Shockwave Therapy In Cincinnati
Shockwave Therapy in Cincinnati | WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates
Advanced Pain Relief with Dr. Sarah Crawford, PT, DPT, and the WAVE team. Transform your health with cutting-edge shockwave therapy from Cincinnati’s trusted pain management experts.
At WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates, our team of licensed physical therapists, led by Dr. Sarah Crawford, PT, DPT, COMT, CMTPT, CPI, provides advanced shockwave therapy in Cincinnati through evidence-based treatment protocols and innovative technology. With Dr. Crawford’s over 10 years of clinical experience and advanced certifications in orthopedic manual therapy and pain management, our entire team follows proven protocols to help patients overcome chronic pain and restore function without surgery or long-term medication dependence.
Leading Shockwave Therapy in Cincinnati – Two Convenient Locations
Under Dr. Sarah Crawford’s clinical leadership, our team of licensed physical therapists delivers exceptional shockwave therapy treatment in Cincinnati. As practice owner and clinical director, Dr. Crawford has established evidence-based protocols and training standards that ensure consistent, high-quality care from all team members. Her specialized training in orthopedic manual therapy (COMT), trigger point dry needling (CMTPT), and movement-based rehabilitation (CPI) informs the comprehensive treatment approaches used throughout our practice.
Dr. Crawford’s Advanced Qualifications:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Miami (2011)
- Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) – specialized in musculoskeletal disorders
- Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT) – first PT certified in Ohio by Myopain Seminars
- Certified Pilates Instructor (CPI) – movement-based rehabilitation expertise since 2012
- Over 10 years specializing in chronic pain, sports injuries, and orthopedic conditions
- Active member: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and Ohio Physical Therapy Association (OPTA)
- Extensive background in neurological rehabilitation and healthcare administration
This comprehensive training in pain management, tissue healing, and advanced therapeutic techniques has enabled Dr. Crawford to develop clinical protocols that our entire team of licensed physical therapists follows to deliver safe, effective shockwave therapy treatments for complex chronic conditions.
Revolutionary Shockwave Therapy Treatment in Cincinnati
Evidence-Based Pain Relief Through Advanced Technology
At WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates, we understand that chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life and daily function. Our specialized shockwave therapy in Cincinnati utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and proven protocols to stimulate natural healing processes, reduce pain, and restore function without invasive procedures.
How Shockwave Therapy Works: Shockwave therapy delivers focused acoustic energy waves to targeted tissues using specialized equipment powered by compressed oxygen. During treatment, Dr. Crawford applies conducting gel to the affected area and uses the handheld device to send controlled energy deep into tissues, triggering several therapeutic mechanisms:
- Pain Reduction: Decreases levels of Substance P, a neurotransmitter associated with chronic pain transmission
- Tissue Regeneration: Stimulates collagen production and removes pathological calcifications in tendons and ligaments
- Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow to promote natural healing and tissue repair
- Cellular Healing: Activates stem cells and growth factors to accelerate recovery processes
Conditions Successfully Treated with Shockwave Therapy:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendonitis and chronic tendon injuries
- Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff conditions
- Chronic back pain and myofascial pain syndrome
- Shin splints and sports-related overuse injuries
- Trigger points and muscle tension disorders
- Post-surgical scar tissue and adhesions
Why Choose WAVE for Shockwave Therapy in Cincinnati
Advanced Technology Meets Clinical Expertise
Specialized Equipment and Protocols: Our clinic utilizes advanced shockwave therapy equipment with precise energy delivery systems, and our team of licensed physical therapists follows Dr. Crawford’s evidence-based protocols to ensure optimal treatment parameters for each patient’s specific condition and tolerance level.
Comprehensive Team Assessment: Under Dr. Crawford’s clinical leadership, our physical therapists conduct thorough evaluations of biomechanical factors contributing to chronic pain, ensuring shockwave therapy is integrated into comprehensive treatment plans developed by our qualified team.
Evidence-Based Treatment Planning: Our team combines shockwave therapy with complementary interventions based on Dr. Crawford’s expertise in trigger point therapy and manual techniques, maximizing therapeutic outcomes and preventing recurrence.
Collaborative Patient Care: Our approach prioritizes patient comfort and education, with our team of licensed professionals working together to ensure optimal results and address any concerns throughout the treatment process.
Two Convenient Cincinnati Locations: We offer accessible shockwave therapy services at our Evendale and Kenwood locations, serving the greater Cincinnati community with specialized pain management care.
Our Evidence-Based Shockwave Therapy Process
Comprehensive Treatment Planning for Optimal Results
Phase 1: Detailed Clinical Assessment
Our team of licensed physical therapists performs comprehensive evaluations using Dr. Crawford’s established protocols and evidence-based assessment techniques developed through over 10 years of clinical experience. This includes biomechanical assessment, pain pattern analysis, and functional testing to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.
Phase 2: Customized Treatment Protocol
Based on clinical findings and current research, our team develops personalized shockwave therapy protocols following Dr. Crawford’s evidence-based treatment standards that may include:
- Targeted Energy Delivery: Precise application of acoustic waves to affected tissues using evidence-based parameters established by our clinical team
- Progressive Treatment Intensity: Gradual increase in energy levels based on tissue response and patient tolerance, monitored by our licensed professionals
- Integrated Manual Therapy: Combination with our team’s specialized manual therapy techniques for enhanced outcomes
- Movement Integration: Incorporation of therapeutic exercises and movement patterns developed by our qualified staff to support healing
- Patient Education: Comprehensive instruction provided by our team on activity modification and home care strategies
Phase 3: Outcome Monitoring and Adjustment
Using standardized outcome measures and clinical expertise, our team tracks progress and adjusts treatment protocols to ensure optimal results. This may include modifications to energy levels, treatment frequency, or integration of additional therapeutic techniques based on our established clinical standards.
Phase 4: Long-term Management and Prevention
Our comprehensive approach includes education on maintaining improvements, preventing recurrence, and optimizing long-term function through evidence-based strategies and ongoing support.
Clinical Benefits of Shockwave Therapy at WAVE
Proven Results Through Advanced Treatment
Fast and Convenient Treatment: Sessions typically last 15-20 minutes, allowing busy patients to receive effective treatment without significant time commitment or schedule disruption.
Non-Invasive Alternative: Shockwave therapy provides a safe alternative to surgical procedures and long-term medication use, with clinical studies demonstrating significant pain relief and functional improvement.
High Success Rate: Research shows exceptional outcomes for chronic conditions that have failed to respond to conventional treatments, with many patients experiencing substantial improvement within 3-6 sessions.
No Downtime Required: Patients can typically return to normal activities immediately following treatment, making it ideal for active individuals and working professionals.
Cost-Effective Solution: Shockwave therapy often provides lasting results with fewer sessions than traditional physical therapy approaches, representing excellent value for chronic pain management.
Clinical Research Support: Numerous peer-reviewed studies support the efficacy and safety of shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal conditions, with minimal risk of adverse effects when performed by qualified practitioners.
Specialized Expertise in Cincinnati Pain Management
Over a Decade of Clinical Excellence
Dr. Crawford’s journey as a healthcare entrepreneur and clinical director demonstrates her commitment to providing innovative, results-oriented care. Her experience in healthcare administration, combined with her advanced clinical certifications, ensures comprehensive, well-coordinated treatment for every patient.
Our Clinical Advantages:
- State-of-the-art shockwave therapy equipment with precise energy delivery
- Integration with manual therapy and movement-based interventions
- Personalized treatment protocols based on individual assessment findings
- Comfortable, professional environment with experienced clinical team
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse patient needs
- Comprehensive documentation and progress tracking for optimal outcomes
Professional Development and Continuing Education: As an active member of both the American Physical Therapy Association and Ohio Physical Therapy Association, Dr. Crawford maintains current knowledge of the latest research and treatment advances in pain management and regenerative therapies.
FAQs
Will shockwave therapy help chronic tendon pain that won’t heal, even after months or years?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is specifically designed for chronic, non-healing tendon injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, long-standing tennis elbow, or rotator cuff tendinopathy. These conditions often fail traditional PT because the tissue becomes degenerative, not inflamed. Shockwave helps “jump-start” healing by stimulating collagen production, increasing blood flow, and breaking down damaged tissue — often succeeding where rest, stretching, and injections have failed.
What does shockwave therapy actually do inside the tissue?
Shockwave therapy sends high-energy acoustic pulses into the injured area, which:
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Break up calcifications and scar tissue
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Increase blood flow to stagnant, poorly healing tissue
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Reduce nerve sensitivity
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Stimulate collagen and tendon regeneration
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Activate growth factors and stem cell activity
These biological changes are why shockwave is effective for stubborn, chronic problems — not just symptom relief.
Does shockwave therapy hurt, and how does it feel afterward?
Most patients describe the sensation as “intense tapping” or “pressure,” not sharp pain. Your WAVE therapist can adjust the intensity at any moment to keep the discomfort tolerable. After treatment, you may feel temporary soreness — similar to a deep massage — for 24–48 hours. There is no downtime, and most people resume work, walking, or daily activity immediately.
How quickly will I see results from shockwave therapy?
Some patients feel improvements after 1–2 sessions, especially with plantar fasciitis or tennis elbow. For chronic tendon injuries, most people see meaningful change after 3–6 sessions. Shockwave is cumulative — it works by stimulating tissue remodeling — so results continue to improve for weeks after the final session.
Is shockwave therapy better than cortisone injections or surgery?
For many chronic tendon conditions, yes. Cortisone may temporarily reduce pain but can also weaken tissue over time. Shockwave stimulates actual healing rather than masking symptoms. It is non-invasive, has no downtime, and avoids the risks of surgery. Dr. Crawford’s protocols combine shockwave with strengthening and manual therapy, making it one of the most comprehensive regenerative approaches available in Cincinnati.
Schedule Your Shockwave Therapy Consultation in Cincinnati
Experience advanced pain relief with Cincinnati’s shockwave therapy specialists.
At WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates, we combine Dr. Sarah Crawford’s extensive clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver effective, non-invasive treatment for chronic pain conditions. Don’t let pain limit your life when proven solutions are available.
Contact WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates:
- Evendale Location: 10400 Reading Rd. Suite 200 Cincinnati OH 45241
- Kenwood Location: 8044 Montgomery Rd. Suite 160 Cincinnati OH 45236
- Phone: (513) 832-8009
- Email: info@anchorcincy.com
Insurance and Payment Options: We operate as an Out-of-Network provider. However, we provide our clients with a Superbill that they can submit to their insurance providers for possible reimbursement. Additionally, our services can be paid for using Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds.
Licensed by the Ohio Physical Therapy Association | Member of APTA and OPTA | Serving Cincinnati with innovative pain management since 2019



