Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that directs mechanical acoustic waves at a specific area of the body. Complete Healthcare offers this service at its Charlotte office after an evaluation of the patient's symptoms, health history and proposed treatment area. Call (704) 510-1510 to ask about an evaluation and whether this approach may be appropriate for you.
Service and Contact Details
Service: Noninvasive shockwave therapy
Provider: Complete Healthcare
Location: 8420 Medical Plaza Dr Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28262
First step: An evaluation of your symptoms, health history and proposed treatment area
Technology: Shockwave systems may use radial or focused approaches. Confirm the specific technology available at Complete Healthcare when scheduling.
Contact: Call (704) 510-1510 or contact Complete Healthcare to ask about an evaluation and appointment availability.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves generated outside the body. During treatment, a professional places a handheld applicator against the skin over a defined area, usually with coupling gel to help transmit the waves. The treatment does not involve surgery or injections.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, commonly shortened to ESWT, is a broad term for acoustic-wave treatment delivered from outside the body. Device names and terminology vary, so ESWT does not always mean that a clinic uses a particular radial or focused system.
Shockwave therapy is also different from electrical stimulation. A shockwave device delivers mechanical acoustic energy, while electrical stimulation sends electrical current through electrodes. The Cleveland Clinic overview of shockwave therapy offers additional patient-oriented information about the procedure, potential uses and risks.
How Candidacy Is Evaluated
Shockwave therapy may be considered for some persistent musculoskeletal or soft-tissue concerns, but it is not suitable for every painful area. An evaluation helps determine whether the proposed treatment area and the patient's health history make it a reasonable option.
The evaluation may address:
- The location and duration of the symptoms
- Movements, work tasks or activities that make the problem worse
- Prior examinations, imaging, diagnoses or treatment, when relevant
- Current health conditions, medications and recent procedures
- Whether the proposed area can be treated appropriately
- Whether a different form of care or a referral would be more suitable
For related condition information, patients can learn about plantar fasciitis, review shoulder pain information or explore back pain relief options. These resources provide general context; they do not establish that shockwave therapy is appropriate for every person with those symptoms.
Radial, Focused and ESWT Terminology
Radial and focused systems deliver acoustic or pressure-wave energy in different ways. Radial shockwave therapy, often abbreviated RSWT, generally spreads energy across a broader, more superficial area. Focused systems concentrate energy at a selected depth.
ESWT is commonly used as an umbrella term for extracorporeal acoustic-wave treatment. It is not an exact synonym for focused shockwave therapy in every clinical setting. Devices, energy characteristics and treatment protocols differ.
The comparison below explains the terminology. It does not indicate that Complete Healthcare offers every modality.
| Term | General meaning | Availability at Complete Healthcare |
|---|---|---|
| Radial shockwave therapy or RSWT | Energy is distributed across a broader, generally more superficial area | Confirm with the office |
| Focused shockwave therapy | Energy is concentrated at a selected depth | Confirm with the office |
| ESWT | A broad term for extracorporeal acoustic-wave treatment; usage varies | Ask the office which device and terminology it uses |
When contacting the office, ask which system is available and how the technology relates to your evaluation.
What Happens at an Appointment
The appointment begins with a discussion of the concern, how long it has been present and any health factors that could affect treatment. Be prepared to discuss current medications, recent procedures and relevant examination or imaging results.
If shockwave therapy is appropriate, the treatment area is identified and a handheld applicator is placed against the skin. The sensation varies with the body area, device and settings. Tell the treating professional about discomfort or changes in sensation during the session so your response can be monitored.
Appointment length, treatment frequency and the number of sessions are not the same for every patient. Recommendations depend on the evaluation, technology and response to care. You can also review what to expect at your visit. Ask the office whether treatment may take place at the initial appointment, as that detail has not been confirmed for this page.
Safety and Screening Considerations
This treatment is not appropriate for every person or body area. Before a session, provide accurate information about your health conditions, medications, pregnancy status, implanted devices, circulation concerns and recent procedures. The treating professional must decide which factors are relevant to you and the proposed treatment area.
Ask about possible temporary effects, activity guidance and signs that warrant a call to the office. Follow the individualized aftercare instructions you receive rather than relying on a general online protocol.
Shockwave therapy should never delay urgent medical evaluation. New weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, major trauma, chest pain, or severe or rapidly worsening symptoms require prompt medical attention instead of a routine appointment. No treatment can guarantee pain relief, recovery speed or a particular result.
Comparing Possible Next Steps
The appropriate next step depends on the cause, duration and severity of the symptoms. This guide is for general education and does not replace an examination.
| Option | What it involves | When it may be discussed |
|---|---|---|
| Shockwave therapy | Noninvasive delivery of acoustic waves to a defined area | When an evaluation indicates that the concern, treatment area and health history make it a reasonable option |
| Musculoskeletal or chiropractic evaluation | Review of symptoms, movement and relevant history | When the source of pain or a functional limitation has not been adequately assessed |
| Clinician-directed activity changes | Individual guidance about aggravating activities and daily self-care | When a patient needs practical advice that reflects the specific concern rather than a generic online plan |
| Medical referral | Evaluation by another qualified healthcare professional | When symptoms, history or examination findings require care outside the clinic's scope |
These options are not exhaustive. Depending on the findings, more than one form of care may be considered.
Plan Your Charlotte Appointment
Complete Healthcare provides shockwave therapy at 8420 Medical Plaza Dr Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28262. Call (704) 510-1510 to ask about evaluation requirements, appointment availability, what to bring and which shockwave technology the office uses.
Pricing, insurance participation, payment arrangements, appointment duration, parking and accessibility details have not been confirmed for this page. Check these points with the office before your visit. You can also contact Complete Healthcare online.
Local Service Area
- Complete Healthcare
Verified business
The chiropractor associated with this shockwave therapy service page. - Charlotte, NC
Verified primary market
The city and state of the office where the service is offered. - 8420 Medical Plaza Dr Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28262
Verified office address
The office address displayed for appointment and contact purposes. - (704) 510-1510
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The supplied telephone number for service and appointment questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that applies mechanical acoustic waves to a targeted area from outside the body. Its suitability depends on an evaluation of the symptoms, proposed treatment area and relevant health history.
Is shockwave therapy the same as electrical stimulation?
No. Shockwave therapy delivers mechanical acoustic energy through a handheld applicator. Electrical stimulation sends electrical current through electrodes, so the two technologies work differently.
What is the difference between radial and focused shockwave therapy?
Radial shockwave therapy generally spreads energy across a broader, more superficial area. Focused shockwave therapy concentrates energy at a selected depth. ESWT is a broader term whose use can vary. Contact Complete Healthcare to confirm which technology the office uses.
Does Complete Healthcare offer radial or focused shockwave therapy?
The available information confirms that Complete Healthcare offers shockwave therapy, but it does not identify the device or establish whether the system is radial, focused or another type. Call (704) 510-1510 for current technology details.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
The sensation varies with the treatment area, device and settings. Some people may experience discomfort during application. Tell the treating professional how the session feels so your response can be monitored.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?
There is no standard number of sessions for every patient or condition. A recommendation should follow an evaluation and account for the concern, technology, response to care and other relevant health factors.
How can I schedule shockwave therapy in Charlotte?
Call Complete Healthcare at (704) 510-1510 or use the clinic's contact page to ask about an evaluation and appointment availability. The office is at 8420 Medical Plaza Dr Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28262.
Does insurance cover shockwave therapy?
Coverage depends on the insurance plan and clinical circumstances. Insurance participation and pricing were not supplied for this page. Verify benefits with your insurer and contact Complete Healthcare for current payment information.
Sources & References
Contact Us. The office is located at 8420 Medical Plaza Dr Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28262. Suitability and treatment recommendations are determined individually, and results are not guaranteed.
