How Can Shockwave Therapy Support Musculoskeletal Function in Crown Point, IN?

Shockwave Therapy is a physician-directed, non-surgical procedure that delivers controlled acoustic pressure waves through the skin to a selected musculoskeletal area. At Mullally Sports & Family Medicine, it may be considered as one treatment option for carefully selected patients after an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation.

Depending on the condition and current available evidence, Shockwave Therapy may be considered for:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow
• Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
• Selected persistent tendon conditions
• Certain sports-related musculoskeletal concerns

Dr. Timothy Mullally, DO, and our team review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, physical examination findings, previous treatments, activity level, and imaging when clinically appropriate before recommending care.

Shockwave Therapy should not be described as healing ligaments or tendons, regenerating tissue, creating new tissue, or guaranteeing pain relief. It may be included within a comprehensive plan involving physical therapy, exercise, activity modification, medications, supportive devices, physician-directed injections, or surgical referral when appropriate.

The goals of Shockwave Therapy are individualized according to the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, functional limitations, lifestyle, and activity needs. Treatment does not guarantee complete pain relief, permanent improvement, or a specific recovery timeline.

Possible goals may include:

• Reducing pain and discomfort
• Improving mobility and physical function
• Increasing tolerance for work or daily movement
• Supporting participation in physical therapy or exercise
• Helping patients gradually return to sports or recreation
• Providing a non-surgical option when appropriate

Current research continues to evaluate Shockwave Therapy for different musculoskeletal conditions. Findings vary according to the diagnosis, device type, procedural settings, patient-selection criteria, and study design. Some patients may experience changes in pain, mobility, or activity tolerance, while others may have a limited response.

Dr. Timothy Mullally, DO, discusses the current evidence, potential risks, limitations, expected recovery, costs, and alternative treatment options before recommending Shockwave Therapy.

There is no exact number or frequency of Shockwave Therapy sessions that applies to every patient or condition. The schedule is personalized according to the diagnosis, treatment area, symptom duration, condition severity, medical history, previous care, and response to treatment.

During a session, a conductive gel may be applied before the applicator is positioned over the selected area. Controlled acoustic pressure waves are then delivered according to physician-directed settings. Patients may feel tapping, pressure, pulsing, or temporary discomfort during the procedure.

Follow-up evaluations may review:

• Pain and discomfort
• Mobility and range of motion
• Strength and activity tolerance
• Ability to work or complete daily activities
• Participation in exercise or sports
• Response to physical therapy or home exercise
• New, persistent, or changing symptoms

Based on the patient’s progress, the treatment plan may be continued, adjusted, combined with another option, or replaced with a different approach. Additional sessions do not guarantee greater or longer-lasting improvement.

Insurance coverage for Shockwave Therapy varies according to the patient’s plan, diagnosis, medical-necessity requirements, and applicable coverage policies. Coverage should not be assumed simply because a practice participates with the patient’s insurance company.

Before beginning treatment, patients should contact their insurer and ask about:

• Whether Shockwave Therapy is covered
• Diagnosis-related coverage requirements
• Prior authorization requirements
• Deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance
• Procedure or device exclusions
• Estimated out-of-pocket responsibility

Mullally Sports & Family Medicine can explain anticipated practice charges and provide relevant treatment information. Final coverage and payment decisions are made by the insurance company and cannot be guaranteed.

Cost should be considered alongside the diagnosis, treatment goals, current evidence, possible risks, limitations, expected recovery, and available alternatives. The price of a procedure does not determine whether it is medically appropriate or predict the patient’s response. For more information, contact us today or visit us online to book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 11275 Delaware Pkwy Suite A, Crown Point, IN 46307. We serve patients from Crown Point IN, Winfield IN, Schererville IN, St. John IN, Cedar Lake IN, Munster IN, Lowell IN, DeMotte IN, as well as other Northwest Indiana locations.