Fort Worth, TX, 02/17/2026. A specialized form of shockwave therapy—a technology still limited to a small number of clinics nationwide—is beginning to appear in Fort Worth, offering new hope for patients with chronic tendon, muscle, and joint pain who have not responded to traditional treatments.
The treatment, known clinically as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate tissue repair and blood flow at the cellular level. While widely studied in Europe and academic medical centers, the technology remains relatively uncommon in outpatient physical therapy settings, particularly in North Texas.
Ried Physical Therapy is among a small group of Fort Worth clinics currently offering this advanced form of shockwave therapy.
Research Shows High Effectiveness for Chronic Conditions
Multiple clinical studies published over the last decade have demonstrated strong outcomes for shockwave therapy, particularly for stubborn, long-standing injuries has reported success rates ranging from 80% to 90%, defined as significant pain reduction and functional improvements quickly.
Unlike treatments that rely on medication or injections, shockwave therapy works by triggering the body’s own healing response. The acoustic pulses increase local circulation, stimulate collagen production, and disrupt chronic pain signaling—mechanisms that researchers believe contribute to its high success rate in cases where rest, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections have failed.
“Shockwave therapy is often considered when pain has become chronic and resistant to conventional care,” said a clinician familiar with the technology. “The research is particularly compelling for tendon-related injuries that traditionally heal very slowly.”
A Non-Surgical Alternative Gaining Attention
Because ESWT is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia, it has gained attention as an alternative to surgery for select patients. Sessions typically last 5-10 minutes, and most treatment plans involve a short series of visits rather than long-term therapy.
Conditions commonly supported by clinical research include:
- Lower Back Pain
- Hip and Knee Pain
- Shoulder and Neck Pain
- Chronic muscle strains
- Elbow and Writ Tendon Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- And Other Conditions
While not appropriate for every diagnosis, clinicians emphasize that patient selection is critical to achieving optimal outcomes.
Limited Availability in Fort Worth
Despite growing evidence, shockwave therapy remains unavailable in many physical therapy clinics due to the specialized equipment and training required. This limited access has led patients to seek out clinics specifically offering ESWT when conservative care has not worked.
Ried Physical Therapy reports increasing interest from runners, active adults, and patients seeking non-surgical pain relief options after months—or even years—of unresolved symptoms.
Local Contact Information
Residents interested in learning whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for their condition can request additional information or schedule a consultation at:
Ried Physical Therapy
6145 Wedgwood Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76133
817-380-8077
Question@RiedPT.com