Frequently Asked Questions about Shockwave Therapy

These answers come with serious credentials behind them. Dr. David W. Nadler is one of approximately 300 doctors worldwide certified by the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST) and has performed more radial and focused shockwave procedures than any provider in the Philadelphia region, with over a decade of certified shockwave practice. Our facility has earned recognition as a Center of Excellence for chiropractic care and shockwave therapy services in the Delaware Valley. When you read these answers, you’re drawing on that depth of experience.

What Is Shockwave Therapy & How Does It Work?

Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic energy waves through the skin’s surface directly into affected tissue. Despite the name, a shockwave isn’t an electrical shock. It’s an energy wave created when an object moves faster than the speed of sound. It is generated here through air compression and electromagnetic applications. At this practice, both radial and focused treatments use FDA-cleared technology backed by extensive clinical studies.

Once the waves reach the treatment area, they can increase metabolic activity around the tissue, stimulate the reabsorption of irritated calcium deposits, and trigger the body’s natural healing response through angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels). They can also help break down fibrosis and improve function in both soft tissue and bone. Shockwave therapy’s origins trace to Europe in the early 1980s. It was initially developed for kidney stones, but researchers later found its value for musculoskeletal conditions, and the evidence base has grown substantially since.

What’s the Difference Between Radial & Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Radial shockwave therapy (also called EPAT, or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) disperses energy over a wider surface area with shallower penetration. It’s well-suited for larger, surface-level conditions like muscle tightness and tendonitis. Focused shockwave therapy delivers concentrated energy to a precise depth, making it a useful tool for chronic pain, calcifications, and deeper structural injuries that can extend down to the bone level.

Dr. Nadler is certified in both modalities. He determines which approach, or which combination, is appropriate based on each patient’s specific condition, severity, and injury location, using findings from the initial consultation and examination rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave therapy at this practice addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions.

Dr. David W. Nadler & Associates uses shockwave therapy to treat:

• Tennis elbow
• Tendinitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Chronic back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cervical syndrome
• Frozen shoulder
• Patellar tendonitis
• Lumbar syndrome
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Rotator cuff conditions
• Aesthetics
• Erectile Dysfunction 

Dr. Nadler has treated patients ranging from professional athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and MLS to patients managing long-standing chronic pain with no athletic background. For patients whose conditions haven’t responded to conventional treatment, shockwave therapy may offer a non-surgical, non-medication path forward. A clinical evaluation can determine whether it’s the right fit for your situation.

What Should I Expect During Treatment?

Sessions are non-invasive. No anesthesia is required, there’s no scarring, and patients can return to their normal routines immediately afterward. A typical session for a single treatment area runs approximately 5 to 15 minutes.

Most patients with mild to moderate conditions complete 3 to 5 sessions, generally spaced about a week apart. Chronic or more complex conditions may require additional sessions. Some patients notice improvement after the first visit. Tissue remodeling typically develops over time as the body’s repair process continues. Mild discomfort or pressure during treatment is common, and intensity can be adjusted based on your tolerance. The exact number of sessions for your case is determined after Dr. Nadler reviews your condition at your first visit.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?

The radial and focused shockwave treatments at this practice use FDA-cleared technology, and the clinical literature on safety and effectiveness for musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and chronic pain, is well established. Our patients report an over 80 percent satisfaction rate.

Temporary side effects may include mild redness, swelling, or soreness at the treatment site, which typically resolve within a day or two. Shockwave therapy is generally not recommended for pregnant patients, those with blood-clotting disorders or active infections at the treatment site, or patients on blood thinners. If you have a pacemaker or implanted electronic device, discuss that with Dr. Nadler before treatment. Because no anesthesia is used, sedation-related risks aren’t a factor.

Why Choose Dr. Nadler for Shockwave Therapy?

Choosing a shockwave provider means verifying ISMST certification, confirming experience with both radial and focused modalities, and looking for a track record across a broad patient population. Dr. Nadler meets all three.

He’s one of approximately 300 doctors worldwide to hold ISMST certification and has performed more radial and focused shockwave procedures than any provider in the Philadelphia region, with over 15 years of certified practice. His sports medicine background includes serving as Team Chiropractic Physician for the Philadelphia Soul, the Philadelphia Barrage (three-time Major League Lacrosse Champions), and the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League. He served as Team Chiropractic Physician for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup and was selected as one of the physicians for the 2003 Women’s World Cup of Soccer. He has treated athletes across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and MLS.

His credentials include D.C., C.C.S.P., and D.A.A.PM., post-doctoral training in chiropractic neurology, board certification through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician designation from the American Board of Chiropractic Sports Physicians. He’s licensed in both Pennsylvania and Delaware and was named a Top Doctor by Philadelphia Magazine throughout his career. Your first visit includes a full consultation, physical examination, and medical history review, after which Dr. Nadler develops a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

Does Insurance Cover Shockwave Therapy?

Coverage varies by insurance provider and diagnosis. Some plans cover shockwave therapy for conditions like plantar fasciitis; others classify it as elective. There’s no universal answer. Contact our office directly to discuss your specific situation, coverage options, and any payment arrangements that may be available.

Schedule directly with our office, and Dr. Nadler can evaluate your condition and create a plan built around your goals. Call (610) 467-2227 to schedule your consultation with Dr. David W. Nadler & Associates today!