6 Types of Tendonitis That Respond to Shockwave Therapy

Dr. Catie Cortner, DC — Arise Family Chiropractic
Medically reviewed by Dr. Catie Cortner, DC. Last reviewed: October 2026.

Shockwave therapy for tendonitis has emerged as one of the most promising non-invasive options for people dealing with stubborn, chronic tendon pain that hasn't responded to rest, physical therapy, or cortisone injections. Research supports the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) across a range of tendinopathies, from plantar fasciitis to rotator cuff tendonitis, with peer-reviewed evidence behind several of the most common presentations [1][2]. At SoftWave Therapy Cumming in Forsyth County, Dr. Catie Cortner, DC, works with patients across Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and the surrounding communities who are ready for a drug-free, non-surgical path back to movement.

What Is Tendonitis — and Why Does It Become Chronic?

Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. It typically starts as a straightforward overuse injury: repetitive motion, sudden load, or poor biomechanics stress the tendon faster than the tissue can repair itself. For many people, rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories calm things down within a few weeks.

But for a significant portion of people, the pain lingers — sometimes for months, sometimes for years. At that point, the condition often transitions from acute tendonitis (inflammatory) to chronic tendinopathy (degenerative), where the tendon tissue itself has changed structurally. Scar tissue forms, blood flow to the area diminishes, and the normal healing cycle stalls out. This is the phase where conventional treatments frequently fall short, and where shockwave therapy tends to show the most benefit.

Understanding this distinction matters: shockwave therapy is not just a pain-reliever. It's designed to stimulate the body's own repair processes in tissue that has stopped healing on its own.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work on Tendons?

Shockwave therapy — also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT — delivers high-energy acoustic (sound) waves into targeted tissue through the skin. No needles. No incisions. No anesthesia required.

When those acoustic waves reach the damaged tendon, several biological processes are thought to occur:

• Mechanotransduction: The mechanical energy signals cells to shift into repair mode, triggering growth-factor release [2].
• Neovascularization: New blood vessel formation is stimulated, improving circulation to tissue that was previously poorly vascularized and therefore healing slowly [1].
• Anti-inflammatory effect: Shockwave application appears to modulate local inflammatory mediators, which may help break the cycle of chronic inflammation [1].
• Cellular stimulation: Laboratory research suggests that acoustic waves can influence the behavior of cells involved in tissue repair and remodeling [3].

Together, these mechanisms are why researchers and clinicians have been interested in ESWT for conditions where the tendon has essentially gotten "stuck" in a dysfunctional state. The goal is not to mask symptoms but to restart the healing process the tendon can no longer complete on its own.

SoftWave Therapy is a specific form of electrohydraulic shockwave therapy that delivers parallel, unfocused acoustic waves across a broader treatment area. At SoftWave Therapy Cumming, each session typically runs 10 to 15 minutes, and a standard course of care is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks — though Dr. Cortner individualizes care recommendations based on each patient's presentation and history.

Which Tendons Respond to Shockwave Therapy?

1. Can Shockwave Therapy Help With Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis?

Plantar fasciitis is arguably the most extensively studied condition in the shockwave literature. The plantar fascia is not a true tendon, but it behaves like one — and when it becomes chronically inflamed at the heel, it is notoriously difficult to resolve. A randomized, controlled study found that focused ESWT produced clinically meaningful pain and function improvement in adults with chronic, treatment-refractory plantar fasciitis compared to a sham control [4].

Achilles tendinopathy is a closely related presentation. The Achilles tendon — the largest tendon in the body — absorbs enormous repetitive stress in runners, walkers, and anyone who spends long hours on their feet. When Achilles pain becomes chronic, shockwave therapy is a well-regarded conservative option, with research supporting its use for both insertional (at the heel bone) and mid-portion Achilles presentations. Peer-reviewed evidence supports ESWT as an effective intervention for chronic tendinopathies of this type [1].

Many patients in the South Forsyth and Windermere communities who work on their feet all day — or who train at local gyms and recreation centers — present with one or both of these overlapping complaints.

2. Can Shockwave Therapy Relieve Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Calcific Shoulder Tendonitis?

Shoulder tendinopathy is among the most common causes of chronic upper-extremity pain in adults. The rotator cuff — a group of four muscles and their tendons surrounding the shoulder joint — is vulnerable to repetitive overhead loading, workplace demands, and age-related degeneration.

Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff is a specific presentation where calcium deposits form within the tendon, causing significant pain and restricted mobility. Research shows that high-energy ESWT is an effective minimally invasive option for this condition in adults, with evidence supporting both pain reduction and calcium deposit reduction [5].

Non-calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy also responds to shockwave therapy, with evidence supporting ESWT as a conservative first-line approach before more invasive procedures are considered.

For patients in Cumming and Milton dealing with shoulder pain that limits sleep, overhead activity, or daily work tasks, shockwave therapy offers a way to address the underlying tendon dysfunction without cortisone injections or surgical intervention.

3. Does Shockwave Therapy Work for Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?

Lateral epicondylitis — commonly called tennis elbow — involves degeneration of the tendons that attach to the lateral (outer) elbow. Despite its name, this condition affects far more non-tennis players than tennis players. Repetitive gripping, keyboard use, and lifting are common culprits.

Chronic tennis elbow is one of the conditions with a strong evidence base for shockwave therapy. The tendon origin at the lateral epicondyle is well-suited to ESWT treatment because of its superficial location and the well-characterized degenerative changes that occur there. Peer-reviewed research supports ESWT as an effective intervention for chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy [1][2].

4. What About Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)?

Medial epicondylitis — golfer's elbow — is the mirror image of tennis elbow, affecting the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. It's common in golfers, baseball players, and anyone whose daily activities involve repetitive wrist flexion or pronation.

Like lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis tends to become chronic and resistant to standard conservative care in some patients. Shockwave therapy targets the same pathological mechanisms — poor blood supply, failed healing response, and degenerative tissue changes — that make this condition persist. Evidence supports the use of ESWT for recalcitrant elbow tendinopathies more broadly [1].

5. Can Shockwave Help Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)?

Patellar tendinopathy — sometimes called jumper's knee — is an overuse injury of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin bone. It's especially prevalent in athletes who do a lot of jumping, cutting, or explosive lower-body movement, but it also affects recreational athletes and active adults well into their 40s and 50s.

Chronic patellar tendinopathy is a condition where the evidence for shockwave therapy has continued to grow. The patellar tendon's central location and the difficulty of adequately offloading it during daily activity make conservative management challenging — and ESWT's ability to stimulate the repair process in degenerated tissue makes it a logical approach [2].

For active patients near Sawnee Mountain Preserve or those training for road races through the Forsyth County area, addressing patellar tendinopathy before it sidelines them entirely is a common goal.

6. How Does Shockwave Therapy Address Hip Tendinopathy?

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) — sometimes called hip bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy — involves the tendons attaching to the bony prominence on the outer hip. It's one of the most common causes of lateral hip pain in adults, particularly middle-aged and older women, though it affects men as well.

GTPS is another condition where cortisone injections may provide temporary relief but are not a long-term solution. Shockwave therapy offers a non-injection approach that targets the underlying tendon pathology. Research supports ESWT as an effective intervention for this presentation [1][2].

What to Expect From Shockwave Therapy for Tendonitis at SoftWave Therapy Cumming

If you're considering shockwave therapy for tendonitis in the Cumming or broader Forsyth County area, here's what a course of care at SoftWave Therapy Cumming typically looks like.

Initial visit (45 to 60 minutes): Dr. Cortner begins with a thorough health history review and exam. If you've brought imaging or prior records, those are reviewed as part of the intake. The first SoftWave session is almost always performed on this visit. There's no separate "evaluation only" appointment; you begin treatment from day one.

Each SoftWave session: Sessions run 10 to 15 minutes. The handheld SoftWave applicator is moved over the affected area while delivering acoustic waves. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or a tapping feeling — some areas are more sensitive than others depending on the tendon involved. There is no downtime after a session; most patients return to normal activity immediately.

Course of care: A standard course of care for tendonitis is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. Dr. Cortner reviews your progress and tailors care recommendations based on how you're responding.

What about results? Many patients report noticing changes within the first few sessions, though the full tissue-regeneration process continues over weeks. Chronic, long-standing tendon conditions generally require a longer course of care than recent-onset presentations. Individual outcomes vary and are discussed at your follow-up appointment — Dr. Cortner does not make blanket promises, because real healing depends on your specific presentation.

Shockwave Therapy for Tendonitis in Cumming, GA — Local Context

SoftWave Therapy Cumming is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd, just minutes from The Collection at Forsyth and Cumming City Center. We serve patients from across Forsyth County — including the Vickery, Windermere, South Forsyth, and Coal Mountain communities — as well as residents driving in from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Suwanee, Milton, and Dawsonville.

Tendonitis is particularly common among active adults in this area who hike Sawnee Mountain Preserve, train for road races, play recreational tennis or golf, or whose work demands repetitive physical activity. If you've been managing a tendon problem with rest and anti-inflammatories and it keeps coming back — or if you've hit a wall with prior treatment — a SoftWave evaluation is a reasonable next step.

For patients near Northside Hospital Forsyth who are weighing conservative options before committing to orthopedic consultation, SoftWave therapy represents a non-invasive, drug-free approach that can be started quickly and without a surgical referral.

Shockwave therapy for tendonitis is at the core of what Dr. Cortner does every day, and the practice is designed specifically around this type of care — not as an add-on to a general practice, but as the primary service offered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does shockwave therapy work for tendonitis?

Research supports the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for several types of chronic tendinopathy, including plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, lateral and medial epicondylitis, patellar tendinopathy, and hip tendinopathy. The evidence is strongest for conditions that have become chronic and have not responded adequately to rest, physical therapy, or injections. SoftWave therapy delivers electrohydraulic acoustic waves that are designed to stimulate the body's own repair processes in degenerated tendon tissue.

What type of tendonitis responds best to shockwave therapy?

Chronic, treatment-resistant tendinopathies tend to respond best — particularly plantar fasciitis, calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), Achilles tendinopathy, and patellar tendinopathy. These conditions share a common pattern: the normal healing cycle has stalled, blood supply to the tendon is poor, and degenerated tissue has accumulated. Shockwave therapy targets that underlying pathology rather than just masking symptoms. Acute, short-duration tendonitis may resolve with simpler measures before shockwave therapy becomes necessary.

How many shockwave sessions does tendonitis usually require?

At SoftWave Therapy Cumming, a standard course of care for tendonitis is 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 8 weeks. Chronic, long-standing tendon conditions may benefit from additional sessions, while some patients respond sooner. Dr. Cortner reviews your progress throughout your course of care and discusses individualized recommendations at your follow-up appointment — there is no one-size-fits-all number of sessions.

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Most patients describe the sensation during a SoftWave session as mild pressure or a tapping feeling over the treatment area. Some spots may be more sensitive depending on the tendon being treated and how inflamed the area is. Significant pain during a session is uncommon. There is typically no downtime after treatment — most patients return to normal daily activity immediately. Any mild post-session soreness in the area is generally short-lived.

Can shockwave therapy make tendonitis worse?

Some patients notice a temporary increase in soreness in the treated area following their first one or two sessions — this is a recognized response as the tissue begins to respond to the treatment stimulus. This is generally mild and short-lived. Significant worsening of symptoms is not a typical expected outcome. If you experience symptoms that worsen notably after care, that is worth discussing with Dr. Cortner at your next session so the approach can be assessed and adjusted.

How long does it take shockwave therapy to work for tendonitis?

Many patients report noticing changes — reduced pain, improved mobility, or decreased stiffness — within the first few sessions. However, the full tissue-repair process that shockwave therapy stimulates continues over several weeks beyond the treatment sessions themselves. Chronic tendinopathies that have been present for months or years generally take longer to respond than recent-onset presentations. Dr. Cortner discusses realistic timelines based on your individual case at your follow-up care-recommendation review.

Is SoftWave the same as shockwave therapy?

SoftWave is a specific type of shockwave therapy — it uses electrohydraulic technology to generate parallel, unfocused acoustic waves that cover a broader treatment area than traditional focused ESWT devices. Both SoftWave and traditional shockwave therapy are forms of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), but they differ in how the acoustic waves are generated and delivered. SoftWave Therapy Cumming uses the SoftWave device specifically, which is FDA-cleared for musculoskeletal applications.

What are the side effects of shockwave therapy for tendonitis?

Shockwave therapy is generally well-tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary and localized to the treatment area: mild soreness, redness, or warmth following a session. These typically resolve within hours to a day. Significant adverse events are uncommon. Because SoftWave uses no needles, no incisions, and no medications, the side-effect profile is substantially different from injections or surgical options. Dr. Cortner reviews your health history before beginning care to confirm SoftWave is appropriate for your situation.

Do I need a referral to try shockwave therapy for tendonitis in Cumming?

No referral is needed to schedule a SoftWave evaluation at SoftWave Therapy Cumming. You can contact the office directly at 770-406-8208 or book a SoftWave Discovery Day online. Dr. Cortner will review your history and current presentation on your first visit and can coordinate with your other providers as needed. Many patients come directly after a prior course of physical therapy or after deciding they want to explore non-injection options.

Can shockwave therapy for tendonitis be used alongside other treatments?

In many cases, yes. SoftWave therapy is non-invasive and drug-free, which means it can often be integrated alongside other conservative approaches such as physical therapy, home stretching programs, or activity modification. If you are currently receiving care from another provider, Dr. Cortner welcomes collaboration and can discuss how SoftWave fits into your overall plan. She'll also advise on timing relative to any recent injections, as there are general guidelines around spacing SoftWave sessions and cortisone administration.

If you've been living with chronic tendon pain that hasn't responded to rest, therapy, or injections, shockwave therapy for tendonitis may be the next step worth exploring. SoftWave Therapy Cumming is located at 5456 Bethelview Rd in Cumming, GA — serving Forsyth County and surrounding communities including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Suwanee, and Milton. Call us at 770-406-8208 or request a SoftWave Discovery Day online to speak with Dr. Catie Cortner and find out whether SoftWave is right for your situation. No referral needed.

References

[1] Notarnicola A, Moretti B. The biological effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on tendon tissue. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2012;2(1):33-37. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666498/
[2] Simplicio CL, Purita J, Murrell W, et al. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy mechanisms in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020;11(Suppl 3):S309-S318. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2020.02.004
[3] Rinella L, Marano F, Paletto L, et al. Extracorporeal shock waves modulate myofibroblast differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. Wound Repair Regen. 2016;24(2):275-286. - https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12410
[4] Gollwitzer H, Saxena A, DiDomenico LA, et al. Clinically relevant effectiveness of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized, controlled multicenter study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2015;97(9):701-708. - https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.M.01331
[5] Louwerens JKG, Sierevelt IN, van Noort A, van den Bekerom MPJ. Evidence for minimally invasive therapies in the management of chronic calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2014;23(8):1240-1249. - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2014.02.002

This post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your condition.