The Condition That Conservative Care Does Not Always Finish

Shockwave therapy in Clarksville at Riverside Spine & Physical Medicine addresses a specific clinical gap: chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions that have partially responded to rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory treatment but have not fully resolved. A handheld device delivers low-energy acoustic waves through a conducting gel directly to the affected tissue, creating a mechanical stimulus that is intended to support tissue repair and reduce pain signaling in appropriately selected patients.

The treatment is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and involves no surgical recovery period. Sessions are conducted in the clinic and typically run 15 to 20 minutes. Most protocols involve a course of three to five sessions, though the exact number depends on the condition and the patient’s clinical response.

The Conditions That Respond to Acoustic Wave Stimulation

The range of conditions addressed through shockwave therapy at Riverside includes several of the most persistent chronic soft tissue problems in an active adult population:

• Plantar fasciitis, particularly in patients who have not achieved full resolution through orthotics, stretching, and physical therapy alone
• Achilles tendinopathy, including both insertional and mid-portion presentations
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis, inflammation of the bursa at the back of the heel
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), chronic degenerative tendon involvement at the outer elbow
• Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), the medial equivalent, often slower to respond to standard care
• Calcific tendinitis, calcium deposits within tendon tissue, particularly at the shoulder

These conditions frequently present after months of prior treatment without full recovery. Shockwave therapy is generally considered after conservative care has been attempted rather than as a first-line intervention.

What Happens in the Tissue During Treatment

Shockwave treatment in Clarksville works through two related mechanisms. The acoustic waves create a mechanical stimulus at the tissue level that may support the body’s natural repair response in chronic tendon conditions where normal healing has stalled. They also reduce the concentration of substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain signaling, which contributes to the pain reduction patients typically experience over the course of treatment.

Results develop gradually. Some patients notice improvement after two to three sessions; others see the most significant change in the weeks following the completion of the full protocol as tissue continues to respond. Individual outcomes vary, and candidacy is confirmed through clinical evaluation before treatment begins.

Part of a Coordinated Clinical Approach

At Riverside Spine & Physical Medicine, shockwave therapy in Clarksville is typically coordinated with chiropractic assessment and physical therapy rather than delivered in isolation. Chronic tendon conditions frequently have a biomechanical contributor , a movement pattern, postural dysfunction, or spinal factor , that shockwave therapy alone does not address. Identifying and treating that contributor alongside the acoustic wave treatment supports more durable outcomes than either approach produces independently.

To discuss whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition, call (931) 542-9420 or visit riversidespineandphysmed.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Most patients tolerate shockwave therapy well. The treatment can produce some discomfort during the session, particularly over areas of significant tissue sensitivity, but it is generally well tolerated. The intensity and frequency of pulses can be adjusted to the individual patient’s comfort level throughout the session.

How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?

Most protocols involve three to five sessions spaced approximately one week apart. The exact number depends on the condition being treated and how the tissue responds after the initial sessions. The clinical team at Riverside assesses progress throughout and adjusts the plan accordingly.

What conditions does shockwave therapy treat at Riverside?

Shockwave therapy at Riverside Spine & Physical Medicine is used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, retrocalcaneal bursitis, lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golfer’s elbow), and calcific tendinitis. Candidacy is confirmed through a clinical evaluation before treatment begins.

How is shockwave therapy different from surgery or injections?

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia, incisions, or a recovery period. It is typically used for chronic conditions where conservative measures have been insufficient and the patient wants to explore non-surgical options before considering more invasive interventions.

Can shockwave therapy be combined with physical therapy or chiropractic care?

Yes, and at Riverside Spine & Physical Medicine it typically is. Shockwave therapy addresses the local tissue condition, while chiropractic assessment and physical therapy address the biomechanical contributors that may be loading the tissue abnormally. The combination generally produces more durable outcomes than shockwave therapy alone