Is Shockwave Therapy Safe? Risks, Side Effects, & Who Should Avoid It

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe? Risks, Side Effects, & Who Should Avoid It

If you’ve been dealing with pain for a long time, you may have heard about Acoustic Wave Therapy (also called shockwave therapy).

A lot of people ask us:

“Is shockwave therapy safe?”

The short answer is:

For most people, yes.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to help injured tissue heal. At Thrive Chiropractic & Functional Health, we often combine it with chiropractic care and simple home exercises to help patients move better and hurt less.

But just like any treatment, there are a few things you should know before starting.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?

Most people say the treatment feels like:

• Tapping

• Pulsing

• Pressure

• Mild soreness

  
  

Some areas can feel more sensitive than others, especially if the tissue is very irritated.

Treatment usually lasts about 10–20 minutes.

Many patients are surprised at how fast it goes.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and temporary.

You may notice:

• Mild soreness

• Redness

• Tenderness

• Slight swelling

• Bruising

This usually goes away within a day or two.

In fact, mild soreness can actually be a sign your body is starting the healing process.

Is Shockwave Therapy Dangerous?

Serious problems are very rare when treatment is done correctly.

Shockwave therapy has been used around the world for many years and has been studied for conditions like:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Shoulder pain

• Tennis elbow

• Hip pain

• Achilles pain

• Knee pain

For most people, it is considered very safe.

Who Should Avoid Shockwave Therapy?

There are some people who should NOT receive shockwave therapy.

This may include people who:

• Are pregnant

• Have a blood-clotting disorder

• Take strong blood thinners

• Have an active infection

• Have certain nerve disorders

• Have cancer in the treatment area

• Have a pacemaker near the treatment area

• Have open wounds or fractures

This is why a proper exam matters.

At Thrive Chiropractic & Functional Health, we always evaluate your condition first to make sure treatment is appropriate for you.

Does Shockwave Therapy Actually Work?

For many people, yes.

But here’s something important:

Shockwave therapy is usually NOT a magic fix by itself.

That’s why we often combine it with:

• Chiropractic care

• Movement therapy

• Rehab exercises

• Home care recommendations

  
  

The goal is not just temporary relief.

The goal is helping your body heal and move better long-term.

What Conditions Can It Help?

Shockwave therapy is commonly used for:

• Chronic back pain

• Neck pain

• Plantar fasciitis

• Shoulder pain

• Hip pain

• Tennis elbow

• Tendon problems

• Muscle tightness

• Scar tissue

Many patients come to us after trying:

• Stretching

• Massage

• Rest

• Injections

• Pain medication

…without lasting relief.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dealing with pain that keeps coming back, shockwave therapy may be worth exploring.

For most people, it is:

✔ Safe

✔ Non-invasive

✔ Drug-free

✔ Fast

✔ Easy to tolerate

The best way to know if it’s right for you is to have a proper evaluation.

At Thrive Chiropractic & Functional Health, we’ll help you understand what may actually be causing your pain and whether shockwave therapy could help.

Ready to Learn More?

We’re currently offering a Complimentary Pain Relief Consultation for people struggling with chronic pain.

If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want to see if there may be another option, we’d love to help.

Click for Your Complimentary Pain Relief Consultation

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be made through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional familiar with your updated medical history.