What is Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST)?
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST) is a high-precision medical technology designed to treat chronic injuries located deeper within the body. Unlike radial shockwaves that spread out over the skin, FST concentrates energy into a specific focal point deep inside the tissue. This allows us to target injury sites closer to the bone or deep within the muscle without irritating the surrounding skin, stimulating rapid cellular regeneration and pain relief exactly where you need it.
Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST)
FST goes beyond surface-level treatment to address stubborn conditions that haven't responded to other therapies. The primary benefits of this targeted approach include:
Precise Calcification Removal
Accurately targeting and breaking down hard calcium deposits in tendons (especially the shoulder).
Stimulated Bone Healing
Promoting recovery in stress fractures and non-union bone injuries by activating osteoblasts.
Minimal Discomfort
Bypassing the skin's pain receptors to deliver high energy comfortably, making it ideal for acute pain.
Deep Tissue Penetration
Reaching deep tendons, ligaments, and bone structures that manual therapy cannot access.
What Conditions Can Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST) Help With?
Deep Gluteal & Hamstring Pain
Treating high hamstring tendinopathy deep within the hip.
Calcific Tendonitis
Pinpointing and dissolving calcium build-up in the shoulder rotator cuff.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)
Resolving inflammation in the thick tendon below the kneecap.
Plantar Fasciitis
Targeting the thick fascia at the insertion point of the heel.
Bone Stress Injuries
Accelerating healing for shin splints and stress fractures.
Osteoarthritis
Reducing deep joint pain to improve function and delay surgery.
What to Expect During Your Focused Shockwave Therapy (FST) Session
We start by listening to your history and performing a gentle movement screen to find the root cause of your pain. Next, we use hands-on manual therapy and guided exercises to restore your mobility right here in the clinic. Finally, you will leave with a simple, custom home exercise plan to keep your recovery moving forward between visits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I expect during my focused shockwave session?
Unlike radial shockwave, which can feel snappy on the skin, Focused Shockwave is often described as a deep pressure or a dull ache "inside" the body. Because the energy converges at a focal point deep in the tissue, the surface of your skin remains comfortable throughout the treatment.
How often should I attend focused shockwave sessions?
Focused Shockwave Therapy sessions are generally spaced 1 week apart. This interval allows the deep tissues to absorb the energy and complete the cellular regeneration cycle before the next stimulus is applied.
Is focused shockwave therapy safe for everyone?
Yes, it is a highly safe, non-invasive technology. However, it is not suitable if you have a pacemaker, are pregnant, have a history of cancer in the treatment area, or have had a cortisone injection in the specific area within the last 6 weeks. Your therapist will screen you for these factors.
Is focused shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Focused Shockwave is typically billed under "Physiotherapy" or "Chiropractic" depending on the license of the practitioner administering it. We recommend checking your specific plan, as some insurers have specific categories or requirements for shockwave coverage.
How many focused shockwave sessions will I need?
Focused shockwave is highly efficient. Most patients require between 3 to 5 sessions to achieve lasting results. Because the energy is so targeted, fewer sessions are often needed compared to general physical therapy or radial shockwave.