Find lasting relief from stubborn pain with shockwave therapy in Vermont
Explore non-invasive pain relief at Living Well Physical Therapy
Shockwave At Living Well
Looking for reliable heel pain treatment, relief from tennis elbow or shoulder pain, or help with lingering sports injuries in Vermont? If stretches, rest, or injections haven’t given you the outcome you hoped for, consider a different option: Shockwave Therapy.
What is shockwave therapy?
The science behind Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Shockwave Therapy (also called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, ESWT) is a non‑surgical treatment that uses focused acoustic sound waves to jump‑start your body’s healing. Unlike medicines or operations, shockwave therapy:
Increases blood flow to injured tissues
Breaks down scar tissue to restore movement
Reduces inflammation and eases pain
Speeds healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments
We provide treatments at our Living Well VT clinic, delivered by experienced clinicians—no needles, no surgery, and only minimal discomfort.
Conditions treated with shockwave therapy
Common injuries and chronic pain we address:
Our shockwave therapy program is backed by current research and often helps with:
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain): Faster pain relief and more comfortable walking
Tennis elbow & golfer’s elbow: Eases pain from repetitive activity
Achilles tendonitis: Encourages repair for ankle and heel issues
Shoulder tendinitis & calcific tendonitis: Helps break down calcium build‑up and restore motion
Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee): Reduces knee pain from overuse or sports
Chronic muscle knots / trigger points: Releases deep muscle tension
If other treatments haven’t helped, shockwave therapy could be the next step. Many musculoskeletal issues can benefit—contact us to schedule a personalized assessment.
What to expect during your shockwave therapy session
Your visit at Living Well Physical Therapy
Each session typically takes about 5–15 minutes. During your visit:
We apply gel to the treatment area
The shockwave device is placed gently on your skin
Short pulses of energy are delivered to the injured tissue
You may feel light tapping or mild tingling
There’s no downtime—return to normal activities right away
Most people need 3–8 sessions, usually spaced about a week apart, to get the best results.
What does the research say?
Evidence‑based pain relief
Recent studies (2020–2024) show promising results:
Over 80% of patients with chronic tendon pain report meaningful improvement
Better outcomes for many conditions compared with rest, injections, or physical therapy alone
Particularly effective for plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and shoulder pain
For a clinical overview, see the Mayo Clinic’s summary of shockwave therapy.
Why choose Living Well for shockwave therapy?
No surgery, no medications, no downtime
Short sessions that can lead to long‑lasting relief
Personalized care: We combine shockwave therapy with hands‑on physical therapy, tailored exercise plans, and chiropractic adjustments to support full recovery
“Many of our patients tried everything else—shockwave therapy was the first thing that worked!”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Shockwave therapy is non‑invasive and uses focused sound waves to encourage tissue healing rather than masking pain with medication. Instead of only treating symptoms, it increases blood flow, helps break down scar tissue, and reduces inflammation—so you’re addressing the root of the problem and supporting faster recovery.
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Shockwave therapy is safe for most people, but it isn’t right for everyone. People with certain conditions—like bleeding disorders, active infections, or tumors in the treatment area—may need to avoid it. We’ll review your medical history and do a personalized assessment to make sure it’s a safe option for you.
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At your first session we’ll assess your condition, explain the plan, and apply gel to the area being treated. The device is held against your skin and delivers short pulses of energy—you may notice a tapping or tingling sensation. Sessions usually last 5–15 minutes and you can resume everyday activities immediately afterward.
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Most patients benefit from 3 to 8 sessions, scheduled about a week apart. The exact number depends on the severity of your condition and how you respond. We’ll monitor progress and adjust your plan to get the best outcome.
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Side effects are usually mild and short‑lived—some people experience temporary soreness, redness, or slight swelling where the treatment was applied. These reactions tend to resolve quickly and are part of the normal healing response. If you have concerns, we’ll talk through them before starting treatment.
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Yes. At Living Well Physical Therapy we often pair shockwave therapy with hands‑on physical therapy, customized exercise programs, and chiropractic care to address pain from multiple angles. That combined approach helps improve function and supports lasting recovery.