Dr. Blake Ohlson discusses the cost and safety risks associated with shockwave therapy.
Key Points
Cost & Convenience: Shockwave therapy is traditionally not covered by health insurance . However, the treatment is typically much less expensive than surgery when factoring in the costs of surgical downtime and immobilization. A full course usually requires 4 to 6 weekly sessions, with each individual session taking only about 5 minutes and requiring zero downtime.
- General Safety: The procedure has a long track record and is considered extremely safe. The underlying technology has been utilized since the 1980s (originally for breaking up kidney stones via lithotripsy) and transitioned into orthopedic care in the 1990s.
- Contraindications: While safe for most people, shockwave therapy should be avoided for patients who are:
- Taking blood thinners
- Pregnant
- Undergoing treatment for cancer or tumors (as the therapy stimulates tissue growth)
- Requiring treatment directly over the brain or spinal cord