Runner stretching on a track, resting a hand on their knee.

Shockwave Therapy in Portland

Non-invasive care for chronic pain and recent injuries.

Shockwave therapy at Origins Integrative Health helps Portland patients with heel, back, tendon and muscle pain, whether it has lingered for months or started with a recent injury. It’s non-invasive, uses no needles and needs no downtime. You can book it on its own or pair it with acupuncture at our clinic on SE Ankeny St.

What shockwave therapy is

Shockwave therapy sends acoustic sound waves through the skin into a painful area. Those waves increase local blood flow and support your body’s own repair response in tendons, ligaments and muscle.

Origins uses a radial shockwave device. Radial shockwave spreads its energy across a wider area, which suits many common tendon and soft tissue complaints.

What shockwave therapy can help with

Many people come to us for shockwave when pain has lingered for weeks or months. It’s often part of care for:

Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Lower back pain
Achilles and patellar tendon pain
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Shoulder and rotator cuff pain
Chronic muscle tension and trigger points
Running and overuse injuries

Shockwave isn’t only for long-standing pain. It can also be used for acute injuries, including sprains, strains and bone fractures, to support the body’s healing response while you recover.

The research on plantar fasciitis is especially strong. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found high-quality evidence that shockwave improves pain and function for this condition. Read Casey’s article on shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis to learn more.

Your shockwave therapy visit

Your first visit starts with an assessment, so we understand what is driving your pain before we treat it. If shockwave is a good fit, a gel goes on the skin and a handheld applicator delivers pulses to the area.

Most people describe it as a strong tapping. The intensity is adjusted to keep you comfortable, and you can go right back to your day afterward.

How many sessions you may need

Most people have 5 to 10 sessions, about a week apart. Your plan depends on your condition and how your body responds, and we check in on your progress at every visit.

Shockwave therapy is not covered by insurance. Call us for pricing.

Who performs shockwave therapy at Origins

Shockwave therapy at Origins is performed by co-founder Casey McGuire, LAc, SMAC. Casey is a licensed acupuncturist with more than 21 years of experience and a certification in Sports Medicine Acupuncture. He often pairs shockwave with acupuncture, since the two support healing in different ways.

Shockwave is one part of our musculoskeletal care, alongside prolotherapy and perineural injection therapy. Many patients also add acupuncture for pain and sports recovery. When you’re ready, contact us to book a visit.

Frequently
asked questions

Can’t find the answer your looking for? Contact us.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

Most people feel a firm, rhythmic tapping. Casey adjusts the intensity as you go, so the treatment stays comfortable. There are no needles and no anesthesia, and most people head straight back to work or errands.

Can I book shockwave without acupuncture?

Yes. Shockwave can be booked as a standalone treatment. It also pairs very well with acupuncture, and Casey is happy to talk through both options at your first visit.

Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?

Shockwave is not covered by insurance. If you also receive acupuncture, that part of your care may be billable to your plan. Our front desk can help you check your benefits, and you can call us for pricing.

Can shockwave help with plantar fasciitis?

Yes. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most studied uses of shockwave, and research shows it can reduce heel pain and improve function. Casey will assess your foot and build a plan that fits your activity and goals.