Radial Shockwave Therapy at Garey Orthopedic Medical Group

Chronic orthopedic pain or overuse injuries can keep you from enjoying daily life, exercise, and work. At Garey Orthopedic Medical Group, serving Pomona, Claremont, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, La Verne, Chino Hills, and the surrounding Inland Empire, we offer radial shockwave therapy (ESWT) as a non-surgical solution to help patients find lasting relief.

What is radial shockwave therapy?

Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) is an advanced, noninvasive treatment that delivers acoustic pressure waves to injured or chronically painful tissues. These energy pulses stimulate blood flow, decrease pain signals, and activate the body’s natural healing processes. By “re-starting” stalled tissue repair, shockwave therapy can help patients recover from orthopedic conditions that haven’t improved with stretching, rest, or medications.

Each session typically lasts five to ten minutes, requires no anesthesia, and allows you to walk out of the clinic and return to daily life immediately.

Conditions treated with shockwave therapy

Radial shockwave therapy is most effective for chronic tendon and soft tissue disorders. At Garey Orthopedic Medical Group, we use it to treat:

Plantar fasciitis / plantar fasciopathy – the leading cause of heel pain.
Achilles tendinopathy – both insertional and midsubstance.
Tennis/Golfer’s elbow (lateral/medial epicondylitis) – pain on the outside/inside of the elbow.
Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy – shoulder pain due to calcium deposits.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome – chronic lateral hip pain.
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee) – pain below the kneecap.
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) – exercise-induced shin pain.
Hamstring and gluteal tendinopathy – chronic sports-related tendon pain.

While plantar fasciopathy and calcific shoulder tendinopathy have the strongest evidence, growing research supports its use for elbow, hip, and knee disorders. For Achilles and patellar tendon problems, shockwave therapy is often most effective when paired with structured physical therapy and loading programs.

What the research says

Radial shockwave therapy has been studied extensively, with multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in recent years.

Plantar fasciitis: Strong evidence shows ESWT reduces heel pain and improves function compared with sham treatments and even steroid injections. A 2024 review found it superior to corticosteroids at mid-term follow up.
Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy: Studies confirm ESWT improves pain, range of motion, and helps break down calcium deposits in the shoulder.
Tennis/golfer’s elbow: Cortisone may provide faster relief at one month, but shockwave therapy produces superior results at three to six months with longer-lasting improvement.
Hip pain (Greater Trochanteric Bursitis): Research shows significant short-term pain relief with a series of three weekly treatments, especially when combined with strengthening exercises.
Achilles and patellar tendinopathy: Outcomes vary, but best results occur when ESWT is used alongside rehab and loading programs.

In summary: ESWT offers patients a safe, effective, evidence-based alternative to injections or surgery for many orthopedic conditions.

Benefits of shockwave therapy

Patients choose radial shockwave therapy at Garey Orthopedic Medical Group because it is:

Noninvasive – no injections, incisions, or anesthesia.
Quick – each session lasts less than 15 minutes.
Safe – side effects are minimal, usually limited to temporary redness or soreness.
Drug-free – no reliance on pain medications or anti-inflammatories.
Proven – supported by strong clinical evidence for chronic soft tissue conditions.

Unlike cortisone injections, which may weaken tissues if repeated, shockwave therapy works by stimulating natural healing rather than suppressing inflammation.

Preparing for your treatment

Preparing for ESWT is simple. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area. Stay hydrated before your session, and avoid applying topical creams to the area that day. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, stop anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) for 48 hours before and after treatment, since ESWT depends on your body’s controlled inflammatory healing response.

What to expect during treatment

Your orthopedic specialist will identify the painful area by touch and, when needed, with ultrasound guidance. A gel is applied, and the handheld device delivers rapid pulses of energy. The sensation is similar to strong tapping or vibration. Most patients find it tolerable, and intensity is adjusted to your comfort. The session lasts five to ten minutes per region.

Aftercare and recovery

You can walk immediately after treatment. Mild soreness for one to two days is normal. Use ice if needed and avoid anti-inflammatories for 48 hours. Your doctor may recommend stretches, progressive strengthening, or orthotic support to maximize results. Pairing shockwave therapy with rehabilitation often produces the best long-term outcomes.

Treatment schedule

Most patients undergo five sessions, spaced about one week apart. Some conditions respond after just two treatments, while others may benefit from up to five. Improvement typically develops over four to eight weeks as tissue healing progresses.

Safety and contraindications

Radial shockwave therapy is safe for most people. It is not recommended if you have:

Open wounds or skin infections in the treatment area
Blood clotting disorders or high-dose anticoagulation use
Active cancer or malignant tumors near the treatment site
Pregnancy (especially over the pelvis or lumbar spine)

Metal implants in the area are usually safe. Your doctor will review your medical history to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.

ESWT vs other treatments

Steroid injections: Fast pain relief but short-term and not always durable. ESWT offers longer-lasting results without tissue weakening.
Orthotics and bracing: Useful for support, but often paired with ESWT for stubborn cases.
Surgery: Reserved for severe, resistant cases. ESWT can often delay or eliminate the need for surgery.

Why choose Garey Orthopedic Medical Group?

At Garey Orthopedic Medical Group, our team of experienced orthopedic and foot & ankle specialists combines advanced technology with personalized care. We focus on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatments, and patient education. With locations in Pomona and Claremont, we proudly serve patients across the Inland Empire who are seeking relief from chronic heel, tendon, and joint pain.

Take the next step: If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain that hasn’t improved with rest, therapy, or injections, radial shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. Call Garey Orthopedic Medical Group today to schedule your consultation and learn if ESWT is right for you.