Direct answer: Focused shockwave therapy (focused ESWT) sends acoustic pressure waves that concentrate at a chosen depth, so energy can be aimed at a specific tendon insertion, calcific deposit, or deep band of fibrous adhesion. At Novo Soft Tissue a typical plan is 4–6 weekly sessions of about 15–20 minutes, and it starts only after a comprehensive exam shows it fits.
Focused shockwaves concentrate peak pressure at a chosen depth, instead of spreading through the skin and the tissue near the surface. Radial pressure waves start at the applicator and weaken as they travel, so they treat a broader, shallower area. Novo uses a Storz Duolith SD1 T-Top Ultra for focused shockwave and a Storz Orthopulse Ultra 100 for radial, and the exam decides which one belongs. See the quick comparison of focused and radial shockwave.
Focused energy suits problems that sit in a small, deep target:
A typical plan is 4–6 sessions, one week apart. The exact plan depends on your diagnosis, and focused shockwave is often combined with manual adhesion release on the layer that is still restricted.
We screen for these at your exam. Any of them can rule shockwave out or change where and how it is used:
Anything else in your history is reviewed at the exam before treatment starts.
We ask patients to avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for a few days after a shockwave session. If an anti-inflammatory is prescribed to you, talk with the prescribing doctor before changing it.
Mechanical stress from focused pulses changes fibroblast behavior and the extracellular matrix. A 2026 review (Huang et al., Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research) found extracorporeal shockwave reduces fibrosis by modulating TGF-β1, MAPK, VEGF, and inflammatory pathways, with less excess collagen and better tissue organization. A small 2026 randomized trial of fibrosis after breast reconstruction (36 women, presented at the Plastic Surgery Research Council meeting and not yet published in a journal) found higher-energy ESWT improved tissue softness, lesion size, and ultrasound homogeneity compared with a lower dose.
Sources: Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2026 · Nguyen et al., Plastic Surgery Research Council meeting abstract, 2026
Focused shockwave visits are priced separately from standard follow-up visits. Current prices are on the pricing page.
New patients start with a comprehensive exam; no treatment is performed on the first visit. Book a new-patient exam or call 720.502.6468.
About 15-20 minutes.
A typical plan is 4-6 sessions, one week apart. The exact number depends on your diagnosis.
Most patients find it tolerable, with some sting over the sore spot. The intensity is adjusted to what you can tolerate, and mild soreness for a day or two afterward is common.
We ask patients to avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for a few days after a session. If an anti-inflammatory is prescribed to you, talk with the prescribing doctor before changing it.
We screen for pregnancy, blood thinners or a bleeding disorder, cancer in the treatment area, and a recent steroid injection into the area. Any of these can rule shockwave out or change the plan.