What to Expect During Your Shockwave Therapy Session (And Why It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds)

Slip Sliding Away…

So, you’ve signed up for shockwave therapy—maybe for that stubborn tendon pain, or gnawing plantar fasciitis, or maybe because someone told you it’s like a “massage gun on steroids” (spoiler: it’s not). Either way, you’re here, probably having no idea what to expect!  Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

First, Todd will apply a generous amount of gel to the treatment area. It will feel warm, wet and squishy and keep the area smooth allowing the machine to glide over your skin. The gel helps the shockwaves penetrate deep into the tissue, so don’t be shy about embracing the gel.

Then comes the device itself, which is essentially a fancy medical jackhammer—only much more precise and far less intimidating. When it first makes contact with your skin, you’ll hear a rhythmic “click-click-click,” kind of like an extremely enthusiastic woodpecker. The intensity starts off light, giving you just enough time to adjust, before Todd dials it up to therapeutic levels.

As the pulses increase, you’ll feel deep, percussive pressure—not quite painful, but definitely attention-grabbing. Some areas might feel like a dull thud, while others (especially if they’re really tight or inflamed) can be a bit more spicy. This is where communication is key. Too intense? Let Todd know, and he’ll adjust accordingly. Too easy? Well, don’t get cocky—it’s meant to be therapeutic, not a relaxing day at the beach.

By the end of the session, you’ll be gel-covered, slightly buzzed from all the vibrations, and wondering why your muscles feel both tender and oddly refreshed. The best part? Many patients feel relief after the first session and continue to feel relief throughout their sessions, meaning that weird woodpecker sensation might just be the thing that gets you back to moving pain-free.

So, if you were nervous before, take a deep breath. Shockwave therapy might sound intense, but at the end of the day, it’s just some clicks, some gel, and a whole lot of healing.