Frequently Asked Questions

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers high-energy acoustic waves into damaged tissue. These waves stimulate your body’s natural healing response at the cellular level, making it a powerful tool in regenerative medicine.

Here’s what those shockwaves do:

• Stimulate blood flow to the area and improve circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients while clearing waste.
• Angiogenesis - stimulates the growth of new blood vessels to increase oxygenation and healing to an area.
• Osteogenesis - stimulates the process for bone formation both osteoblastic which strengthens and heals bone, and osteoclastic which breaks down damaged bone to be reabsorbed by the body in the case of calcium deposits or bone spurring.
• Tendogenesis - stimulates the formation of new tendon tissue and regeneration of damaged tendon tissue.
• Boost collagen production and soft tissue regeneration.
• Interrupt pain signaling.
• It is proinflammatory at first, then anti-inflammatory.

It takes a full 3 months following treatment for maximal benefit to be attained.

Rather than just masking symptoms, ESWT helps repair and rebuild tissue, restoring mobility, reducing pain, and supporting long-term function. That’s what makes it a true regenerative therapy.

Shockwave Therapy is supported by research and clinical use for treating:

• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (calcific and non-calcific).
• Achilles Tendonitis (insertional and midportion).
• Plantar Fasciitis.
• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
• Gluteal Tendonitis
• Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
• Hamstring Tendonitis
• Patellar Tendonitis
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Myofascial Trigger Points
• Lower Back Pain
• Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction
• Chronic Muscle Spasticity

We are proud to be Maine’s first dedicated Shockwave Therapy center, offering unmatched expertise and access to both Focused Shockwave and Radial Pressure Wave technology.

What sets us apart:

• Scarborough Physical Therapy Associates, the practice of which the Shockwave Center of Maine is an arm, has been serving Maine for over 30 years.
• This program is led by June Tait, PT, DPT and Helen Harrod Clark, PT, DPT, both of whom are certified by the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment (ISMST).
• Our shockwave practitioners are active members of ISMST and ASMST and are committed to staying on the leading edge of current research, shockwave protocols, and uses of Shockwave Therapy.
• Extensive clinical experience: Clinic Owner, June Tait, PT, DPT brings deep expertise in delivering ESWT across a wide range of orthopedic conditions and was among the first practitioner in Maine to implement this technology in her practice
• We provide 1:1 care - always.
• You will receive comprehensive tendon care with our specialized tendon health system.

During:

• A thorough clinical assessment and review of your diagnostic imaging.
• Treatment is rendered on the first appointment.
• During treatment, patients may experience some discomfort but your clinician will work with you to create the treatment approach that works best for your body.
• Treatment usually takes 20-25 minutes.

After:

• You may feel mild soreness, redness, or warmth for 24–72 hours.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medication for the extent of Shockwave Therapy unless directed, as it may interfere with the regenerative process.
• Resume normal activity, including exercises given by your Physical Therapist, right away.
• Avoid strenuous activities and exercise for 48 hours.

You can self refer in most cases; however, we ask for a recent referral or diagnosis from your physician if you want shockwave over a total joint replacement, or any other surgical hardware. Furthermore we ask for a physician referral for use with children.

We require any relevant imaging (e.g., MRI, X-ray, ultrasound) to help create the best plan of care. Imaging reports can be faxed to (207) 883-6199.

ESWT is very safe when performed by trained, licensed providers. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and low risk.

However, it may not be appropriate if you:

• Have a tumor, infection, or open wound near the treatment site.
• Have a bleeding disorder.
• Are pregnant or have a pacemaker. In these instances, special considerations would need to be taken.
• Recently had a cortisone injection (must wait 6 weeks before receiving ESWT),

For more information regarding research, indications, and contraindications, please go to shockwavetherapy.org for the latest information regarding shockwave therapy.

You must wait 6 weeks following the cortisone injection to undergo Shockwave Therapy, as cortisone injections have been found to negate the benefit of the treatment.

At this time, Shockwave Therapy is not covered by most insurance providers. Payment is due at time of service.