Shockwave Therapy in San Francisco for Tendon, Heel & Joint Pain

Shockwave therapy (also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, ESWT, or acoustic wave therapy) is a non-invasive treatment that sends focused sound-wave pulses into injured tendons, muscles and joints. The pulses increase blood flow, help break up scar tissue and calcium deposits, and trigger the body's own repair process. There are no needles, no medication and no downtime.

Truspine offers focused Piezowave® shockwave therapy at 50 Francisco Street, #257 in North Waterfront, near Fisherman's Wharf, Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill and the Financial District. Every shockwave plan is overseen by our chiropractic team, led by Dr. Supreet Shah, DC, MS, CCSP. Book online or call (415) 421-1115.

Focused shockwave concentrates energy at a precise depth, so it can reach deep tendons, calcific deposits and trigger points. Radial shockwave spreads energy near the skin's surface, and many people describe it as feeling like a strong massage gun. Truspine uses focused Piezowave® technology, which lets us target the exact source of pain at the right depth.

Piezowave is a focused shockwave system that uses piezoelectric crystals to create precise acoustic pulses. Because the energy is focused and adjustable, we can treat deep structures, and also use it to locate the trigger points that refer pain elsewhere, guided by your feedback during treatment.

Most patients describe a deep, familiar ache at the sore spot. We start at a low setting and raise it only to a level you're comfortable with, and you can ask us to turn it down at any time. Discomfort usually eases as the session goes on.

The shockwave portion usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes per area. Your visit may also include chiropractic care, soft-tissue work or exercises.

It depends on the condition, how long you've had it and how your body responds. Treatments are usually spaced about a week apart, and long-standing tendon problems typically need a short series. We'll recommend a plan after your evaluation and track your progress at each visit.

New shockwave patients can try their first session for $49. After your evaluation, we'll explain the cost of a full treatment plan before you commit. Call (415) 421-1115 for current pricing.

Many insurance plans don't cover shockwave therapy. Call us and we'll explain your options, including our first-session offer and payment plans.

Shockwave is best known for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis and golfer's elbow, calcific and rotator cuff tendinopathy, jumper's knee, hip and gluteal tendon pain, IT band syndrome, hamstring tendinopathy, shin splints and deep myofascial trigger points.

Yes. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most studied uses of shockwave therapy, especially for heel pain that hasn't improved with stretching, rest or orthotics. We often pair it with custom orthotics and calf and foot exercises. Read how we treat plantar fasciitis with shockwave.

Yes. Focused shockwave is commonly used for calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. The pulses help break down calcium deposits and calm pain so you can regain range of motion, often without injections or surgery. Learn more about shoulder pain treatment.

It can help when back pain comes from tight, overworked muscles and deep trigger points along the spine and hips. We usually combine it with chiropractic adjustments and exercise. For disc-related pain, spinal decompression may be a better fit. See back pain treatment.

Shockwave may support circulation around irritated nerves and ease related muscle pain, but it isn't a stand-alone neuropathy treatment. For numbness, tingling or burning in the feet, we recommend our full neuropathy treatment program, which can include shockwave as one part.

Yes, when performed by a trained provider. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived: redness, slight swelling, tenderness or a bruise at the treatment site for a day or two.

Shockwave isn't used over a pregnancy, a tumor or an active infection, or over the area of a pacemaker. We also take extra care if you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners or recently had a steroid injection in the area. Tell us your health history and we'll confirm you're a good candidate.

Most people go straight back to normal activities. For a couple of days, avoid hard training of the treated area and skip anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen if your doctor agrees, since the goal is to let the natural healing response work. Ice is usually not needed.

Cortisone can calm pain quickly but doesn't repair the tendon, and repeated injections can weaken tissue. Shockwave works by stimulating healing, so it's often a good option for chronic tendon pain or for people who want to avoid injections. Your provider can help you weigh the options.

For chronic tendon problems like plantar fasciitis, focused shockwave reaches deeper and is designed to trigger tissue repair. Therapeutic ultrasound works closer to the surface with gentle heat. We use shockwave as the main treatment and ultrasound only when it adds value.

Yes, and most Truspine patients do. Shockwave works well alongside chiropractic adjustments, Graston, Active Release Technique, dry needling and corrective exercise.