Shockwave Therapy: A Guide for Orthopedic Clinics

Course overview

Shockwave therapy is increasingly used in orthopedic settings for its ability to accelerate tissue healing, reduce pain, and improve patient outcomes yet confusion persists about its mechanisms, proper clinical use, and how it differs from other modalities. This course provides physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals with a comprehensive introduction to shockwave therapy, including its physiological basis, treatment indications, and device types. Through evidence-based explanations and demonstrations, learners will understand the differences between true shockwave therapy and radial pressure wave devices, explore current clinical research, and evaluate how shockwave therapy compares to ultrasound, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other treatments. The course also covers safety considerations and contraindications to guide responsible clinical implementation. Applicable to outpatient orthopedic clinics and sports medicine environments, this course empowers clinicians to confidently and effectively integrate shockwave therapy into patient care.