The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help move and stabilize the shoulder. When these tendons become irritated or injured without calcium deposits, it is called rotator cuff tendinopathy (non-calcific). People with rotator cuff pain in Campbell CA often feel a dull ache, weakness when lifting the arm, or sharp pain when reaching overhead. Daily activities such as dressing, lifting groceries, or playing sports can become difficult.

Conventional treatments

Traditionally, doctors suggest rest, painkillers, and physical therapy exercises. Steroid injections may temporarily ease pain but do not fix the tendon’s underlying problem. Surgery is rarely used for non-calcific cases, but if pain continues for months, some patients are referred for arthroscopic procedures. Many of these treatments take time, and some carry side effects such as tendon weakening from repeated injections.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing inside the tendon. Instead of removing deposits (since none exist here), the waves help by:

• Increasing blood flow in the tendon
• Reducing inflammation
• Stimulating new tissue growth
• Resetting nerve signals that send pain messages

In short, shockwaves “wake up” the tendon so the body can repair itself naturally.

What the research shows

Several studies confirm that ESWT can significantly reduce pain and improve function in rotator cuff tendinopathy:

• A randomized trial found that patients receiving focused ESWT had greater pain relief and shoulder function compared with placebo at 12 weeks, with continued benefits at six months (Ogbeivor et al., 2025).
• A meta-analysis showed that combining ESWT with physical therapy produced better improvements in range of motion and strength than therapy alone (Surace et al., 2020).
• Newer reviews emphasize that medium-to-high energy focused ESWT works best for tendinopathies, including the rotator cuff, with results lasting up to one year (Xiong et al., 2024).
• The International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST, 2024) recommends ESWT as an option before injections or surgery, especially for persistent pain.

How treatment usually works

Patients usually receive 4 to 12 sessions, once to twice per week. Each session delivers 1,500–2,500 focused shockwaves directly to the painful tendon. Some patients feel mild soreness for a day or two, but no downtime is required. Pain relief often begins after the second or third session, with steady improvement over 6–12 weeks.

Why choose shockwave therapy In Campbell CA?

Unlike steroid injections, ESWT does not weaken the tendon. Unlike surgery, it requires no hospital stay, anesthesia, or long recovery. It is safe, quick, and clinically proven to help many patients who have struggled with pain for months.

Shockwave therapy FAQ