FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE REQUIRED? Most patients experience significant improvement within 3 to 5 sessions, depending on the condition’s severity and chronicity. (Chattanooga focused and radial shockwave systems allow clinicians to tailor treatment intensity and frequency for faster recovery.) Schmitz et al (2015) WHAT IS A TYPICAL PROTOCOL FOR TREATING TENDINOPATHIES? A standard protocol includes one session per week for 3–6 weeks, depending on tissue response. Treatment involves targeting the affected tendon using Chattanooga customizable energy levels and transmitters/applicators, often combined with eccentric loading or functional rehab for best results. IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY ONLY FOR CHRONIC CONDITIONS? While shockwave is especially effective for chronic injuries, Chattanooga devices can also be used in subacute stages to modulate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing—always based on clinical judgment. DOES FREQUENCY MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IN OUTCOME? Research shows mixed results regarding frequency role in shockwave therapy. While it may affect depth of penetration, treatment comfort, and tissue response, it is not the sole driver of outcome. Chattanooga systems offer a wide frequency range (1–15 Hz), allowing clinicians to tailor treatments to each patient’s needs. Frequency should be considered alongside energy level, treatment protocol, and diagnosis for best results. CAN SHOCKWAVE THERAPY BE USED WITH OTHER MODALITIES / TREATMENTS? Absolutely. Combining Chattanooga Shockwave with Light Force Laser Therapy can produce synergistic effects— shockwave for mechanical stimulation and tissue remodelling, and Light force laser therapy for cellular regeneration and inflammation control. This integrative approach enhances outcome in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
CLINICAL STUDIES – SHOCKWAVE
1. Ibrahim, Noha Hosni, Refaat Mostafa El Tanawy, Amal Fathy Soliman Mostafa and Mayada Fawzy Mahmoud. “Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) versus local corticosteroid injection in treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) in athletes: clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation.” Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 48 (2021) 2. Stania M, Juras G, Marszałek W, Król P. Analysis of pain intensity and postural control for assessing the efficacy of shock wave therapy and sonotherapy in Achilles tendinopathy – A randomized controlled trial. Clin Biomech (Bristol). 2023 Jan;101:105830. 3. Rajfur K, Rajfur J, Matusz T, Walewicz K, Dymarek R, Ptaszkowski K, Taradaj J. Efficacy of Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized 3-Month Follow-Up Study. Med Sci Monit. 2022 Jun 11;28:e936614. 4. Hammam RF, Kamel RM, Draz AH, Azzam AA, Abu El Kasem ST. Comparison of the effects between low- versus medium-energy radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on knee osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2020 May 15;15(3):190-196. 5. Dunn SL, Olmedo ML.(2016), Mechanotransduction: Relevance to Physical Therapist Practice-Understanding Our Ability to Affect Genetic Expression Through Mechanical Forces. Phys Ther. May;96(5):712-21
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