Shockwave for tendon pain, no surgery
Focused sound energy helps chronically inflamed tissue regenerate, without surgery. About 10 minutes per site, intensity adjusted to your response.
What shockwave is
It helps damaged tendons and ligaments heal without surgery, about 10 minutes per site.
No surgery
A non-surgical treatment that delivers shockwaves from outside the body.
Only where it works
The doctor first confirms it is the kind of tendon or ligament pain shockwave helps.
A short session
No anesthesia or hospital stay, about 10 minutes.
STORZ device
We use a 4th-generation STORZ device.
Adjusted to your response
We adjust the energy level as we check the area and your response. Tell us right away if you feel pain or discomfort.
Pain shockwave can help
That first morning step feels like my sole is tearing.
Shockwave works well for plantar fasciitis and Achilles pain that stabs at the first step.
My shoulder throbs every night and steals my sleep.
Rotator cuff disorders, calcific tendinitis and shoulder impingement syndrome are indications for ESWT.
Just lifting things sends a jolt to my elbow and aches my wrist.
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and wrist tenosynovitis are indications for ESWT.
My knees and lower back stay heavy and sore.
We assess the cause of knee tendon or lower-back pain before selecting the treatment area.
How a session goes
- 1
Determine the treatment area with the attending specialist
The doctor confirms the painful area and marks where to treat.
- 2
Apply gel to the area, then place the therapy device on the skin
Gel goes on the skin and the applicator is placed.
- 3
Adjust the range and depth of the shockwaves according to the condition
Range and depth are set to the tissue.
- 4
Start with low-energy shockwaves on the most painful area
The most painful spot starts at low energy.
- 5
Gradually increase the shockwave energy according to the condition
Energy rises gradually as you respond.
- 6
After treatment, wipe off the gel and return to daily life right away
Wipe off the gel and go about your day. About 10 minutes per site.
Who provides your care?
Dr. Lee Su-jin, rehabilitation medicine specialist, handles consultations and injections. Manual therapy is given one-to-one by a dedicated therapist after the visit.
The 48 hours after
Right after treatment. Muscle soreness, swelling or bruising can occur. Contact us if it is severe or lasts. Activity afterwards. Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours and take care with strenuous movements for 4 to 6 weeks. Sessions and cost. Number of sessions and revisits depend on your condition. Please check costs and insurance when booking.
What is different here
Both centers start with the doctor, and therapy is focused on one person at a time.
전문의가 직접 진료하고 주사해요
A rehabilitation specialist trained at Asan Medical Center examines children and adults herself and performs the ultrasound and injections.
30분 동안 한 사람만 봐요
Manual therapy and children's therapy are 30-minute one-to-one appointments with a dedicated therapist who stays with you.
두 센터가 한 건물에 있어요
The pain center on the 2nd floor and the development center on B1 share one building, so parents can be treated while their child is in therapy. Three minutes from Bangbae station exit 2.
Shockwave FAQ
How many ESWT sessions are needed?
The number of sessions and follow-up timing depend on your condition and response. If improvement is limited after the third session, we review the treatment plan at a consultation, and just before the sixth session the director decides whether to finish or step up. Even if pain disappears completely before six sessions, the principle is two more sessions to finish safely. Please confirm costs and insurance conditions when booking.
Is there a limit on shockwave sessions?
Under government guidelines, shockwave therapy is recognized for up to 6 consecutive sessions on the same area and up to 12 sessions per year across the whole body.
Does the treatment hurt a lot?
Discomfort can vary by site and intensity. Tell the therapist so the settings can be adjusted to your response.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Manual therapy, laser or injections may be considered after assessment. The need and timing for combined treatment are decided individually.
ESWT in Seocho: Nonsurgical Treatment for Chronic Tendon Pain
For tendon pain that returns despite rest: how ESWT works, which conditions it's used for by body area, including plantar fasciitis and calcific tendinitis, and aftercare.
Tennis Elbow: Elbow Pain, Shockwave Therapy, and Manual Therapy
If the outside of your elbow aches when you lift a cup or turn a doorknob, this Q&A covers the symptoms of tennis elbow, why it's slow to heal, and the roles of shockwave and manual therapy.
Plantar Fasciitis: Causes and Care for First-Step Heel Pain
If the sole of your foot hurts when you take your first steps in the morning: who tends to get plantar fasciitis, its typical symptoms, and how manual therapy, ESWT, injections, and daily habits can help.
Start with a consultation
Online requests are booked as a consultation. For treatment bookings and follow-ups call the pain center at 02-521-7588.