Shockwave Therapy
Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) Therapy uses acoustic sound waves to treat persistent soft tissue injuries, tendonitis, and tight muscle bands.
High-energy acoustic pulses deliver mechanical micro-trauma directly to damaged tissues to stimulate cellular repair and restore functional movement. Tubbs Chiropractic uses the Chattanooga Intelect RPW system.
Patient Benefits
- Non-Invasive Care: Safe, gentle external sound waves with no systemic side effects.
- Quick & Convenient: Sessions take only 5 to 10 minutes per target area.
- Zero Downtime: Return to daily routines and work immediately following your visit.
- Restored Mobility: Supports a faster return to sports, exercise, and physical recreation.
- Targeted Relief: Focuses directly on chronic trigger points and tissue tightness.
Dr. Tubbs conducts a thorough clinical examination prior to care to ensure shockwave therapy is safe and suitable for your condition.
How It Helps You Heal
Increases microvascular circulation
Acoustic pulses stimulate localized blood flow to oxygenate tissue and accelerate cellular repair.
Breaks down scar tissue & adhesions
Helps reorganize fibrotic tissue in chronically tight muscles, fascia, and injured tendons.
Reduces local pain & sensitivity
Temporarily desensitizes local pain nerve receptors for effective symptomatic relief.
Stimulates collagen production
Encourages long-term structural tissue remodeling, repair, and tendon strength.
Common Conditions Treated
| Region | Clinical applications |
|---|---|
| Spine & Back | Low back pain, postural strain, myofascial hypertonicity. |
| Shoulder | Rotator cuff tendinopathy, calcific tendonitis, impingement. |
| Elbow | Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow), medial epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow). |
| Knee & Hip | Patellar tendinitis (Jumper's Knee), gluteal tendinopathy. |
| Foot & Ankle | Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints. |
What to Expect During Care
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Setup | Ultrasound gel is applied for smooth wave transmission into the target tissue. |
| Sensation | A rapid tapping sound and pulsing pressure. Intensity is fully customizable. |
| Duration | 5 to 10 minutes per site, across a typical plan of 3 to 6 weekly sessions. |
Before You Book: Safety Precautions
Shockwave therapy is safe and non-invasive, but certain conditions require avoiding or modifying care. Please tell Dr. Tubbs if any of the following apply.
| Condition | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Application directly over the pregnant uterus or lower back is prohibited. |
| Blood clotting disorders | Blood thinners (Coumadin, Eliquis, Plavix) or active deep vein thrombosis (DVT). |
| Malignancy & tumors | Active cancer or local tumors in the targeted treatment site. |
| Cortisone injections | Wait at least 6 weeks after a steroid injection in the target area. |
| Active infection / open wounds | No treatment over broken skin, skin infections, or acute inflammation. |
| Implanted devices | Not applied directly over a cardiac pacemaker or metallic surgical implants. |
| Growth plates | Open epiphyseal growth plates in pediatric patients. |
Post-Treatment Care
Return to normal daily activity immediately. Avoid high-impact exercise involving the treated area for 48 hours.
Avoid NSAIDs & ice for 48 hours
Do not take anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil) or apply ice for 48 hours. These block the natural micro-inflammatory healing response that shockwave therapy is designed to trigger.