Skip To Content

How ESWT Helps Relieve Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Pain

A photo of a man holding his shoulder and grimacing in pain, overlaid with text that says, "Shockwave therapy (ESWT) can help with lingering shoulder and rotator cuff injuries." ​

Does your shoulder hurt when you reach overhead?

Is there pain in your shoulder when you lift things?

Maybe you’re even in pain sleeping on your side?

Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries can make even simple uncomfortable or painful. When shoulder pain becomes chronic, it’s often because the injured tissues aren’t getting the blood flow and stimulation they need to fully heal.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is an effective, non-invasive treatment option that helps jump-start healing in stubborn shoulder and rotator cuff conditions.

Why Rotator Cuff Pain Can Be Slow to Heal

The rotator cuff is made up of four small but critical muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. These tendons are especially vulnerable to:

  • Repetitive strain or overuse
  • Poor blood supply
  • Scar tissue buildup
  • Chronic inflammation

Because of this, rotator cuff injuries often linger — even after rest, medication, or basic therapy. ESWT targets these underlying healing challenges rather than simply masking pain.

How ESWT Targets Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Pain

ESWT delivers controlled acoustic pressure waves directly to injured shoulder tissues. These waves stimulate biological responses that are especially beneficial for rotator cuff injuries and chronic shoulder pain.

1. Reduces Chronic Inflammation
Persistent inflammation is one of the biggest drivers of shoulder pain. ESWT helps regulate inflammatory processes in the tendon and surrounding tissues, leading to a gradual but meaningful reduction in pain and irritation.

2. Improves Blood Flow to Rotator Cuff Tendons
Rotator cuff tendons have limited circulation, which slows healing. ESWT increases local blood flow and encourages the formation of new blood vessels, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach damaged tissue more effectively.

3. Stimulates Tendon Repair and Remodeling
ESWT encourages collagen production and tissue regeneration, helping damaged rotator cuff tendons repair themselves. This is especially helpful for chronic tendinopathy and degenerative tendon changes.

4. Breaks Down Scar Tissue and Calcifications
For patients with calcific tendinitis or long-standing rotator cuff irritation, ESWT can help break down hardened deposits and fibrotic tissue that restrict movement and perpetuate pain.

Shoulder Conditions Commonly Treated with ESWT

ESWT is frequently recommended for patients experiencing:

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tendinitis
  • Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
  • Shoulder bursitis
  • Chronic shoulder pain with limited range of motion
  • Post-surgical shoulder stiffness or pain

Clinical studies show that ESWT can significantly improve shoulder pain levels and functional outcomes, especially when combined with guided rehabilitation and chiropractic care.

What Patients Notice After ESWT for Shoulder Pain

Because ESWT supports healing rather than numbing symptoms, improvements tend to build over time. Patients often report:

  • Reduced shoulder pain during daily activities
  • Improved ability to lift, reach, and rotate the arm
  • Better sleep due to decreased nighttime shoulder discomfort
  • Greater tolerance for strengthening and rehab exercises

Many patients notice gradual improvements over several weeks as the healing response continues.

ESWT as Part of a Comprehensive Shoulder Care Plan

At our office, ESWT is rarely used in isolation. It is often combined with:

  • Targeted chiropractic adjustments
  • Soft tissue therapy
  • Corrective exercises and mobility work

This integrated approach helps address both the source of shoulder pain and the mechanics that may have contributed to the injury in the first place.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Your Shoulder Pain?

If you’re dealing with ongoing shoulder pain, limited mobility, or a rotator cuff injury that hasn’t responded to traditional care, ESWT may be an effective option. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine whether shockwave therapy can help restore movement and comfort.

For a no-pressure consultation, call 734-221-0362 or submit an online contact form. We look forward to helping you feel your best!

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.