Shockwave Therapy in Glastonbury, CT
Non-Invasive Pain Relief That Activates Your Body's Own Healing
At New England Stem Cell Institute, we use shockwave therapy — also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) — as a powerful, FDA-cleared tool for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. For many patients, it has meant avoiding surgery and returning to the activities they love.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers precisely targeted acoustic pressure waves deep into damaged tissue. These waves stimulate your body's natural repair process by:
- Increasing blood flow to the injured area
- Breaking down calcium deposits and scar tissue
- Triggering the release of growth factors that accelerate healing
- Reducing substance P, a key pain-signaling neurotransmitter
The result: genuine tissue repair — not just temporary pain relief.
Each session takes approximately 15–20 minutes in our Glastonbury office. Most patients require 4-6 sessions, spaced about a week apart. There is no anesthesia, no downtime, and no recovery period. You can typically resume normal activities the same day.
ESWT vs EPAT
Both ESWT and EPAT are non-invasive, acoustic wave therapies used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, but they differ in how they deliver energy.
- ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy): Also known as focused shockwave therapy, this delivers high-intensity energy concentrated at a precise point in the body. It penetrates much deeper, making it ideal for chronic, hard-to-reach tendon injuries, calcified deposits, and bone stress conditions.
- EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology): This is radial shockwave therapy that emits lower-intensity acoustic waves spreading outward from the source. It covers a broader area, making it best for superficial issues, larger muscle groups, and general inflammation closer to the skin surface.
Both therapies require no anesthesia, involve zero downtime, and stimulate blood flow to accelerate the body's natural healing process. Your doctor will help you explore which therapy is best for your specific injury and condition.
Conditions We Treat with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is clinically proven for a wide range of painful musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis — one of the most evidence-backed applications of ESWT
- Achilles tendinopathy — chronic tendon pain that has not responded to rest or physical therapy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder calcific tendinitis
- Hip bursitis and greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Chronic lower back and neck pain
- Hamstring and hip flexor tendinopathy
- Non-healing stress fractures
If you have been suffering from pain for more than three months, or have tried physical therapy and anti-inflammatories without lasting results, shockwave therapy may be the next step.
The New England Stem Cell Advantage: Shockwave + Orthobiologics
What sets our practice apart is not just one treatment — it is the strategic combination of therapies.
Dr. Tortland, the first physician in New England to perform regenerative orthobiologic treatments, frequently pairs shockwave therapy with stem cell injections or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to dramatically amplify results. Here is why this matters:
Shockwave therapy prepares the tissue — it clears away calcification, stimulates blood vessel growth, and "wakes up" dormant healing cells. When a stem cell or PRP injection follows, those biologics land in a highly receptive environment. Clinical experience across leading regenerative medicine centers shows that this combination often outperforms either treatment alone.
No other clinic in Connecticut combines this level of regenerative expertise with advanced physical medicine technologies.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy is safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated by most patients. It may be an excellent option if you:
- Have had chronic tendon, joint, or soft tissue pain for 3+ months
- Have not found lasting relief from physical therapy, cortisone shots, or medications
- Want to avoid surgery or are not a surgical candidate
- Are an athlete looking for fast, effective recovery
- Prefer a drug-free treatment approach
During your initial evaluation, Dr. Tortland will review your imaging, assess your condition, and determine whether shockwave therapy — alone or in combination with orthobiologics — is the right path for you.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
EMTT has an excellent safety profile and has been used in clinical settings in Europe and the United States for years. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and produces no radiation. However, EMTT is not appropriate for:
- Evaluation — A thorough review of your history, symptoms, and any existing imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound)
- Ultrasound Guidance — We may use diagnostic ultrasound to pinpoint the exact area of injury
- Treatment — Coupling gel is applied to the skin; the shockwave applicator is moved in a slow circular motion over the target tissue
- Aftercare — Brief post-treatment instructions; most patients walk out and return to daily life
Some patients notice improvement after the first session. Full results typically develop over 6–12 weeks as tissue heals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients feel a deep, pulsing pressure during treatment — often described as intense but tolerable. Any discomfort typically resolves within minutes of the session ending. Dr. Tortland will adjust intensity based on your comfort level.
How many sessions will I need?
Most protocols involve 3–5 sessions, spaced 5–7 days apart. Some chronic or complex cases may benefit from additional sessions. We will give you a clear treatment plan at your first visit.
Can I have shockwave therapy if I've already had a cortisone injection?
Generally, yes — but timing matters. We recommend waiting at least 6 weeks after a corticosteroid injection before beginning shockwave therapy. Let us know your full treatment history at your evaluation.
How does shockwave therapy compare to surgery?
For many conditions — especially tendinopathies and plantar fasciitis — peer-reviewed research shows shockwave therapy achieves outcomes comparable to surgery, with far fewer risks, no recovery time, and no general anesthesia.