At Score Physical Therapy & Recovery Lounge, we believe that recovery should be as cutting-
edge as the athletes and patients we serve. Our goal is not only to help you feel better but to
restore optimal performance and function using the most advanced technology available. Two
of the most powerful tools in our arsenal are Shockwave Therapy and Class IV Laser Therapy.
These modalities represent the next frontier in soft tissue healing, pain relief, and performance
recovery.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into how both therapies work, what the research says, how
we apply them in our clinic, and who can benefit the most. Whether you’re a high-performing
athlete, a weekend warrior, or dealing with chronic pain, you’ll learn why Shockwave and Class
IV Laser Therapy might just be the missing links in your recovery.
PART ONE: SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-
invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in muscles, tendons, ligaments,
and bones. Despite its name, shockwaves are not electric shocks—they’re high-energy
acoustic waves that penetrate deep into soft tissue to initiate a cascade of healing processes.
Originally developed to break down kidney stones (lithotripsy), shockwave therapy has become
a trusted treatment in orthopedics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation because of its
impressive results in treating chronic musculoskeletal issues.
How Does It Work?
When the acoustic waves are delivered to the targeted tissue, they produce microtrauma or
controlled injury to the area. This “disruption” kicks the body into high gear, initiating a
biological healing response. Shockwave therapy has four key physiological effects:
1. Increased Blood Flow – The mechanical stimulus promotes the formation of new capillaries
in injured tissue, improving nutrient and oxygen delivery.
2. Collagen Production – Shockwaves stimulate the production of type I collagen, which is vital
for ligament and tendon strength.
3. Decreased Pain – It desensitizes local nerve endings and reduces the production of
substance P, a pain-transmitting chemical.
4. Breakdown of Calcifications – Particularly in chronic tendinopathies, shockwave therapy
helps dissolve calcified fibroblasts, restoring normal function.
Conditions Treated at SCORE with Shockwave
We use Shockwave Therapy for a wide range of issues, especially when traditional methods
have failed. Common conditions we treat include:
* Plantar fasciitis
* Achilles tendinopathy
* Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
* Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
* Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)
* Rotator cuff tendinopathy
* Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
* Hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy
* Shin splints
* Hamstring strains and scar tissue adhesions
What to Expect During Treatment
Shockwave Therapy at SCORE is fast and effective. A typical session lasts about 10–15
minutes. The handheld device is placed directly on the affected area, where it emits pulses of
acoustic waves. You may feel a tapping or tingling sensation—some find it mildly
uncomfortable, but it’s very tolerable and short-lived.
Most patients need 8–10 sessions, spaced about a week apart, to experience full benefits.
However, many report noticeable pain relief and mobility improvements after just one or two
treatments.
The Research Behind the Therapy
Clinical studies support Shockwave Therapy as a highly effective treatment option:
* A 2020 meta-analysis in *The American Journal of Sports Medicine* showed significant pain
reduction in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis after just 3 sessions.
* In tendinopathies like tennis elbow and Achilles tendonitis, shockwave therapy achieved a
60–80% success rate in long-term pain reduction.
* It’s also been shown to reduce recovery time and recurrence of injury in elite athletes, making
it a game-changer in sports rehab.
Why Athletes Love It
At SCORE, our athlete patients—whether from soccer, lacrosse, dance, or track—appreciate
that Shockwave Therapy allows them to maintain a high level of performance while recovering
faster. It’s non-invasive, has no downtime, and helps athletes return to sport quickly and safely.
PART TWO: CLASS IV LASER THERAPY
What is Class IV Laser Therapy?
Class IV Laser Therapy is a non-invasive modality that uses specific wavelengths of red and
near-infrared light to stimulate tissue healing at the cellular level. Unlike lower-powered cold
lasers, Class IV lasers deliver higher power and deeper penetration—up to 5 cm beneath the
skin.
The process, known as photo biomodulation, delivers light energy directly into cells, where it’s
absorbed by mitochondria—the “powerhouse” of the cell. This triggers a series of beneficial
biological effects that reduce pain, accelerate healing, and improve mobility.
How It Works
The laser emits photons that interact with cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial
respiratory chain. This reaction leads to:
1. ATP Production – Enhanced cellular energy that drives tissue repair and regeneration.
2. Reduced Inflammation – Laser therapy inhibits inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins
and interleukins.
3. Vasodilation – Increased circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to injured areas.
4. Nerve Repair – Laser light helps to re-myelinate damaged nerves and suppress pain signals.
Conditions Treated with Class IV Laser at SCORE
Our team incorporates Class IV Laser Therapy into a wide range of treatment plans for:
* Acute injuries (sprains, strains, contusions)
* Post-surgical pain and swelling
* Nerve pain (neuropathy, sciatica)
* Low back pain
* Neck pain and whiplash
* TMJ dysfunction
* Rotator cuff injuries
* Bursitis and tendinitis
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Joint arthritis (knee, hip, shoulder)
* Muscle trigger points and spasms
Treatment Experience at SCORE
A session with our Class IV laser takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on the size and depth
of the injury. Patients often feel a warm, soothing sensation during treatment. Most clients
report immediate pain relief and improved range of motion after just one session, although a
series of treatments (typically 6–12) is often recommended for lasting results.
We use top-of-the-line laser equipment calibrated by our trained physical therapy staff to
ensure optimal energy delivery with complete safety and comfort.
Research-Backed Results
Class IV Laser Therapy is backed by strong evidence:
* A 2019 study in Lasers in Medical Science found laser therapy significantly reduced pain and
improved function in patients with knee osteoarthritis after just 6 sessions.
* A clinical trial published in Pain Research and Management showed accelerated healing and
pain relief in post-surgical patients.
* The World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) provides dosage guidelines based on over
2,000 peer-reviewed studies, confirming efficacy in soft tissue and joint conditions.
Athlete & Patient Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of Class IV Laser Therapy is its versatility. Whether you’re
recovering from surgery, dealing with repetitive stress injuries, or managing chronic joint pain,
laser therapy is a powerful and safe option. It’s particularly popular with:
* High school and collegiate athletes looking for non-pharmaceutical pain relief
* Post-operative patients seeking to reduce swelling and promote tissue repair
* Active adults aiming to stay mobile and avoid invasive procedures
COMBINING SHOCKWAVE + CLASS IV LASER AT SCORE
At Score Physical Therapy & Recovery Lounge, what sets us apart is how we combine multiple
technologies to create personalized treatment plans. Shockwave Therapy and Class IV Laser
Therapy is often used in tandem to deliver superior results:
* Shockwave breaks down scar tissue, stimulates collagen production, and increases
circulation.
* Laser then accelerates the healing of the newly stimulated tissue, reduces inflammation, and
supports deeper cellular recovery.
This combination is particularly powerful for chronic conditions, athletic overuse injuries, and
post-surgical rehabilitation. Our clinicians assess each patient’s condition and recovery goals,
then integrate these technologies with manual therapy, exercise prescription, and other
modalities for a holistic approach.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Both therapies are safe for most individuals, but they are especially effective for:
* Chronic pain sufferers
* Athletes with overuse injuries
* Post-surgical patients
* Older adults dealing with degenerative joint disease
* Anyone who has “tried everything” with little relief
Contraindications are minimal but may include active cancer, pregnancy (for Class IV laser),
and infections. Our physical therapists perform a thorough assessment and review all medical
history before initiating treatment.
Real Recovery Stories at SCORE
We’ve seen remarkable outcomes in our clinic:
* A college soccer player returned to play two weeks earlier than expected after combining
shockwave and laser therapy for Achilles tendinopathy.
* A dancer with chronic hip bursitis was able to rehearse pain-free after three sessions of Class
IV laser.
* A middle-aged runner avoided surgery for plantar fasciitis by completing a series of
shockwave treatments followed by mobility retraining.
These success stories aren’t the exception—they’re the expectation at SCORE.
Final Thoughts: Your Recovery Just Got Smarter
At Score Physical Therapy & Recovery Lounge, we don’t just treat symptoms—we treat the
system. By using state-of-the-art modalities like Shockwave Therapy and Class IV Laser
Therapy, we empower your body to do what it’s meant to do: heal, perform, and thrive.
