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Shockwave Therapy

A graphic representation of sound waves, which are used in extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

Are you struggling with chronic pain?

Do you have an old injury that keeps bothering you?

We understand how discouraging it is when pain just won’t go away—no matter how much you rest, stretch, exercise, or take painkillers. That’s why Dr. Gessert now offers Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): a modern, non-invasive treatment that helps your body heal itself naturally without surgery or long periods of recovery.

What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?

The term “extracorporeal” simply means outside the body, and “shockwave” refers to focused sound waves used to stimulate healing. During ESWT, gentle sound waves are directed toward the injured/painful area. These waves travel deep into the tissues, where they help increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and encourage natural repair.
In other words, ESWT helps your body restart the healing process in areas where recovery has stalled.

How ESWT Promotes Healing

ESWT has been widely researched and used for years to treat chronic pain and stubborn soft tissue injuries. Here’s how it works to support healing and relieve discomfort:

  • Improves blood flow: The treatment boosts local circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues for faster recovery.
  • Breaks down buildup: ESWT can help dissolve small areas of scar tissue, calcium deposits, or hardened tissue, allowing the body to naturally clear them away.
  • Stimulates cellular repair: The sound waves gently “wake up” dormant or damaged cells, triggering your body’s own healing mechanisms.
  • Reduces pain and inflammation: Over time, this process can ease pain, improve mobility, and restore normal function without medication or surgery.
  • Minimal downtime: Because it’s non-invasive, most people can return to their usual activities right after treatment.

The term "shockwave" may sound a little scary, but don't worry! "Shockwave" simply refers to the gentle sound waves used to stimulate the injured area of the body. You aren't being electrocuted!

Conditions ESWT Can Help

We often recommend ESWT for patients dealing with chronic or recurring pain caused by:

  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
  • Chronic muscle tightness or trigger points

If you’ve tried traditional treatments like rest, stretching, or medication without lasting relief, ESWT may offer a new way forward.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Here are a few things to expect during and after your treatment:

  1. Personalized Assessment. Dr. Gessert will discuss your symptoms, perform an exam, and determine whether ESWT is a good fit for your condition.
  2. Treatment Session. You’ll relax comfortably while a small device delivers short pulses of sound waves through a layer of gel applied to your skin. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure or tingling—not pain.
  3. Aftercare & Recovery. There’s little to no downtime after treatment. You might notice some temporary soreness similar to post-exercise fatigue, but most patients resume normal activities right away.

Typically, ESWT is performed in a short series of sessions spaced over several weeks, depending on your condition and response to care.

Why Choose Pivotal Chiropractic for ESWT

Dr. Gessert uses a structural correction approach, focusing on improving the way your body functions as a whole. ESWT is one of several advanced therapies we use to help reduce pain, restore proper alignment, and support long-term wellness.

Your treatment plan will always be customized to your unique needs—combining chiropractic adjustments, targeted exercises, and therapies like ESWT to achieve the best possible results.

Start Healing with Extracorporeal Shock Therapy in Ann Arbor

Don’t let chronic pain or limited movement keep you from doing what you love. If you live near Ann Arbor and think that extracorporeal shock therapy might help, we’d be happy to talk with you about your options.

📞 Call us at (734) 221-0362 or contact us online to schedule your consultation—no pressure, just a conversation about how to help you feel better, move easier, and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Customer Reviews

  • Dr.Andrew Gessert is an outstanding professional with amazing skill in adjusting my neck and spine. I can continue in my sport feeling great after an adjustment. You don't know how great you can feel till your nerves and spine are aligned. Thank you Dr. Gessert.

    Pamela S.

  • I started seeing Dr. Andrew last summer after my Cross Fit coach listened to my complaints about my body and urged me to get a consultation. It’s now been almost a full year, and not only do I feel so much better physically—much less chronic pain—but I feel much more in touch and in tune with my body, due to the treatment he provides, and also the at-home stretching that he prescribed. Dr. Andrew is friendly and always takes the time to listen to how I’m feeling, and he never fails to amaze me at how he can assess my physical problems and use his training to correct them. I would recommend him to anyone who has pain and wants to feel better!

    Aaron R.

  • Great experience for me. Easy to work with and accommodating. Andy has a very clear process and steps through it adjusting on the way. He is professional, communicates well and is never rushed. Every thing is very well explained and measured. My results have been great. Life changing. Highly recommended.

    Willy L.

  • I’m very impressed with Dr. Gessert’s skill in adjusting my neck and spine; especially given the fact that I have had numerous orthopedic surgeries. Not only am I walking straighter, he also provided me with an ongoing strengthening plan to maintain the results I am happily experiencing. Highly recommend a visit to Pivotal Chiropractic.

    Steven P.

  • Dr. Andrew is an amazing Chiropractor. He is always prompt with communication. His office is very clean and he has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Dr. Andrew takes the time to customize a plan for you for better motion, better posture, and less discomfort. I would absolutely recommend Dr Andrew to anyone looking for Chiropractic professionals.

    Jeff O.