FAQ

Shockwave Therapy & Sports Recovery FAQs

Everything you need to know about non-surgical pain relief at CT Sports Recovery, from cost and safety to what to expect and how to book. Have questions about shockwave therapy, magnet therapy, or non-surgical pain relief? Below are the questions we hear most often at CT Sports Recovery, the doctor-run recovery clinic in Westport, Connecticut. If you don’t see your question here, call us at (203) 651-5090 or book a visit online — we’re always happy to help you move better and heal faster.

Getting Started with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that uses targeted acoustic pulses to relieve pain and jump-start your body’s natural healing process. At CT Sports Recovery in Westport, we use it to treat conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis, delivering focused energy to the injured area to boost circulation and tissue repair — with no needles, no medication, and no surgery.
Shockwave therapy is especially effective for stubborn tendon and soft-tissue pain that hasn’t responded to rest or other treatments. Common examples include plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles and other tendonitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, patellar (knee) tendon pain, and hip and shoulder tendon issues. Because every treatment plan at CT Sports Recovery is designed and overseen by a physician, we’ll confirm whether shockwave therapy is the right fit for your specific condition during your visit.
Yes. Shockwave therapy is a clinically proven, well-researched treatment for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain. We use the Storz Duolith SD1, an advanced focused-wave device that has been extensively studied and shown to accelerate healing. Most patients complete a series of 3–6 sessions and experience meaningful, lasting improvement. Because results build as your tissue heals, the goal is durable relief — not a temporary mask for your pain.

Most patients need 3–6 sessions for the best results, with a typical plan running 4–6 sessions. Because everyone heals at a different pace, your physician will tailor your plan to your condition and your progress. Keep in mind that wear and tear on your joints is a normal part of aging and staying active — so, as with any treatment in medicine, some patients choose occasional follow-up sessions in the future to maintain their results.

Pricing & Insurance

A package of 3 sessions is $550 — about $183 per treatment. Research shows most people need 3–6 sessions for the best results. Each package covers one body region (for example, one knee, one shoulder, one hip, or one tendon group); treating both knees, for instance, counts as two regions. Ready to start? Book your visit online or call (203) 651-5090.
We use the Storz Duolith SD1, a premium, clinically proven device that delivers precise energy pulses to accelerate healing. Larger treatment areas require more pulses, which means the device’s parts need to be replaced more frequently. Charging per body region — a standard practice at shockwave clinics nationwide — lets us keep this advanced technology available and your care consistent.
To our knowledge, no major insurance plans currently cover shockwave therapy. However, we gladly accept FSA and HSA cards, which many patients use to pay for treatment. We recommend calling your insurance provider directly to confirm your eligibility.

Safety & Who It’s Right For

Yes. Studies show that both shockwave therapy and magnet therapy are safe for all ages. There is no effect on children’s growth plates, and no side effects from the procedure itself.
Shockwave therapy to body regions away from the fetus — such as the ankles, knees, and shoulders — is considered safe during pregnancy. Treatment to the stomach or nearby areas is not recommended (contraindicated) while pregnant.
Shockwave therapy should not be used over open wounds, tumors, or air-filled areas such as the lungs or intestines, or on people with implanted defibrillators. It should be used with caution in people with pacemakers or those taking blood thinners. During your consultation, your physician will review your health history to make sure treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Blood thinners aren’t an absolute contraindication, but they can make larger areas of bruising more likely. If a bruise develops, apply ice every couple of hours while awake for two days, then switch to warm, dry heat 2–4 times a day.
When possible, we recommend avoiding Tylenol and NSAIDs (such as Motrin or ibuprofen) for 48 hours before and after each session, since these can interfere with the healing response that shockwave therapy is designed to trigger. For comfort in the meantime, apply dry, warm heat 2–4 times a day as needed. This same guidance applies to magnet therapy.

What to Expect During & After Treatment

Treatment is tailored to each patient. Bonier areas may feel more sensitive, and some discomfort is actually helpful — your pain level guides us to the most inflamed tissue, which is exactly what we need to treat. As inflammation decreases with each session, treatment becomes more comfortable, and we’re able to increase the energy over time. Our goal is always to work within your comfort level: enough to guide effective treatment, but never more than you can tolerate.
Most patients return to their normal day right after treatment. For comfort, apply dry, warm heat 2–4 times a day as needed. If you notice any bruising (more common if you take blood thinners), ice the area every couple of hours while awake for two days, then switch to warm, dry heat. When possible, avoid Tylenol and NSAIDs for 48 hours after your session.

Magnet Therapy

Magnet therapy is tailored to each patient and typically feels like a gentle vibration in your tissues. Most people find it comfortable, though it’s possible to feel some mild discomfort.
Magnet therapy is not recommended during pregnancy (though it can be used at sites away from the fetus), for patients with battery- or power-operated implants in the treatment area, or for patients with cancer.

Visiting CT Sports Recovery

CT Sports Recovery is located at 215 Main Street, Suite 4, Westport, CT 06880 (please use the rear entrance and rear parking lot). We’re a doctor-run recovery clinic serving Westport and the surrounding Fairfield County communities, including Norwalk, Fairfield, Weston, Wilton, Darien, and Stamford.

We’re open Monday–Friday from 8am–5pm, with extended hours available on Tuesdays (varies by provider). Call (203) 651-5090 to find a time that works for you.

Getting started is easy. Book your visit online or call us at (203) 651-5090. Every treatment plan at CT Sports Recovery is designed and overseen by a physician, so you’ll receive expert, personalized care from your very first visit — move better, heal faster, and avoid medications.