If you have been dealing with stubborn heel pain, tennis elbow, or shoulder pain that has not improved with rest, ice, or physical therapy, it can feel like you have run out of non-surgical options. Shockwave therapy offers another path forward. This treatment uses focused acoustic sound waves to stimulate your body's own healing response in damaged tendons and other soft tissue, often helping patients who have not found lasting relief from other conservative care.
At Modern Edge Sports & Orthopedic Medicine, Dr. Michael Wong, DO offers PiezoWave²T focal extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), a non-invasive shockwave treatment that delivers targeted acoustic energy deep into injured tendons and joints without needles, anesthesia, or downtime. Board-certified and trained through UPMC, Dr. Mike built a non-surgical practice around the idea that most orthopedic and sports injuries can heal well with the right combination of conservative, evidence-informed care.
If you are ready to find out whether shockwave therapy fits your recovery plan, schedule a consultation with our team. We will review your history and imaging, confirm the right diagnosis, and build a treatment plan designed around your goals.
PiezoWave²T focal shockwave therapy uses a handheld device to send high-energy acoustic sound waves through the skin to a precise depth within damaged tissue. Unlike superficial radial pressure devices, which release most of their energy at the skin’s surface, focused shockwave technology concentrates its energy at a specific depth inside the tendon, ligament, or joint being treated. This process, called mechanotransduction, uses mechanical energy to signal cells to produce new collagen and encourage blood vessel growth, supporting the tissue’s natural repair process. Sessions are brief, generally 10 to 15 minutes, and most patients tolerate the treatment well without local anesthesia.
Dr. Mike uses shockwave therapy to address a range of chronic tendon and joint conditions that have not responded to standard conservative care, including some forms of tendinitis and bursitis. Conditions commonly treated include:
Tissue remodeling is a gradual biological process, so shockwave therapy is typically provided as a series of weekly sessions rather than a single visit. Clinical research on extracorporeal shockwave therapy, including work by Schmitz and colleagues, suggests that a structured series of treatments supports new blood vessel growth and collagen formation more effectively than an isolated session. Some patients notice an early reduction in pain from temporary nerve desensitization, but the tissue changes that support longer-term improvement tend to develop over the full course of care. Dr. Mike recommends a specific number of sessions based on your diagnosis, imaging, and response to treatment.
For more complex or long-standing injuries, Dr. Mike may combine shockwave therapy with other non-surgical options, such as PRP injections, hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation, or non-surgical tendon repair. Combining modalities in this way is intended to support the body’s healing response from more than one direction, though results vary from patient to patient and no combination guarantees a specific outcome. If cost is a concern, our team can walk you through your options, including insurance coverage and self-pay pricing, during your visit.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic sound waves to reach a precise depth inside a damaged tendon, ligament, or joint. The energy is designed to stimulate circulation and support the body’s natural tissue repair process, and it is often used for chronic pain that has not improved with rest or physical therapy alone.
The number of shockwave therapy treatment sessions varies by condition and severity, though many patients complete a series of weekly visits over several weeks. Dr. Mike determines your specific plan after a full evaluation, and he monitors your progress along the way to adjust the protocol as needed.
Shockwave therapy cost depends on your diagnosis, the number of sessions recommended, and your insurance coverage. Our office accepts most major insurance plans and also offers self-pay pricing for patients who are uninsured or prefer to pay directly. Visit our Insurance page for more information, or contact our office for current rates.
Radial shockwave uses a pneumatic device that creates a pressure wave, and most of its energy is released right at the skin, which makes it a reasonable option for mild, surface-level muscle tightness. Focused shockwave, the PiezoWave²T technology used at Modern Edge, sends a true acoustic shockwave to an adjustable depth so the energy concentrates directly inside the damaged tendon, ligament, or joint rather than at the skin's surface.
Shockwave therapy sessions are performed by Tim Goldinger, ATC, a Certified Athletic Trainer with Division I collegiate sports medicine experience, working alongside Dr. Mike, who evaluates your diagnosis, sets your treatment plan, and oversees your care throughout the course of sessions.
Yes. With offices in Harrison City, Wexford, and Shadyside, we serve patients throughout the greater Pittsburgh area, and scheduling is simple. You can request an appointment online at any time, and our team will follow up to confirm your visit and answer any questions before you arrive. We look forward to helping you get back to the activities you enjoy.