Radial Pressure Wave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Option for Chronic Orthopedic Pain
- Coastal Orthopedics
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Chronic muscle and tendon pain can make everyday movement uncomfortable; for some patients, rest, activity modification, or traditional conservative treatments don’t provide enough relief. At Coastal Orthopedics, we continually evaluate new, evidence-informed therapies that support healing while minimizing disruption to daily life.
Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) Therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to help reduce musculoskeletal pain and support the body’s natural healing process. It may be recommended for patients with chronic or overuse-related conditions affecting tendons and soft tissue.
What Is Radial Pressure Wave Therapy?
Radial Pressure Wave Therapy uses acoustic (sound) waves delivered through the skin to stimulate tissue beneath the surface. These waves travel approximately two inches into the targeted area, creating gentle pressure changes that may:
Help reduce muscle pain and soreness
Temporarily increase local blood flow
Support tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue
Over time, this stimulation can encourage the body’s natural repair mechanisms, leading to improved mobility and reduced pain in treated areas.
Conditions Commonly Treated With RPW Therapy
RPW Therapy is often used for chronic or overuse injuries involving soft tissue and tendons.
Common conditions include:
Shoulder pain, including calcific tendinitis
Elbow pain such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Knee pain and patellar tendinopathy
Achilles tendon pain
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Trapezius, shoulder, and neck muscle pain
Your Coastal Orthopedics provider will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine whether RPW Therapy is appropriate for your condition.
What Does RPW Treatment Feel Like?
During treatment, a small handheld device is placed against the skin over the treatment area.
Patients may experience:
A tapping or “thumping” sensation
Mild to moderate soreness over irritated tissue
Minimal discomfort over healthy tissue
Sensitivity can vary based on the area treated and the severity of the condition. Mild soreness following treatment is common and typically resolves within a short period.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
RPW Therapy is designed to be efficient and convenient:
Treatment time: Approximately 10 minutes per session
Number of sessions: Many patients benefit from 4–6 treatments, and in some cases up to 8
Frequency: Often scheduled weekly or every 1–2 weeks
Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your diagnosis, pain level, and response to therapy.
Benefits of Radial Pressure Wave Therapy
Patients often choose RPW Therapy because it offers several advantages:
Non-invasive, with no injections or incisions
Short treatment sessions
No known significant adverse effects when used as directed
Ability to treat larger areas of muscle or tendon pain
May reduce reliance on pain medication for some patients
RPW Therapy can also be combined with other non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification.
Is RPW Therapy Right for You?
RPW Therapy may be considered if you:
Have chronic tendon or soft tissue pain
Have not achieved sufficient relief with conservative care
Are looking for a non-invasive treatment option
It is not appropriate for everyone. Your orthopedic provider will review your medical history, imaging, and current symptoms to determine whether RPW Therapy is safe and likely to help in your specific case.
Why Choose Coastal Orthopedics?
At Coastal Orthopedics, RPW Therapy is delivered as part of an integrated, patient-centered approach to care. Our board-certified orthopedic specialists focus on restoring function, not just managing pain, through personalized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re experiencing chronic tendon or muscle pain and would like to learn whether Radial Pressure Wave Therapy may be right for you, our team is here to help.
Is RPW covered by insurance?
As this is a new service, RPW is not yet covered by insurance plans, and full payment is due at the time of your visit. We’re happy to provide detailed pricing and answer any questions you may have. Call us today — we’re here to help!