Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
A focused, non-invasive treatment for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain that hasn't responded to rest, stretching, or other conservative care.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers focused acoustic pulses into injured tendon and soft tissue. The pulses increase blood flow to the area and trigger the body's own repair response, helping break down the scar tissue and calcification that can keep a chronic injury from healing on its own.
It's non-surgical, requires no needles or incisions, and is performed right here at SportsLab — no referral to an outside imaging center or surgical suite.
Conditions We Treat
ESWT has the strongest clinical support for chronic tendon and soft-tissue conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Tennis elbow / golfer's elbow
- Rotator cuff & shoulder tendinopathy
- Hamstring tendinopathy
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
- Other chronic tendon or muscle pain unresolved by conservative care
Not sure if shockwave is right for your injury? Call us and we'll help you figure out the next step.
Amy Lennon, DC
Dr. Amy Lennon brings shockwave therapy to SportsLab. With over 35 years treating athletes and active people at every level — from professional and Ironman competitors to dancers and musicians — Amy works closely with physicians, physical therapists, and coaches to keep care coordinated.
Amy also co-owns Hawthorne Chiropractic, where she practices chiropractic care alongside shockwave and other soft-tissue treatment.
What to Expect
Evaluation & setup
Your session is 30 minutes total, which includes a quick check-in, positioning, and time for questions before treatment begins.
Treatment
Hands-on shockwave treatment runs about 20 minutes. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort as intensity increases — that's expected, and it's adjusted to what you can comfortably tolerate.
After your session
Minimal downtime compared with other treatment modalities. Most people return to normal activity the same day.
Simple, Flat-Rate Sessions
Introductory rate — packages and tiers pending.
Get in while sessions are at their highest value!
Self-Pay Only
- ESWT is offered as a self-pay service. It isn't billed to insurance, and we're unable to provide a superbill for reimbursement.
- Payment is collected at SportsLab at the time of your visit.
- Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notice, are subject to a $75 fee.
Book a Session
Tuesday mornings are open to book online. Amy is typically at SportsLab on Mondays for chiropractic care, so if she has an opening, you may be able to fit in a shockwave session that day too — request a Monday time below and give us a call to confirm before you come in.
Monday requests must be schedueld over the phone — please call us at (503) 542-2744 to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Yes, shockwave can be uncomfortable; particuraly when working on aggrivated areas. Most people feel pressure or mild discomfort, especially as intensity increases over the course of a session. However, discomfort can be sharp when on a "spot". Amy will guide you through this and help you understand why it feels the way it does.
How many sessions will I need?
Most treatment plans call for one to two sessions a week over about four weeks. Amy will adjust the plan based on how you respond.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
No. ESWT is offered as a self-pay service at SportsLab, and we're unable to provide a superbill for insurance reimbursement.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book a shockwave session.
Is shockwave therapy safe for everyone?
Shockwave isn't the right treatment for every patient. Let us know before you book if any of the following apply to you:
- You're pregnant, or think you might be
- You have a pacemaker or other implanted device near the treatment area
- You take blood thinners or have a bleeding or clotting disorder
- You have an active infection at the treatment site
- You have a known or suspected tumor in the treatment area
- You're still growing (open growth plates) — this applies to pediatric and adolescent patients
Your practitioner will also screen for these during your evaluation, but flagging them ahead of time helps us plan your visit correctly.