Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?

Shockwave therapy can cause mild discomfort during treatment but the sensation is manageable. Most patients tolerate it well. Any soreness afterward typically fades within 24 to 48 hours.

The honest answer is that it's uncomfortable. But it's a productive kind of discomfort. No anesthesia required. Treatment intensity is always adjusted to your comfort level throughout the session.

What It Actually Feels Like

Most patients describe it as a deep percussion or intense tapping directly on the painful area. When the applicator hits the most affected tissue, the intensity increases. That's normal. It means the therapy is reaching the right spot. Patients usually describe the sensation as:

• Strong tapping or pulsing pressure on the treatment area

• Brief sharp discomfort when hitting the most inflamed tissue

• A sensation that gets easier to tolerate as the session progresses

• Noticeably less intense than the chronic pain they've been living with

Dr. Muren calibrates intensity based on your feedback the whole way through. First-time patients always start conservatively. You're in control.

What Happens After

Mild soreness in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours is common. That's the healing response activating. Think of it like post-workout soreness after a hard training session. It means something is happening.

One important note: avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen for 48 hours after treatment. The inflammatory response is part of the healing mechanism that makes shockwave treatments work. Ice briefly if the discomfort is significant but don't suppress the process.

It Gets Easier Over Time

Here's something most patients notice: each session becomes more comfortable than the last. The tissue is healing. The hypersensitive inflamed areas that hurt most in early sessions gradually normalize as the therapy works. By the midpoint of most treatment plans, patients tolerate sessions much more easily than they did at the start.

Is the Discomfort Worth It?

For the overwhelming majority of patients, yes. People who have lived with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or chronic soft tissue pain for months consistently say the temporary discomfort is a small price for what's on the other side. Compare it to cortisone injections, surgery, or years of ongoing medication. The tradeoff isn't close.

Book your appointment or call (904) 539-3352. We're located at 13770 Beach Blvd #4, Jacksonville, FL 32224