Focused Shockwave Therapy
Non-invasive acoustic wave healing — no needles required.
What Is Shockwave?
A shockwave is not an electric shock — it is an acoustic wave generated by a small controlled explosion surrounded by water, transmitted through coupling gel deep into target tissue. The unique waveform creates microporation, triggering your body's natural healing cascade.
How It Works
At the focal zone, pressure pulses create cavitation (microbubbles expand and implode), resulting in microporation. This triggers mechanotransduction — driving cell proliferation, angiogenesis (new blood vessels), collagen production, reduced inflammation, and a shift from chronic to regenerative repair.
Conditions Treated
- Musculoskeletal pain & arthritis
- Tendonitis (all types)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Nerve regeneration
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood vessel health
- Wound & bone healing
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Vulvodynia & dyspareunia
- Peyronie's disease
- Scar reduction
What Shockwave Therapy Achieves
Angiogenesis
Creates new blood vessels via VEGF/eNOS upregulation — proven 200% improvement in capillary density. [2]
Collagen Remodeling
Shifts damaged type III collagen to stronger type I — the same collagen in healthy tendons. [3]
Pain Reduction
Depletes substance P, desensitizes nerve fibers, and activates descending pain inhibition pathways. [1]
Stem Cell Activation
Recruits mesenchymal stem cells to the treatment site through SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling. [3]
Anti-Inflammatory Shift
Polarizes macrophages from M1 (pro-inflammatory) to M2 (regenerative repair) phenotype. [2]
Nerve Regeneration
Promotes Schwann cell proliferation and axonal regrowth for peripheral nerve recovery. [9]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients describe it as a firm tapping sensation. The treatment is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia. Discomfort is typically mild and temporary.
How many sessions are needed?
Most conditions respond well to 3–6 sessions spaced 1 week apart. Dr. McDougall will recommend a treatment plan specific to your condition.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are minimal — mild redness, slight swelling, or temporary tenderness at the treatment site. These typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
How is this different from ultrasound therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses focused, high-pressure acoustic pulses (10–100 MPa) that create cavitation and mechanotransduction — fundamentally different physics than diagnostic or therapeutic ultrasound.
Ready to Try Shockwave?
Call to schedule your consultation with Dr. McDougall and find out if shockwave is right for your condition.
Book a Consultation — 541-813-1797