Shockwave Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • Shockwave Device Technologies

Compares electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric generators alongside radial pressure wave devices. Enables informed equipment selection for clinical settings.

Lesson 2 • Dosimetry and Energy Parameters

Introduces energy level settings, pulse count, frequency, and coupling gel use. Establishes the parameter framework applied throughout all subsequent treatment protocols.

Lesson 3 • History and Clinical Evolution

Traces shockwave therapy from lithotripsy origins to musculoskeletal applications. Provides context for understanding why current protocols were developed.

Lesson 4 • Physics of Acoustic Shockwaves

Defines pressure wave characteristics including peak pressure, rise time, and energy flux density. Links physical parameters to clinical energy delivery.

Lesson 1 • Neurovascular Structures to Avoid

Maps major nerves, arteries, and veins adjacent to common treatment zones. Prevents adverse events by establishing clear anatomical no-treatment boundaries.

Lesson 2 • Upper Extremity Anatomy

Examines rotator cuff tendons, lateral and medial epicondyle attachments, and carpal structures. Guides precise applicator placement for shoulder and elbow conditions.

Lesson 3 • Lower Extremity Anatomy

Covers plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and hip abductor anatomy. Directly supports protocol application in the most common lower limb conditions.

Lesson 4 • Connective Tissue Structures

Reviews tendon, ligament, fascia, and bursa anatomy at common treatment sites. Accurate identification prevents misapplication of shockwave energy.

Lesson 1 • Comprehensive Patient History

Structures intake to capture symptom onset, duration, prior treatments, and red flags. A thorough history is the first filter for safe shockwave candidacy.

Lesson 2 • Contraindication Screening

Identifies absolute and relative contraindications including coagulopathy, malignancy, and implants. Systematic screening prevents serious adverse events before treatment begins.

Lesson 3 • Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation

Introduces ultrasound and MRI findings relevant to tendinopathy, calcification, and fasciopathy. Imaging data refines target zone selection and monitors treatment response.

Lesson 4 • Physical Examination Techniques

Covers palpation, range-of-motion testing, and provocation tests for common tendinopathies. Examination findings confirm diagnosis and guide applicator placement.

Lesson 1 • Infection Control and Hygiene

Establishes disinfection protocols for applicators, handpieces, and treatment surfaces. Compliance with hygiene standards prevents cross-contamination between patients.

Lesson 2 • Applicator Types and Selection

Differentiates focused, radial, and planar applicators by penetration depth and treatment area. Matching applicator to condition optimizes energy delivery to the target tissue.

Lesson 3 • Device Setup and Calibration

Covers power-on procedures, applicator attachment, and output verification. Correct setup ensures accurate energy delivery and protects both patient and device.

Lesson 4 • Device Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Covers scheduled maintenance, component inspection, and common fault resolution. Routine maintenance preserves device longevity and ensures consistent clinical performance.

Lesson 1 • Evaluating Research Quality

Teaches critical appraisal of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in shockwave literature. Enables practitioners to assess new evidence independently.

Lesson 2 • Calcific and Osseous Conditions

Examines evidence for calcific tendinitis, plantar heel spurs, and delayed bone healing. Explains the mechanism by which shockwaves disrupt and resorb calcifications.

Lesson 3 • Myofascial and Trigger Point Conditions

Summarizes evidence for radial shockwave in myofascial pain syndrome and trigger point deactivation. Connects neurological pain modulation mechanisms to clinical outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Tendinopathy Indications

Reviews evidence for Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, and elbow tendinopathies. Establishes the strongest evidence base supporting routine shockwave use.

Lesson 1 • Reassessment and Outcome Tracking

Establishes reassessment intervals, outcome measure re-administration, and decision rules for continuing or modifying treatment. Data-driven reassessment ensures clinical accountability.

Lesson 2 • Post-Treatment Instructions

Provides evidence-based post-treatment activity guidelines, ice use recommendations, and return-to-sport timelines. Clear instructions protect tissue healing and reinforce patient compliance.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Treatment Patient Preparation

Covers patient education, positioning, pain expectation setting, and pre-treatment analgesia considerations. Prepared patients tolerate treatment better and report more accurate feedback.

Lesson 4 • Treatment Plan Design

Structures session frequency, total session count, and energy progression for each condition. A well-designed plan balances tissue stimulus with adequate recovery time.

Lesson 1 • Elbow, Wrist, and Spine Protocols

Details lateral epicondylalgia, medial epicondylalgia, and paraspinal myofascial protocols. Completes the full-body protocol repertoire for general musculoskeletal practice.

Lesson 2 • Shoulder Protocols

Covers calcific tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and biceps tendinopathy protocols with landmark-based applicator placement. Shoulder protocols require precise anatomical targeting.

Lesson 3 • Hip and Pelvis Protocols

Presents greater trochanteric pain syndrome, adductor tendinopathy, and gluteal tendinopathy protocols. Includes positioning strategies for accurate applicator placement.

Lesson 4 • Foot and Ankle Protocols

Details plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and peroneal tendon protocols including positioning and parameter sets. Builds the most frequently requested lower limb treatment skills.

Lesson 1 • Geriatric and Pediatric Considerations

Modifies energy parameters and protocols for aging tissue and skeletally immature patients. Ensures safe and effective treatment across the full patient age spectrum.

Lesson 2 • Shockwave in Athletic Populations

Adapts protocols for high-load athletes requiring rapid return to sport without compromising tissue healing. Addresses in-season versus off-season treatment timing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Combination Therapy Approaches

Examines shockwave combined with exercise therapy, dry needling, and manual therapy. Combination approaches leverage synergistic mechanisms to enhance overall treatment outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Managing Chronic and Complex Cases

Addresses treatment-resistant tendinopathy, multiple comorbidities, and failed prior interventions. Develops clinical reasoning for adapting protocols when standard approaches are insufficient.