Shockwave Therapy in Centennial, CO
Reviewed October 2026
Shockwave therapy uses strong sound waves to wake up healing in stubborn tendon and joint pain. At Modern Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we offer it to active adults whose heel, elbow, shoulder, or Achilles pain just won't quit. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and needs no downtime.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a treatment that sends pulses of acoustic (sound) energy into injured tissue through a handheld applicator. It is not electricity. The pulses create tiny, controlled stress in the tissue. This prompts your body to restart a healing response in areas that have stalled.
Shockwave is backed by a growing body of research for chronic problems like plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies. A tendinopathy is a worn-out, irritated tendon. Shockwave improves circulation, helps break up scar tissue, and taps into the body's own repair process. Clinics often call it "ESWT," short for extracorporeal shockwave therapy. "Extracorporeal" simply means the energy comes from outside the body.
What conditions can shockwave therapy help with?
Conditions that respond well to shockwave therapy include:
Rotator cuff tendon problems in the shoulder
Elbow tendinopathy: golfer's elbow and tennis elbow
Plantar fasciitis: sharp heel pain, often worst with the first steps in the morning
Achilles tendinopathy: pain and stiffness at the back of the heel
Ligament issues that are slow to heal
It is often a good choice when rest, stretching, and other therapies haven't been enough. Benefits patients tend to value:
No surgery and no injections. It's a conservative option to try first.
No downtime. Most people walk out and return to work the same day.
Short sessions. Each treatment takes only a few minutes per area.
Keeps you moving. For runners, golfers, tennis players, and weekend hikers, it offers a path back to activity without months off.
Treats the tissue, not just the pain. The goal is to restart healing, not to mask symptoms.
Shockwave isn't right for everyone. We screen for pregnancy, blood-clotting problems, blood thinners, active infection, and cancer in the treatment area. Tell us about any recent steroid injections too.
What happens during a shockwave therapy session?
Your first visit is a consultation and exam. Your doctor asks how and when the pain started, then tests strength, motion, and tenderness. If shockwave is a good fit, it goes into your written plan.
At your second visit, your doctor reviews the plan and treatment begins. We find the most tender spot and apply a gel to the skin. The doctor then places the applicator on the area and delivers a series of rapid pulses. You'll hear a clicking or tapping sound. Your plan may also include stretches, strengthening, or laser therapy to support healing.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
It can be uncomfortable, but it is usually very tolerable. Most people describe a strong tapping or thumping feeling, especially over the sorest spot. We start at a low intensity and raise it only as you can handle it. Tell us at any time if it's too much.
The area may feel tender for a day or two afterward. This is common and a sign the tissue is responding. We usually advise skipping ice and anti-inflammatory pills right after a session, but check with us first for your situation.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your exam and how long the problem has been there. Chronic tendon problems usually need a short series of sessions, spaced about a week apart. Many people notice gradual improvement over the following weeks as the tissue heals. We don't sell stock packages. Your doctor rechecks you and adjusts the plan as you go.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance? What does it cost?
Many insurance plans do not cover shockwave therapy. Some cover the exam or other parts of your visit. Insurance at MCWC is set per doctor. Dr. DiBella and Dr. Latham work with the plans shown on our New Patients page. Dr. Schoefernacker is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, and BlueCross BlueShield.
Please check your benefits before you start. Self-pay options are available. Call (303) 221-1714 to ask about current rates.
Who performs shockwave therapy at MCWC?
Shockwave therapy is provided by our chiropractors. Dr. Joseph DiBella has a special interest in shoulder problems and biomechanics. Dr. Justin Schoefernacker works with athletes and active adults and pairs treatment with rehab and exercise guidance. Your treating doctor sets the intensity and the area for each session.
Book shockwave therapy in Centennial
Visit us at 7600 E Arapahoe Rd, Ste 211, Centennial, CO 80112, or call (303) 221-1714.
