Peak ARC
This figure illustrates the biological mechanisms of shockwave therapy
Figures: ©Osteo Ltd. 2026 - Authors: Jimmy Michael, Giles Gyer, Ewen McDonald "Shockwave Therapy in Practice"
This figure illustrates the mechanotransdction pathways activated by shockwave including angiogenesis, increased growth factor, and collagen synthesis.
Advanced Recovery Solutions
Shockwave Therapy is an advanced regenerative treatment that uses precisely targeted acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes.
A "shockwave" is a mechanical stimuli that is converted into biochemical signals that regulate cellular behavior and tissue healing. It generates a cascade of molecular responses that modulate vascular, cellular, inflammatory, and neural processes in the treated tissue. It can also help improve collagen and restructure the extracellular matrix.
Sessions are non-invasive, require little to no downtime, and can help patients return to the activities they enjoy more quickly. Shockwave therapy most effectively used to treat chronic tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder pain, muscle dysfunction, and other musculoskeletal conditions that have been slow or failed to respond to traditional treatments.
Understanding the Different Types of Shockwave
There are two primary types of shockwave therapy:
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) Radial shockwave devices generate pressure waves that disperse outward from the treatment applicator. The energy is strongest at the skin's surface and gradually decreases as it travels into the tissue. These systems are commonly used for broader, more superficial treatment areas.
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) Focused shockwave devices concentrate energy at a specific depth within the body, allowing for precise targeting of injured tissues. This technology can reach deeper structures while delivering a controlled dose of energy directly to the area being treated - this is what is used at Peak ARC!
Why We Chose Focused Shockwave
At Peak Advanced Recovery Center (PARC), we utilize Focused Shockwave Therapy because it is supported by a substantial body of clinical research and allows for greater precision in treatment delivery. Many of the landmark studies demonstrating the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy and many more have been performed using focused shockwave technology.
By delivering energy directly to the targeted tissue, focused shockwave therapy allows us to create highly individualized treatment plans designed to maximize healing, improve function, and help our patients return to peak performance.
Our philosophy is simple: use the technology with the strongest evidence, apply it with clinical expertise, and focus on achieving lasting results—not just temporary pain relief.
Read some of the research HERE.
Is it safe?
Shockwave Therapy is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment with a low risk of complications when performed by a trained healthcare professional. Because the treatment stimulates the body's natural healing response, most side effects are mild and temporary.
Common Side Effects
Following treatment, some patients may experience:
Mild soreness or aching in the treated area
Temporary redness or skin irritation
Slight swelling
Bruising
These effects are typically short-lived and often indicate that the body's healing response has been activated.
Less Common
Rarely, patients may experience:
Temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement occurs
Irritation of nearby tissues or nerves
Lack of symptom improvement despite treatment
NOTE: some case specific side affects listed in research, ask your therapist for specific details
Who May Not Be a Candidate?
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate for individuals who:
Are pregnant
Have certain bleeding disorders
Are taking certain blood-thinning medications
Have an active infection in the treatment area
Have a known cancerous lesion in the treatment area
Are taking steroids
Our Approach to Safety PARC
Treatments are customized to each patient and delivered using focused shockwave technology. We carefully select treatment parameters based on your diagnosis, goals, and tissue characteristics to maximize effectiveness while minimizing discomfort and risk.For most patients, the risks associated with shockwave therapy are minimal—especially when compared with more invasive options such as injections or surgery. Our goal is to provide an evidence-based treatment that promotes healing while allowing you to remain active throughout your recovery.