RADIAL PRESSURE WAVE THERAPY (RPW)

At Coastal Orthopedics, we’re always looking for ways to help you heal faster, move better, and rely less on medication. Radial Pressure Wave (RPW) Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic (sound) waves to support your body’s own healing process and reduce musculoskeletal pain.

What is Radial Pressure Wave Therapy?

Radial Pressure Waves are acoustic waves that travel from the surface of the skin into the tissues beneath, reaching a depth of about 2 inches. These waves create gentle pressure changes in the tissue, which can:

Help decrease muscle pain and aches
Temporarily increase local blood flow
Activate and support connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, fascia)

Over time, this stimulation helps your body’s natural repair mechanisms, which may lead to improved mobility and reduced pain in targeted areas.

Conditions Commonly Treated With RPW Therapy

RPW Therapy can be used to address a variety of chronic and overuse injuries, especially those involving tendons and soft tissue. Examples include:

Shoulder pain (including calcific tendinitis)
Elbow pain (such as tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis)
Knee pain and patellar tendinopathy
Achilles tendon pain
Plantar fasciitis, plantar and heel pain
Trapezius and shoulder/neck region muscle pain

Your Coastal Orthopedics provider will evaluate your specific condition to determine whether RPW Therapy is an appropriate part of your treatment plan.

Benefits of RPW Therapy

Patients often choose RPW Therapy because it offers several key advantages:

Short treatment time – Sessions typically last only a few minutes.
Non-invasive – There are no injections or incisions.
No known significant adverse effects when used as directed.
Treats larger areas – Helpful for broader regions of muscle or tendon pain.
Feels like a focused massage – A vibrating applicator is used over the treatment area.
Often requires only a few treatments – Many patients experience improvement after a short series of visits.
Alternative to medication – May reduce reliance on pain medications for some patients.

RPW to treat ankle pain and soreness in Beverly

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benefits of RPW therapy at Coastal Orthopedics

What Does RPW Treatment Feel Like?

During your session, a small handheld device is placed against your skin over the area being treated. As the pressure waves are delivered, you may feel:

A tapping or “thumping” sensation
Mild to moderate soreness in areas with irritated tissue
Minimal discomfort when the device passes over healthy tissue

Sensitivity can vary depending on the area, the device settings, and how acute or chronic your condition is. Minor soreness after treatment is common and typically fades within a short period.

How Long Does Treatment Take? How Many Sessions Will I Need?

RPW Therapy is designed to be both efficient and effective:

Treatment time: About 10 minutes per session on average
Number of sessions: Many patients benefit from 4–6 treatments, and in some cases up to 8

Your provider will recommend a schedule (often weekly or every 1–2 weeks) based on your diagnosis, your pain level, and how you respond to treatment.

Radial Pressure Wave therapy for the shoulder

Is RPW Therapy Right for Me?

RPW Therapy may be considered if you:

Have chronic tendon or soft tissue pain that hasn’t fully responded to rest, activity modification, or other conservative treatments
Are looking for a non-invasive option to support pain relief and improved function
Want to explore alternatives to repeated injections or long-term medication use

However, RPW Therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Your orthopedic provider will review your medical history, imaging, and current symptoms to determine whether this treatment is safe and likely to help in your specific case.

Why Choose Coastal Orthopedics for RPW Therapy?

When you receive RPW Therapy at Coastal Orthopedics, you benefit from:

Board-certified orthopedic specialists who focus on evidence-informed treatments
Integrated care – RPW Therapy can be combined with physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, and other non-surgical interventions.
Personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and activity level
A focus on function – We’re not just treating pain; we’re helping you move with more comfort and confidence.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re dealing with persistent tendon or muscle pain and wondering whether Radial Pressure Wave Therapy could help, we’re here to guide you. Call Coastal Orthopedics or request an appointment online to discuss whether RPW Therapy is a good option for your condition and to develop a treatment plan that supports your activity and quality of life.

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