Shockwave Therapy Specialist

Paul C. Murphy, MD -  - Sports Medicine Specialist

Murphy SportsMedicine Center

Paul C. Murphy, MD

Sports Medicine Specialist & Orthopedic Surgeon located in La Jolla, San Diego, CA

Shockwave therapy can provide significant relief for patients with tendinitis and other acute and chronic conditions. Dr. Murphy is skilled in shockwave therapy and its applications, helping patients from La Jolla, CA, achieve faster recovery and superior long-term results compared to conventional therapies.

Shockwave Therapy Q&A

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses special waves of concussive energy to treat painful symptoms affecting the tendons and muscles, including acute and chronic tendinitis, inflammation of the tendon sheaths that can restrict tendon motion and cause significant pain and tenderness, as well as decreased range of motion. Compared to traditional therapy, shockwave therapy offers speedier recovery and better long-term results. The most common applications of shockwave therapy include:

  • shoulder pain

  • Achilles tendon pain

  • epicondylitis (tennis elbow or golfer's elbow)

  • patellar (knee) tendinitis

  • heel spurs

  • treatment of painful trigger points

At Murphy SportsMedicine Center, we use a state-of-the-art low-energy shockwave machine for effective treatments that can be performed in the office without the need for sedation or anesthesia.

How is shockwave therapy applied?

Once the treatment area has been identified with a physical exam and evaluation, you'll be asked to lie on an exam table for treatment. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown to enable the waves to reach your tissues more directly. Once you're in position, the delivery device will be placed over the treatment area and shockwaves will be delivered through the skin for 10 to 20 minutes.

Will the shockwaves hurt?

Because the treatment site is already experiencing painful symptoms, you may experience some mild transient discomfort at the treatment site as the shockwaves release tension and stimulate circulation for greater healing of damaged tissues and inflammation.

How many treatments will I need?

Although some relief can be achieved after a single treatment in many patients, optimal effects typically require from three to five treatment sessions spaced one week apart. Maximum healing typically occurs within six to eight weeks. Between sessions, you'll be able to perform all your regular activities with no restrictions.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

HereĀ is a short list of just some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.

Aetna
AIG
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Assurant Health
Asuris Northwest Health
Bankers Life and Casualty Company
Blue Cross
CDPHP
CHAMPVA
Cigna
ConnectiCare
Coventry Health Care
Culinary Health Fund
Deseret Mutual
Empire Plan
First Choice Health