Can Shockwave Therapy Affect Your Weight?

Widely recognized for its ability to relieve pain, shockwave therapy has become an increasingly popular way to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. However, some people wonder if this therapy could impact their body size or weight. Let’s take a look.

How Does It Work?

Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. These sound waves create micro-traumas in the affected area, which prompts the body’s natural healing response. This modality enhances blood flow, breaks down scar tissue, and reduces inflammation, making it effective for conditions like chronic tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and frozen shoulder.

Will Shockwave Therapy Increase Muscle Size?

Does This Modality Lead to Weight Gain?

Since shockwave is a localized treatment targeting specific pain points, it doesn’t impact metabolic rate or body fat percentage. “I’ve not seen any evidence to support that shockwave therapy causes weight gain. This therapy is like ultrasound on steroids; it uses a sound wave to help with treatment and repair. But no, it does not affect weight gain,” says Dr. Westover, who works at our San Ramon location.

Discover the Real Benefits

Pain relief and tissue recovery are the primary benefits of shockwave therapy, making it ideal for those dealing with chronic pain. By addressing the root cause of discomfort, patients often experience improved mobility and a higher quality of life, allowing them to participate more fully in exercise and daily activities, which indirectly supports weight management.