagnosis, treatment protocol, and type of shockwave technology.

It should not be presented as a guaranteed cure or as a treatment that works equally well for every musculoskeletal condition.

Plantar Heel Pain

Plantar fasciopathy is among the most extensively researched musculoskeletal applications of shockwave therapy. Clinical trials and systematic reviews have reported improvements in pain and function in patients with persistent plantar heel pain, including research specifically involving radial shockwave protocols.

Chronic Tendon Problems

Shockwave therapy has also been studied for several chronic tendinopathies, including Achilles, patellar, elbow, gluteal, and shoulder tendon disorders.

Results vary depending on the tendon involved, duration of symptoms, treatment parameters, comparison treatment, shockwave technology, and whether treatment is combined with an appropriate exercise program.

Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been studied extensively for calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. Some treatment protocols have demonstrated improvements in pain and function as well as changes in calcium deposits.

Much of the evidence for calcific shoulder disease involves focused or higher-energy extracorporeal shockwave protocols. Those findings should not automatically be assumed to apply identically to radial pressure wave treatment.

What the Evidence Means in Practice

The important question is not simply whether a study has shown that shockwave can work.

More useful questions include whether the diagnosis is appropriate, whether the treatment protocol makes sense for that diagnosis, whether the patient is a good candidate, and what role rehabilitation should play alongside treatment.

Our approach is straightforward: use the available evidence as one part of clinical decision-making, select patients appropriately, and reassess whether treatment is actually helping.

What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Visit

Before Treatment

The painful area and relevant history are evaluated to determine whether radial shockwave therapy is appropriate.

Persistent tendon and musculoskeletal pain can have several possible causes. Treatment is generally more useful when it is directed at a reasonably established clinical problem rather than simply at the location where pain is felt.

During Treatment

A coupling gel is applied to the treatment area and a handheld radial shockwave applicator is positioned over the targeted tissue.

The device delivers repeated pressure pulses through the applicator. Treatment intensity can be adjusted based on the tissue being treated, treatment protocol, symptom irritability, and patient tolerance.

The shockwave portion of a visit is typically relatively short, commonly around 10 to 15 minutes.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Feel?

Patients commonly describe radial shockwave as repetitive tapping or pulsing. Sensitive areas may be uncomfortable during treatment, but the intensity can usually be adjusted.

More discomfort does not automatically mean that treatment is more effective.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

A short series of visits is common, often approximately 3 to 6 treatments. However, there is no universal number that is appropriate for every diagnosis.

Treatment frequency and total number of sessions depend on the condition, response to care, and overall treatment plan.

What Happens After Treatment?

Temporary soreness or tenderness can occur after radial shockwave therapy. Most patients can continue routine daily activities.

Running, jumping, heavy lifting, or other high-load activities may sometimes need to be modified depending on the tissue involved and stage of rehabilitation.

Is Radial Shockwave Therapy Right for Your Condition?

Shockwave therapy tends to make the most sense when the diagnosis is reasonably clear, symptoms have persisted long enough to justify an additional treatment strategy, and the patient can participate in an appropriate recovery plan.

It may be less useful when the painful area has not been adequately evaluated, symptoms are primarily coming from another structure, the condition is expected to improve with simpler measures, or the clinical problem is not well supported as an indication for shockwave.

Medical history and the specific treatment area also matter. Certain conditions may represent contraindications or require additional precautions.

For example, pregnancy when the fetus would be within the treatment field, malignancy within the treatment area, active infection in the treatment region, and certain implanted medical devices can require special consideration.

Why Choose The Pittsburgh Chiropractor for Shockwave Therapy?

Dr. Alex Tauberg combines sports chiropractic, spine-focused training, rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning principles when managing musculoskeletal conditions.

His musculoskeletal credentials include Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP®), Primary Spine Practitioner (PSP), and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

The clinical model at The Pittsburgh Chiropractor is intentionally different from treating shockwave as an isolated modality.

Care is provided one-on-one with an emphasis on understanding the clinical problem, selecting appropriate treatment, restoring function, and helping patients return to meaningful activities.

Shockwave Therapy Cost in Pittsburgh

We believe treatment pricing should be clear before care begins.

If you are uncertain whether your condition is likely to be appropriate for shockwave therapy, you can schedule a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation before deciding whether to come into the office.

Where Is Shockwave Therapy Offered?

Radial shockwave therapy is currently available at our Harmar-area Pittsburgh location:

The office is conveniently located for patients coming from Harmar, Oakmont, Fox Chapel, O’Hara Township, Springdale, the Allegheny Valley, and other communities throughout the greater Pittsburgh area.

Patients also travel from other parts of Pittsburgh when seeking sports injury care, rehabilitation, or shockwave therapy for a persistent tendon problem.

How Radial Shockwave Therapy May Work

Radial shockwave therapy delivers repeated mechanical pressure waves into targeted musculoskeletal tissue.

Researchers have proposed several ways these mechanical signals may influence pain and tissue behavior, although the relative importance of each mechanism is still being studied.

Mechanical Stimulation and Tissue Remodeling

One proposed effect of shockwave therapy is mechanotransduction, the process through which cells respond to mechanical stimulation.

Laboratory and clinical research suggests that shockwave treatment may influence cellular signaling involved in tendon remodeling, collagen organization, and tissue recovery.

Changes in Local Blood Flow

Shockwave treatment may influence local vascular responses and microcirculation.

Research has investigated signaling associated with new blood-vessel formation and changes in local circulation following shockwave exposure.

Pain Modulation

Shockwave therapy may affect pain through mechanisms involving peripheral nerves and chemical mediators involved in pain signaling.

Changes involving substances such as Substance P and CGRP have been investigated as possible contributors to pain modulation following shockwave treatment.

Tendon and Connective Tissue Responses

Experimental research has identified changes in fibroblast and tenocyte activity following shockwave exposure.

These cells play important roles in the maintenance and remodeling of connective tissue, which is one reason shockwave therapy has attracted particular interest for persistent tendinopathies.

Calcific Tendon Conditions

Shockwave therapy has also been investigated extensively for calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Certain extracorporeal shockwave protocols may contribute to changes in calcium deposits as well as improvements in pain and shoulder function.

The available research includes different shockwave technologies and treatment parameters. Evidence from focused shockwave protocols should not automatically be assumed to apply identically to radial pressure wave therapy.

Potential Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy

For appropriately selected musculoskeletal conditions, radial shockwave therapy offers several practical advantages.

Its role is generally best understood as one component of a broader treatment strategy rather than as a replacement for exercise, rehabilitation, or appropriate diagnostic evaluation.

Shockwave Is Not a Standalone Cure

One of the most important parts of using shockwave appropriately is understanding its limitations.

It cannot correct every cause of pain, it does not guarantee tissue healing, and it should not be used simply because an area is painful.

For a runner with Achilles tendinopathy, for example, shockwave may help as one component of treatment, but progressive calf loading and appropriate management of running demands may remain essential.

For someone with lateral hip pain related to gluteal tendinopathy, treatment may also need to address hip strength, compression tolerance, and activity modification.

That is why our approach combines radial shockwave therapy with broader musculoskeletal assessment and individualized rehabilitation when appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy in Pittsburgh

Is radial shockwave the same as focused shockwave therapy?

No. They are related treatment technologies, but they are not physically identical.

Focused systems concentrate acoustic energy at a focal region within the tissue. Radial systems generate pressure waves at the applicator that spread outward and decrease in intensity as they travel deeper into the tissue.

Our office uses radial shockwave therapy, also called radial pressure wave therapy.

How much does shockwave therapy cost?

Radial shockwave treatment at The Pittsburgh Chiropractor is $60 per session.

If a separate evaluation is necessary to establish the diagnosis or treatment plan, the evaluation fee is separate.

Does insurance cover shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is offered by our office as a self-pay service and is not billed as a covered insurance service.

Do I need a referral?

A physician referral is generally not required to schedule an appointment with The Pittsburgh Chiropractor.

The condition still needs to be evaluated appropriately before determining whether shockwave treatment makes sense.

How many shockwave sessions will I need?

Many treatment protocols use a short series, often approximately 3 to 6 sessions.

The appropriate number varies depending on the diagnosis, duration of symptoms, response to treatment, and overall rehabilitation plan.

How soon will I notice improvement?

Response varies between patients and conditions.

Some people notice changes relatively early in a treatment series, while others improve more gradually over the following weeks.

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Treatment can be uncomfortable over a sensitive tendon or symptomatic area, but intensity can usually be adjusted.

Patients commonly describe the sensation as rapid tapping or pulsing.

Are there side effects?

Temporary soreness, tenderness, mild redness, or minor swelling can occur after treatment. These effects are generally short-lived.

Can I exercise after shockwave therapy?

Often yes, but the answer depends on the condition.

Routine activity is usually possible, while high-load exercise may need to be temporarily modified.

For many tendon problems, appropriately dosed exercise remains an important component of treatment rather than something that must be completely avoided.

Does shockwave replace rehabilitation?

Usually not.

For many tendon and sports-related conditions, progressive rehabilitation remains an important component of recovery. Shockwave may complement that plan when clinically appropriate.

Is shockwave therapy safe?

When used appropriately and after proper screening, radial shockwave therapy is generally considered a non-invasive treatment with a relatively low risk of significant adverse effects.

Appropriate patient selection and attention to contraindications remain important.

What if shockwave is not the right treatment for me?

Then we should not use it.

The goal is to identify a reasonable treatment strategy for the actual condition. That may involve rehabilitation, another conservative approach, additional diagnostic evaluation, or referral to another healthcare professional when appropriate.

Where can I get shockwave therapy in Pittsburgh?

The Pittsburgh Chiropractor provides radial shockwave therapy at:

55 Alpha Drive West, Suite 6
Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Appointments can be booked online or by calling 412-517-8124.

Schedule Shockwave Therapy in Pittsburgh

If persistent plantar heel pain, tendon pain, an overuse injury, or another musculoskeletal problem has not responded as expected to conservative treatment, radial shockwave therapy may be worth considering.

The first priority is determining whether shockwave is appropriate for the diagnosis.

When it is, treatment can be integrated with a broader rehabilitation strategy designed around the condition, activity demands, and recovery goals.

Research and Professional References

• International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment. Recommendations and terminology related to extracorporeal shockwave therapy and radial pressure wave therapy.
• Rompe JD, Furia J, Maffulli N. One-year treatment follow-up of plantar fasciitis: radial shockwaves versus conventional physiotherapy.
• Research examining extracorporeal shockwave therapy for calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy.
• Research examining extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.