🏥 Gotokuji Orthopedic Clinic / Patient Guide

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

A non-surgical treatment that may help reduce pain

This treatment uses sound wave energy directed at the affected area to promote better blood flow, cell repair, and pain relief.
It is a non-invasive treatment with no incisions, has relatively few side effects, and causes almost no impact on daily life. Temporary pain, redness, swelling, or bruising may occur at the treated site.
It is one option for chronic pain that does not improve with medication or rehabilitation, without needing surgery.
At our clinic we use a radial (dispersive) device, and this is a self-pay (non-insured) treatment at 3,000 yen per session (tax included). The procedure covered by Japanese public health insurance uses a focused-type device for stubborn plantar fasciitis that has not improved after 6 months or more of conservative care, so it does not apply to the treatment we provide.

1
Improved blood flow and cell repair

Shock waves increase blood flow to the area and promote new blood vessel formation and tissue repair

2
Reduced nerve sensitivity

Lowers the sensitivity of pain-transmitting nerves, reducing chronic pain

3
Triggering repair in degenerated tendon and fascia

Chronic tendon disorders are now understood to be driven by degeneration rather than inflammation, and shockwave therapy aims to trigger a repair response in that degenerated tissue

4
Dissolving and absorbing calcium deposits

In calcific tendinitis, it can help dissolve accumulated calcium deposits

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Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
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Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
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Achilles tendinitis / insertional tendinopathy
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Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
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Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee) and other chronic tendon problems
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No Incision Needed
Non-invasive treatment with no cuts. Done as an outpatient procedure
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5-10 Minutes Per Session
Quick sessions. You can go home right after treatment
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Once a Week x 3-5 Times
Typically done once a week for 3 to 5 sessions
Relatively Few Side Effects
Temporary pain, redness, swelling, or bruising may occur at the treated site
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Self-Pay (Non-Insured)
3,000 yen per session (tax included). Not covered by public health insurance
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Combined with Rehabilitation
Combined with stretching and rehab for better results
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Some patients start feeling improvement after 1-3 sessions

Results vary from person to person, and the treatment does not work for everyone. The effect also depends on the condition and how long you have had symptoms. It is an option to try before surgery for chronic pain that does not respond to medication or rehab.

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Some people cannot receive shock wave therapy.
This treatment is not suitable for pregnant women, those with a history of cancer, or those with blood clotting disorders. It is also avoided when there is an infection at the treatment site. Please consult with us first to check if you are eligible.

💡 Things to Remember

  • Effective for chronic pain that has not improved with medication or rehab
  • At our clinic this is self-pay (non-insured) at 3,000 yen per session (tax included)
  • Each session takes just 5-10 minutes with almost no impact on daily life
  • If pain has lasted more than 3 months, consider scheduling a consultation