Shockwave Therapy in Boulder: What to Expect from Your First Session
- Colin O'Banion, DPT
- Jun 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 1
If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain, lingering injuries, or stubborn soft tissue issues that haven’t responded to traditional physical therapy, shockwave therapy might be the missing piece.
At Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy in Boulder, I use this advanced, non-invasive treatment as part of my root-cause, high-accountability approach to healing.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what a shockwave therapy session with me looks like — so you know what to expect, how it feels, and why it’s different from what you might find elsewhere.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues.
It's especially effective for treating chronic tendinopathies, scar tissue, and areas with poor blood flow.
I’ve seen shockwave therapy make a real difference for active clients in the Boulder area dealing with complex pain and hard-to-treat injuries. Some of the cases I’ve successfully treated include:
Hamstring issues in high-level runners
Elbow tendinitis (tennis and golfer’s elbow)
Rotator cuff injuries and post-surgical recovery
Combined soft tissue damage from torn biceps, distal tendons, and brachialis trauma
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Labral tear recovery after shoulder surgery
Chronic hip dysfunction and mobility limitations
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
The treatment triggers your body’s natural repair mechanisms, which can:
Enhance circulation
Break up adhesions and scar tissue
Reduce pain and inflammation
Stimulate collagen production
Improve cell regeneration and healing
Accelerate healing for chronic injuries
Break down scar tissue and calcification
Improve blood flow and tissue regeneration
Release trigger points and reduces muscle tension
Enhance results when combined with manual therapy and movement retraining
This is more than just symptom relief—shockwave therapy stimulates microcirculation and encourages new capillary formation, both of which are critical for long-term tissue healing.
👉 A 2022 review published in Biomedical Reports found that shockwave therapy significantly improved blood flow and accelerated tendon repair by enhancing capillary activity and metabolic function.
I use the Storz D-ACTOR 100 Ultra, a Swiss-engineered, top-tier device that delivers powerful, precise acoustic waves to maximize healing. This is the same technology used by professional sports teams and top-tier rehab clinics worldwide.
Unlike surgical interventions or repeated cortisone shots, shockwave therapy for chronic pain is non-invasive and can produce lasting results after just a few sessions.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session at My Boulder Clinic
I always start with a 60-minute evaluation. This session includes a comprehensive physical therapy assessment and individualized treatment. It's a critical first step because it allows me to perform a thorough, one-on-one evaluation tailored specifically to your needs.
I take the time to listen to your story, ask strategic questions, and understand the full picture of your condition—past injuries, movement habits, training background, and daily demands.
Shockwave therapy is incorporated as indicated, along with hands-on manual therapy and targeted exercise prescription, all based on your individual goals and the time we have in that first session.
1. In-Depth Conversation & Listening
This step is woven into the full 60-minute evaluation, which is designed to uncover the unique story behind your pain. I take the time to listen attentively as you describe your symptoms, history, and goals. This isn't just small talk—it's targeted conversation guided by clinical insight. I ask specific questions to understand how your pain developed, what patterns might be contributing, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past.
By gathering this context early, I can make more informed decisions about what to assess, treat, and prioritize in your care. It’s the foundation for a truly personalized plan.
2. Movement & Table-Based Assessment
Next, I perform a thorough assessment, both passively on the table and actively by observing your movement. This helps me pinpoint the root cause rather than just chasing symptoms.
3. Tissue Preparation
I may prep the treatment area with hands-on soft tissue work or a vibration massager. This helps desensitize irritated tissues and primes them for the shockwave application.
4. Shockwave Therapy Application
For some people, it can feel intense at first, so I always start light. I adjust the settings and choose the right applicator head to reach the sweet spot—deep enough to be effective, but still comfortable enough that you can breathe through it.
This part usually lasts about 5–10 minutes. It’s often described as a pleasure-pain sensation. Most patients are amazed at how quickly I can hone in on the exact area that needs attention.
5. Ongoing Communication
Throughout the session, I keep communication open to make sure the pressure, location, and technique are exactly right.
6. Manual Therapy & Movement Integration
After the shockwave application, I usually follow up with manual therapy—this could be joint mobilization, active tissue release, or a strategic stretch. It really depends on what you need.
7. Reassessment & Follow-Up
Many people notice a real difference right away. For some, we may consider multiple treatments. It really just depends. We'll check back in within a day or two to see how things are settling and fine-tune the next steps.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Over the years, I've successfully used shockwave therapy to treat a variety of complex and stubborn conditions, including:
Hamstring strains and tendon issues in high-level runners
Elbow tendinitis, including tennis and golfer’s elbow
Rotator cuff-related arm pain, including post-injury cases with torn biceps and distal tendons
Deep muscle pain involving the brachialis
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Post-surgical shoulder pain, such as labral tear recovery
Chronic hip pain and mobility limitations
It’s especially effective for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendon pain, tennis/golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff injuries, hip pain, calcific tendonitis, and chronic muscle pain and trigger points.
I treat with Shockwave Therapy Differently
At Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy your session is 100% one-on-one and deeply personalized. I integrate shockwave therapy into a larger plan that also includes diagnostic movement assessment, manual therapy, and neuromuscular re-education.
My use of elite-level equipment like the Storz D-ACTOR 100 Ultra means you receive the same caliber of care trusted by elite athletes. I combine this with a whole-body, hands-on approach that puts your goals at the center of every session.
I take time to understand your body and adjust every treatment to match your goals. You’re not just a diagnosis code—you’re an active partner in your recovery.
Ways You Can Receive Shockwave Therapy Treatment
If shockwave is clinically appropriate, I may incorporate it into a standard physical therapy treatment session at no extra cost. This ensures that shockwave is used as part of a holistic, hands-on physical therapy treatment plan tailored to your condition and recovery goals.
If shockwave is what you're looking for specifically or perhaps you've had past shockwave treatments and know it works for you, I also offer flexible shockwave-only sessions for ongoing care or targeted relief.
Shockwave Therapy Initial Evaluation & Treatment including Shockwave
Duration: 60 mins
Shockwave Therapy (Single Visit)
Duration: 20–30 minutes
Shockwave Therapy (3-Pack)
Duration: 20–30 minutes per session
Booking and pricing information can be found here.
Ready to Try Shockwave Therapy?
If you’re in the Boulder area and are curious whether shockwave therapy could help you finally break free from pain, book a session or even a free consultation call to discuss if shockwave is right for you.
How to Connect with Me:
Colin O’Banion, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Colin is a licensed Physical Therapist and founder of Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy in Boulder, Colorado. With 20 years of experience, he specializes in solving complex and chronic pain cases through a root-cause, integrative approach. Colin combines advanced manual therapy, shockwave therapy, dry needling, and movement re-education to help clients return to the activities they love. His one-on-one practice is dedicated to clients seeking lasting solutions when traditional PT has fallen short.
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