Shockwave Therapy

One of NYC’s Most Experienced Focused Shockwave Practices.

Non-invasive pain relief and tissue regeneration for chronic tendon, joint, and soft-tissue conditions. Available at our Manhattan and Huntington locations.

Since 2015Delivering focused and radial ESWT before most clinics adopted it
Both ModalitiesFocused and radial in-house — most clinics only offer one
Face to FootEvery major musculoskeletal condition — shoulder, spine, elbow, hip, knee, foot, plus face and jaw
Focused and radial shockwave therapy applied to the elbow

Experience Matters

A Decade of Clinical Shockwave Expertise

Shockwave therapy is only as effective as the clinician delivering it. We’ve been delivering focused and radial ESWT since 2015 — long before most clinics adopted the technology — across every major tendon, joint, and soft-tissue condition.

Focused & Radial ESWTTwo shockwave technologies available in-house.
Since 2015Over a decade of clinical shockwave experience.
Manhattan + West HillsAvailable at our NYC and Huntington locations.
Face to FootUsed for tendon, joint, fascia, muscle, and soft-tissue conditions.

What It Is

What Is Shockwave Therapy — and When Should You Consider It?

Chronic musculoskeletal conditions like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and tennis elbow can resist traditional treatments. Shockwave therapy uses targeted acoustic energy to penetrate deep into tissue — reaching areas other methods simply cannot — and stimulating your body’s natural healing response at the cellular level, including the activation and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells that drive tissue repair and regeneration.

Also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or acoustic wave therapy, this non-invasive treatment has been used in orthopedic and sports medicine for over two decades. It’s increasingly recommended as an alternative to surgery and cortisone injections, particularly when conservative treatments like physical therapy have reached their limits.

The Difference

Shockwave Activates Your Body’s Own Stem Cells

Unlike cortisone injections that mask pain or anti-inflammatories that slow healing, focused shockwave triggers your body’s mesenchymal stem cells — the cells responsible for rebuilding damaged tissue. Peer-reviewed research shows ESWT enhances stem cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation at the injury site, which is why patients don’t just feel better — they heal.

The Science

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

A handheld device delivers high-energy acoustic waves into the treatment area. These pressure pulses activate your body’s own stem cells, increase blood flow, break down calcifications, and remodel collagen — driving real tissue regeneration, not just pain relief.

01

Stimulates Blood Flow

Acoustic waves increase microcirculation to the affected area, delivering oxygen and nutrients that accelerate tissue repair. Clinical research calls this neovascularization.

02

Breaks Down Calcification

Focused pressure waves dissolve calcium deposits and scar tissue that contribute to chronic pain, restoring mobility and range of motion.

03

Activates Stem Cells

Shockwaves stimulate your body’s mesenchymal stem cells and natural repair mechanisms — triggering collagen remodeling and real tissue regeneration at the injury site, not just masking the pain.

See It In Action

Shockwave Therapy in Practice

Watch how radial and focused ESWT are applied during a typical treatment session.

Radial Shockwave (rESWT)

Focused Shockwave (fESWT)

Why CityIR

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy at CityIR?

Non-invasive with no downtime

No surgery, no injections, no medications. Walk in, get treated, and return to your day immediately.

Treats chronic conditions at the source

Unlike pain medications that mask symptoms, ESWT addresses the underlying tissue damage causing your pain. By promoting cellular repair and regeneration, shockwave delivers lasting results.

Experienced, specialized providers

Our team has extensive training in focused shockwave technology and tailors every treatment — and we’ve been doing it longer than most clinics in the region.

Real Outcomes

Shockwave Case Studies from Our Practice

Representative patient outcomes from our Manhattan and Huntington clinics. Names and identifying details have been changed for privacy.

01
Plantar Fasciitis

Back on the court after 8 months of heel pain

Problem — Eight months of sharp heel pain after ramping up to pickleball 4–5 times a week; orthotics, a cortisone injection, and months of stretching hadn’t helped, and surgery was the next option suggested. Treatment — 5 sessions of focused shockwave to the plantar fascia origin, paired with corrective gait work. Outcome — Pain-free within 4 weeks and back to full sessions on the court — no surgery, no icing afterward.

02
Tennis Elbow

Relief after 6 months of failed treatments

Problem — Six months of lateral elbow pain that made typing, mousing, and carrying a briefcase painful; rest, NSAIDs, a strap, and two months of physical therapy had failed, with a PRP injection recommended next. Treatment — 6 sessions of focused shockwave on the lateral epicondyle plus eccentric loading. Outcome — Full resolution — back to a normal workday and weekend tennis without restriction.

03
Patellar Tendinopathy

Back to league basketball after a year of knee pain

Problem — Over a year of chronic patellar tendon pain limited him to pickup games with ice and ibuprofen afterward, and four months of physical therapy had plateaued. Treatment — 4 sessions of focused shockwave to the patellar tendon with a progressive loading program. Outcome — Returned to full league play within 6 weeks, pain-free, with no recurrence in the 8 months since.

04
Partial Rotator Cuff Tear

Surgery recommended. Surgery avoided.

Problem — Over a year of right shoulder pain with an MRI-confirmed partial supraspinatus tear; his surgeon recommended arthroscopic repair and a 4–6 month recovery. Treatment — 6 sessions of focused shockwave to the supraspinatus and rotator cuff plus targeted scapular stabilization. Outcome — Pain resolved and overhead motion restored; follow-up confirmed surgery was no longer indicated, and he’s back to golf without restriction.

Individual results vary. The case studies above are representative of outcomes we’ve seen in our practice and are not a guarantee of specific results. Treatment plans are customized based on diagnosis, imaging, and individual response to care.

What to Expect

What to Expect During Shockwave Treatment

Focused shockwave therapy is performed in-office and does not require anesthesia or downtime for most patients.

A shockwave therapy treatment session at CityIR
01

Diagnosis & Assessment

We evaluate your condition and determine if shockwave is the right approach, following evidence-based protocols.

02

Treatment Sessions

Typically 4–6 sessions, each 15–20 minutes. Mild discomfort is normal; no anesthesia needed.

03

No Recovery Time

Return to normal activities immediately. Most patients resume exercise within 24–48 hours.

04

Progressive Improvement

Some patients notice improvement immediately, while others begin to feel relief within 2–3 sessions. Full results develop over 6–12 weeks.

What We Treat

Conditions Shockwave Therapy Treats

Stimulating your body’s own repair process for lasting recovery — not just pain relief.

Tendon Injuries & Tears

  • Rotator cuff tears (partial)
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
  • Bicipital tendinitis

Muscle & Soft Tissue

  • Muscle strains & partial tears
  • Trigger points
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • IT band syndrome
  • Hamstring injuries
  • Quadriceps & calf strains

Chronic Pain Conditions

  • Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shin splints
  • Chronic neck & back pain
  • Non-healing stress fractures
  • Chronic tendinosis

Bursitis

  • Hip bursitis (trochanteric)
  • Shoulder bursitis (subacromial)
  • Knee bursitis
  • Elbow bursitis (olecranon)
  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis
  • Iliopsoas bursitis

Calcifications

  • Calcific shoulder tendinitis
  • Calcium deposits in tendons
  • Heterotopic ossification
  • Bone spurs (plantar, heel)
  • Insertional Achilles calcifications
  • Patellar tendon calcifications

Joint Conditions

  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Hip arthritis
  • Early cartilage degeneration
  • Post-surgical scar tissue
  • Ankle & foot arthritis
  • SI joint dysfunction
Shockwave therapy treatment for plantar fasciitis
Focused shockwave applied to the heel as part of a plantar fasciitis treatment plan.
Shockwave therapy treating post-surgical scar tissue
Shockwave used for post-surgical scar tissue and soft-tissue adhesions when clinically appropriate.

And many more. We treat a wide range of conditions with ESWT — if yours isn’t listed here, call or text us to find out if shockwave is right for you.

Not sure if shockwave is right for your condition?

Call or text either of our offices right now to see if you qualify — no pressure, just answers.

Treatment Options

Shockwave vs. Surgery vs. Injections

See how focused shockwave compares to traditional treatments for the most common musculoskeletal conditions.

ConditionShockwave TherapySurgeryCortisone Injections
Partial Rotator Cuff Tear3–6 sessions. 8–12 weeks to healing. Minimal downtime.Surgery + 4–6 months recovery. Risk of scar tissue, infection.Temporary relief. Repeated injections weaken tendons.
Plantar Fasciitis3–6 sessions. Walk same day. High long-term success rate.Fascia release + 6–10 weeks non-weight-bearing.Short-term relief. Risk of fat pad atrophy.
Tennis Elbow3–5 sessions. Return to activity quickly.Surgery + 4–6 months recovery.Studies show worse long-term outcomes vs. no treatment.
Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis3–6 sessions. Breaks down calcium non-invasively.Arthroscopic removal + months of rehab.Cannot dissolve calcifications.
Achilles Tendinopathy4–6 sessions. Stimulates collagen remodeling.Surgical debridement + 3–6 months recovery.High risk — increases rupture risk.
Joint Arthritis (Knee/Hip)4–6 sessions. Stimulates cartilage repair.Joint replacement + 3–6 months recovery.Temporary relief. May accelerate cartilage breakdown.

Investment

Insurance & Payment

Transparent Pricing

Every cost is discussed upfront before treatment begins. No surprise bills, no hidden fees — you’ll know exactly what your care looks like before you commit.

Payment options available

We work with Cherry, which may allow patients to split payments or choose monthly payment options, including 0% APR options when available.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Most patients describe a mild tapping or pressure sensation. Healthy tissue with no inflammation typically feels little to nothing, while the affected area responds more. Intensity is fully adjustable throughout your session. No anesthesia is needed.

How many sessions will I need?

Most conditions respond well to 4-6 sessions, typically once per week. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your specific diagnosis.

How soon will I see results?

Some patients notice improvement after 1-2 sessions. Full healing takes 6-12 weeks as new tissue forms and strengthens.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are minimal and may include temporary redness, mild swelling, or soreness at the treatment site. These typically resolve within 24-48 hours.

Can shockwave therapy replace surgery?

In many cases, yes. ESWT is often recommended as a conservative alternative before surgery, with high success rates for chronic tendon conditions.

Is shockwave the same as ultrasound?

No. Therapeutic ultrasound uses continuous, low-intensity waves to warm tissue. Shockwave (ESWT) delivers high-energy acoustic pressure pulses that penetrate deep into tissue, triggering real biological repair — new blood vessels, stem cell activation, breakdown of calcifications. Different mechanism, different outcomes.

Is shockwave the same as a TENS unit?

No. A TENS unit sends low-voltage electrical impulses to temporarily block pain signals — short-term symptom relief only. Shockwave uses acoustic (mechanical) energy to stimulate actual tissue regeneration and long-term healing.

Is This Right For You?

Who Is a Good Candidate for Shockwave?

Shockwave is best for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain that hasn’t responded to more conservative approaches.

You’re likely a candidate if:

  • You’ve had persistent heel pain, shoulder stiffness, or tendon discomfort for more than six weeks
  • You’ve tried rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medication without lasting relief
  • You’ve had cortisone injections that only worked short-term — or you want to avoid them
  • You’re looking to avoid surgery and want a non-invasive option
  • You’re an active adult or athlete recovering from sports injuries
  • You have Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, calcific shoulder tendinitis, patellar tendinopathy, or chronic hip bursitis

How our evaluation works:

  1. Medical history review

    We go through your history, past treatments, and current symptoms in detail — no rushed intake.

  2. Movement & pain assessment

    Range of motion, stability, and pain-pattern testing to identify what’s driving your symptoms.

  3. Imaging if needed

    Ultrasound or MRI may be ordered to confirm diagnosis before treatment begins.

  4. Personalized treatment plan

    Typically 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart, designed around your condition and recovery goals.

Keep Exploring

Learn more about shockwave care

Get Started

Find out if shockwave is right for your case.

Focused shockwave therapy is available at our Manhattan clinic and West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center in Huntington. Book online or call either location to speak with our team.

Manhattan

City Integrative Rehabilitation

420 Madison Ave, Suite 803
New York, NY 10017

(646) 256-9513View location →
Huntington

West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center

A City Integrative Rehabilitation affiliated practice

400 W Jericho Tpke
Huntington, NY 11743

(631) 659-2980View location →