Radial Pressure Shockwave Therapy

How does Radial Pressure Wave Therapy Help Me Heal?

Acoustic (sound) pressure wave technology triggers healing in damaged tissue. Radial therapy delivers precise acoustic waves that stimulate blood flow, break down calcifications, and activate your body’s natural repair mechanisms. The sound energy waves absorbed by the body’s tissue has several physical and biochemical effects on the tissue and cellular activity of the tissue itself. These have been shown to have stimulating effects on the healing pathways: an increased release of ATP,  an increase in angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), and anti-inflammatory effects, all which contribute to healing of bone and soft tissue injuries.

What occurs during a treatment session?

At Southern Tier Podiatry, Dr Boyuka conducts your evaluation and your treatment session herself. She will first conduct an exam and assess your pain level and the tissue most affected and in need of the therapy that session. After that, ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area. The pressure wave is administered using a handpiece from the Radial Pressure Wave Machine. This wave hits the body at the skin surface and travels to a depth of around 2”, where it creates oscillations – repetitive back-and-forth movements – in the tissue. This stimulates blood supply and cell growth in the damaged area, leading to the regeneration of healthy tissue and bone.

The treatment typically lasts about 10 minutes, and most patients typically require  4-6 sessions. The sessions are usually once per week.

What to expect after a treatment session? Most patients tolerate the procedure well with adjustable comfort settings. Many notice significant improvement after the first session, and sustained improvement of symptoms within weeks, with continued healing over the following months.

Are there any risks or side effects? Some patients may experience minor  soreness, bruising or swelling to the treatment area, and this can be addressed with topical anti-inflammatories and ice therapy if needed. 

** If you are pregnant, you cannot have this therapy due to potential risk to the fetus.

What conditions can be treated with Radial Pressure Wave Therapy? Soft Tissue disorders of muscle, tendon and ligament respond best to Radial Pressure Wave Therapy due to the depth and the low energy surface level effects of the acoustic waves. The most common conditions to be treated are:

• Achilles tendon pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Myofascial trigger points in muscle
• Disorder of tendon insertions

There is emerging evidence and research still being done on treating other types of conditions such as Morton’s Neuroma, Peripheral Neuropathy, Ganglion Cysts, Cellulite/Lipoedema, Wound Healing, in addition to research on Pre-Exercise to improve performance and Post-Exercise recovery.

What type of patient is Radial Pressure Wave Therapy Ideal For?

Radial pressure therapy is ideal for any patient who has suffered with painful symptoms, and has not achieved relief with traditional conservative treatments. It's ideal for those who wish to avoid surgery and injections, want to avoid oral medication for pain,and are looking to reduce their down time for recovery. Its ideal for any patient who wants to invest in their own wellness and recovery with the most cutting edge technology treatments available.

Does my Insurance Cover Radial Pressure Wave Therapy Treatments? No, Medicare and Commercial Insurers do not cover radial pressure wave therapy. They consider it an investigational/experimental treatment. In 2026, some Medicare Insurers have started to cover High-energy (Focused) shockwave therapy for severe, chronic cases of plantar fasciitis. Radial Pressure Wave therapy is considered Low-energy and is not covered.

**However, patients can still use their Health Savings Accounts/Flex Spending Accounts for therapy costs. Care Credit is also an option at Southern Tier Podiatry.

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