Shockwave Therapy
What Does Chattanooga Shockwave Treat?
According to Chattanooga, their systems are commonly used for:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Tennis Elbow
- Rotator cuff calcific tendinitis
- Myofascial trigger points (muscle knots)
- Other chronic tendon problems and musculoskeletal pain conditions.
The FDA-cleared indication for Chattanooga’s *focused* system is specifically chronic plantar fasciitis that has persisted for at least 6 months despite conservative treatment. Clinicians often use shockwave more broadly for other tendon and soft-tissue disorders as well.
Focused vs. Radial Chattanooga Machines
Intelect Focus Shockwave
- Delivers energy to a precise target.
- Reaches deeper tissues (up to about 12.5 cm according to Chattanooga).
- Often chosen for deeper tendon or calcific conditions.
Intelect RPW 2 (Radial Pressure Wave)
- Energy is strongest at the skin surface and spreads outward.
- Often used for plantar fasciitis, trigger points, tennis elbow, and other more superficial soft-tissue problems.
- Intended to reduce muscle pain, increase blood flow, and stimulate connective tissue.
How Many Visits Does It Usually Take?
Chattanooga’s published guidance states that a *typical protocol is 3-6 sessions spaced about one week apart*.
Their materials also note:
- Sessions commonly take *5-10 minutes*.
- Many patients notice improvement after *about 3 treatments*.
- Some focused-shockwave protocols report results within *1-5 treatments*, depending on the condition.