Knee Pain
Hours
Dr. Brett Stephens
Treating Knee Pain With Shockwave Therapy
Knee pain can interfere with walking, exercise, work, sleep, and everyday activities. Whether symptoms developed gradually over time or began after an injury, persistent knee pain often affects quality of life and mobility. Softwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment option that may help reduce pain, stimulate healing, and improve function for certain chronic knee conditions.
Softwave therapy uses acoustic sound waves delivered to injured or painful tissue. These waves are designed to stimulate circulation, encourage tissue repair, and support the body’s natural healing response.
What Is Softwave Therapy?
Softwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that delivers focused acoustic energy into damaged or irritated tissues. It is commonly used in orthopedic, sports medicine, and rehabilitation settings.
Treatment sessions are performed in-office and do not require anesthesia or surgery. Patients are able to return to normal daily activities after treatment.
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Common Knee Conditions Treated With Softwave Therapy
Softwave therapy a vital part of a treatment plan for several chronic knee conditions, including:
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Meniscus injuries
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Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
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Bone on Bone Arthritis (osteoarthritis)
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Post knee surgery or replacement
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Quadriceps tendinopathy
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Pes anserine bursitis
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IT band-related knee pain
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Chronic tendon irritation
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Soft tissue calcifications
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Mild to moderate chronic overuse injuries
How Softwave Therapy Helps Knee Pain
Softwave therapy helps by:
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Stimulating blood flow and circulation
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Supporting tissue regeneration and healing
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Reducing chronic inflammation
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Improving mobility and function
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Decreasing pain sensitivity in affected tissues
Many patients seek softwave therapy after other conservative treatments such as rest, stretching, medications, braces, or physical therapy have provided limited relief.
What To Expect During Treatment
During a session, a handheld device is applied to the painful area of the knee. Acoustic waves are delivered through the skin into targeted tissues.
Treatment sessions commonly last between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the condition being treated. Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, especially in sensitive or chronically inflamed areas.
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Many treatment plans include multiple sessions spaced over several weeks.
Benefits of Softwave Therapy
Benefits of softwave therapy include:
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Non-surgical treatment option
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No downtime for most patients
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Helps chronic conditions resistant to conservative care
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Short treatment sessions
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Can complement rehabilitation and exercise programs
Results vary from person to person, and no treatment can guarantee specific outcomes.
Is Softwave Therapy Right for You?
Softwave therapy may be appropriate for individuals experiencing chronic knee pain that has not responded well to conservative treatment. A thorough evaluation is important to identify the underlying cause of symptoms and determine the best course of care.
If you are dealing with ongoing knee pain, early treatment may help prevent worsening symptoms and improve your ability to stay active.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is softwave therapy painful?
Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, especially over sensitive tissues. Most patients tolerate the procedure well.
How many sessions are needed?
Treatment plans vary depending on the condition and severity of symptoms. Many patients receive a series of treatments over several weeks.
Is there downtime after treatment?
Most patients can return to normal activities shortly after treatment, although strenuous activity may be temporarily modified.
If chronic knee pain is limiting your activity, softwave therapy may be a non-surgical option worth exploring. A clinical evaluation can help determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition and goals.
Contact our office to learn more about treatment options for knee pain and rehabilitation.