Shockwave Therapy: A Guide for Orthopedic Clinics
Presented by Stacey Roberts
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Shockwave therapy is increasingly used in orthopedic settings for its ability to accelerate tissue healing, reduce pain, and improve patient outcomes—yet confusion persists about its mechanisms, proper clinical use, and how it differs from other modalities. This course provides physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals with a comprehensive introduction to shockwave therapy, including its physiological basis, treatment indications, and device types. Through evidence-based explanations and demonstrations, learners will understand the differences between true shockwave therapy and radial pressure wave devices, explore current clinical research, and evaluate how shockwave therapy compares to ultrasound, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other treatments. The course also covers safety considerations and contraindications to guide responsible clinical implementation. Applicable to outpatient orthopedic clinics and sports medicine environments, this course empowers clinicians to confidently and effectively integrate shockwave therapy into patient care.
Learning Objectives
- Define the fundamental principles of shockwave therapy, including its mechanisms of action, to distinguish it from other therapeutic modalities
- Identify the key differences between true shockwave therapy and radial pressure wave devices in the context of orthopedic and sports medicine applications
- List the physiological effects of shockwave therapy on musculoskeletal tissues, including its role in promoting healing, reducing pain, and improving function
- Select appropriate clinical scenarios where shockwave therapy may be beneficial for musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in orthopedic and sports medicine practice
- Outline safety considerations and basic treatment parameters for delivering shockwave therapy within clinical practice
- Highlight how shockwave therapy can support occupational engagement for clients experiencing activity limitations due to musculoskeletal conditions
Meet your instructor
Stacey Roberts
Stacey Roberts is a highly accomplished physical therapist and nurse with over three decades of clinical experience specializing in outpatient orthopedics, sports medicine, and women’s health. A pioneer in integrated care, Stacey owned and operated a specialized clinic on Australia’s Gold Coast for 13 years, where she began…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Fundamentals of Shockwave Therapy
This chapter introduces the core concepts of shockwave therapy, beginning with its origin in physics and its medical adaptation. Learners will explore how shockwaves interact with tissue through the physical, chemical, and biological phases of mechanotransduction, supporting healing and pain reduction. Various types of true shockwave devices are explained, along with their tissue effects and clinical applications.
2. True Shockwave vs. Radial Pressure Wave Therapy
This chapter clarifies the critical distinctions between true shockwave therapy and radial pressure wave (RPW) devices. Clinicians will learn how differences in wave generation, energy output, and tissue penetration affect clinical outcomes. Understanding these distinctions enables providers to make informed choices about technology selection and treatment strategy.
3. Shockwave Indications in Orthopedics
Building on the foundational science, this chapter reviews the evidence-based indications for shockwave therapy in orthopedic and sports medicine settings. Learners will examine findings from a Delphi consensus study that helps clarify which conditions benefit from focused versus radial therapy. The chapter also offers guidance on interpreting clinical research and aligning treatment protocols with injury depth and tissue type.
4. Shockwave Safety, Comparison to Other Modalities, and Contraindications
This chapter outlines key safety guidelines and contraindications for shockwave therapy, including device-specific precautions. It also compares shockwave therapy to other treatment modalities such as ultrasound, cortisone injections, PRP, and stem cell therapy. By understanding where shockwave fits within a broader treatment framework, clinicians can optimize care plans and enhance outcomes.
