What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
RSWT is a non-invasive, FDA-Cleared therapy that uses high-energy acoustic waves to trigger deep healing in soft tissues, tendons, and joints. Originally developed to break down kidney stones (extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy), it was soon discovered that shockwaves had remarkable regenerative effects on musculoskeletal injuries.
But here’s what sets Radial Shockwave Therapy apart:
- Instead of targeting a single deep spot (like Focused Shockwave Therapy), RSWT disperses energy over a wider area, making it ideal for larger muscle groups, tendons, and chronic pain conditions.
- It stimulates circulation, promotes collagen production, and breaks up adhesions—all without surgery, injections, or downtime.
- Studies have shown significant reductions in pain and functional improvement in conditions that don’t respond well to conventional treatments (Mater Sociomed., 2018).
If stubborn pain or a slow-healing injury has been holding you back, RSWT might be the missing piece in your recovery.
More Than Just a Treatment—A Game Changer for Recovery
Chronic pain has a way of taking over your life. It starts as a minor ache, then suddenly, you’re avoiding stairs, skipping workouts, or waking up stiff every morning. If you’ve tried everything—stretching, painkillers, even injections—but the pain keeps coming back, Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Unlike quick-fix treatments that only dull the pain, RSWT works with your body’s natural healing process—stimulating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and breaking down scar tissue at its source. This isn’t just symptom relief—it’s real, measurable recovery.
How Does Radial Shockwave Therapy Work?
Pain isn’t always about an obvious injury—it often lingers because of poor circulation, inflammation, and trapped scar tissue that restricts movement. RSWT directly addresses these roadblocks, delivering high-frequency sound waves to the affected area to:
✔ Increase blood flow, flooding the area with oxygen and nutrients to speed up healing
✔ Break down calcifications and scar tissue, restoring normal tissue flexibility
✔ Stimulate collagen production, essential for tendon and ligament repair
✔ Reduce inflammation, alleviating pressure on surrounding nerves
It’s like jumpstarting your body’s natural repair process—without the risks of invasive procedures.
What Conditions Can RSWT Treat?
1. Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Struggling with stabbing heel pain every morning? Plantar fasciitis affects over 2 million Americans annually, and studies confirm RSWT as one of the most effective treatments available.
📖 A 2016 study in BioMed Research International found an 81.6% success rate in treating plantar fasciopathy, with low recurrence rates. That means RSWT doesn’t just relieve pain—it prevents it from coming back.
2. Chronic Tendon Injuries & Overuse Syndromes
Tendons don’t heal the same way muscles do—which is why chronic tendon pain often lasts for months, even years. RSWT has been clinically proven to treat:
✔ Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) – A 2018 study in Current Health Sciences Journal showed RSWT significantly reduces pain and restores function in patients with stubborn elbow pain.
✔ Achilles & Patellar Tendonitis – Reduces inflammation and accelerates tendon remodeling (Mater Sociomed., 2018).
✔ Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy – Improves shoulder mobility and function in patients resistant to conventional therapy.
3. Myofascial Pain & Trigger Points
Chronic muscle tightness and trigger points can cause radiating pain, reduced mobility, and deep-seated discomfort. RSWT works by:
- Disrupting pain patterns in overactive muscle fibers
- Relaxing deep muscular adhesions
- Reducing nerve hypersensitivity, preventing pain from becoming chronic
4. Joint Pain & Soft Tissue Injuries
✔ Hip bursitis & joint inflammation – Promotes circulation and tissue regeneration
✔ Shin splints & stress-related injuries – Reduces soft tissue irritation
✔ Calcific tendonitis – Breaks down calcium deposits, improving mobility
RSWT vs. Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT): What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) | Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Delivery | Dispersed radially over a wider area | Highly targeted, deep penetration |
| Best For | Muscle pain, tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis | Bone fractures, deep tissue damage |
| Pain Level | Mild to moderate discomfort | Can be more intense |
| Sessions Needed | Typically 3-6 treatments | Typically 4-8 treatments |
RSWT is the go-to choice for larger, more superficial treatment areas, while FSWT is used for deep, pinpoint injuries.
What to Expect During RSWT Treatment
Worried about pain? Don’t be. RSWT treatments are quick, typically lasting 5-10 minutes per session, with most patients describing it as a deep, pulsing sensation rather than sharp pain.
✔ No downtime – You can return to daily activities immediately
✔ Adjustable intensity – Treatment can be customized to your tolerance
✔ Results start fast – Many patients notice pain relief within 2-3 sessions
A 2016 study in BioMed Research International found that most patients experienced lasting relief with a low recurrence rate, making RSWT one of the most effective long-term solutions for chronic pain.
Why Choose Neurolink Chiropractic in San Mateo for RSWT?
At Neurolink Chiropractic, we don’t just treat pain—we restore function and help your body heal itself.
✔ Cutting-edge RSWT technology backed by research
✔ Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs
✔ Comprehensive care that combines chiropractic, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation
If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, it’s time for a proven, science-backed solution that actually helps your body heal.
Take Control of Your Pain—Without Surgery or Drugs
Radial Shockwave Therapy is backed by clinical studies, medical experts, and real-world results. If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want true, lasting relief, it’s time to take the next step.
📅 Schedule an appointment today and experience the difference RSWT can make in your recovery.
