Shockwave Therapy for Tendon Pain

Tendon pain can make the simplest activities—like running, walking, or even lifting objects—feel like an uphill battle. When tendon pain strikes, traditional treatments don’t always resolve issues.

Enter shockwave therapy, a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment designed to promote healing and reduce pain for tendon injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. But what exactly is shockwave therapy, how does it work, and could it be the solution for you? Learning about this innovative treatment and its potential to get you back to the activities you love is the first step towards long-lasting recovery.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These sound waves are directed into the injured area, increasing blood flow, promoting healing, and alleviating pain.

We use this in conjunction of physical therapy and it’s particularly effective for injuries that have not responded to more conventional treatments, such as oral pain medication. It is widely used to treat chronic conditions like tendinopathy.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

The process is simple yet effective. During a shockwave therapy session:

These waves trigger several healing mechanisms:

The sessions are quick, with each procedure taking about 5–10 minutes. To achieve the best results, patients typically undergo 3–5 sessions spaced over several weeks.

What Is Shockwave Therapy Used For?

Shockwave therapy is a versatile treatment with applications across various injuries and conditions. Common uses include:

It’s also gaining popularity among athletes seeking to accelerate recovery and optimize performance while avoiding invasive procedures.

At Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, patients have access to this advanced treatment to safely address long-standing injuries.

How Long Does Shockwave Therapy Last?

One of the standout benefits of shockwave therapy is its long-term efficacy. While some patients may notice improvement after the first session, significant results typically appear after completing the full course of treatments. Healing continues for weeks following the final session as the body attempts to repairs itself.

While the results vary by individual, many patients report lasting relief from pain and improved mobility, making shockwave therapy a preferred option for managing chronic conditions.

Can You Exercise After Shockwave Therapy?

A frequently asked question is whether it’s safe to resume physical activity post-treatment. The answer depends on your condition and injury severity.

By gradually incorporating exercise, you’ll help promote healing and avoid aggravating the treated tendon or muscle tissue.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is packed with advantages that make it a compelling alternative to more invasive treatments:

If you’re based near Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville, or Tipton, IN, the team at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is specially trained in administering this advanced treatment.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

Shockwave therapy is great for chronic, persistent injuries that haven’t responded to other treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, or medication. However, it’s not the right option for everyone. There are certain cases where shockwave therapy may not be recommended. Your healthcare provider might suggest alternative treatments if you:

To determine whether shockwave therapy is a suitable option for you, a consultation with a physician at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is essential. During this visit, experts will assess your medical history, current condition, and treatment goals to create a personalized care plan that best supports your recovery and overall health.

Start Your Healing Journey Today

If you’re struggling with ongoing tendon pain that’s holding you back, shockwave therapy could be the game-changing solution you’ve been searching for. With its blend of innovation, effectiveness, and safety, it offers renewed hope for anyone tired of living with chronic pain.

Experience the difference that shockwave therapy can make. Call (317) 643-4128 to schedule a consultation with Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics today at one of our convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville or Tipton, IN. Our team of experts will craft a personalized plan to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.


If you’re struggling to find joint pain relief, you might be considering joint injections as your next step. Cortisone injections are a common procedure with the goal of reducing pain in damaged joints. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and other orthobiologic injections are gaining popularity in sports medicine and orthopedics. Learn the differences between these two non-operative treatment options and how to determine what’s best for you.

What is a Cortisone Injection?

Traditionally a more common and well-known approach, cortisone injections are used by orthopedic specialists at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics to treat a wide variety of conditions. Derived from a type of steroid called corticosteroids that became popular because of their strong anti-inflammatory properties and instant pain relief, cortisone injections are most commonly administered to reduce joint inflammation and pain and get people back to their everyday activities.

Considered a short-term solution, cortisone injections act as more of a band-aid to the underlying issue and require close monitoring, as frequent usage can cause tissue damage and unwanted side effects. While the injection reduces pain, it typically doesn’t cure the underlying problem causing the inflammation.

What is a Cortisone Shot Good For?

Cortisone shots effectively treat conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis, among others. These injections target inflammation to relieve acute injuries or chronic conditions causing joint pain. However, since they are not intended for frequent use, your doctor will guide you on how often you can have a cortisone injection to minimize risks. At Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, we administer cortisone judiciously and as part of a broader interventional pain management plan.

What to Expect After a Cortisone Shot

You may notice initial soreness or swelling at the injection site, which typically subsides within 24 to 48 hours. Many patients experience noticeable pain relief within a few days, but for some, it takes up to a week to feel the full effects. Rest the treated area and avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours to allow the medication to work effectively. Your doctor may recommend certain follow-up care or physical therapy to maximize the injection’s benefits.

How Long Does a Cortisone Injection Last?

Relief from a cortisone shot typically lasts a few weeks to several months, depending on the condition and the individual’s response. Many patients enjoy significant pain reduction and improved mobility during this period, allowing them to participate in physical therapy or other treatments aimed at addressing the root cause of their pain.

Where Can I Get a Cortisone Injection?

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics provides cortisone injections, with experienced medical providers administering treatment based on your unique situation. Our locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville, and Tipton, IN, make it easy to access the care you need.

What is a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection?

PRP injections are a form of regenerative medicine that uses the healing properties in your blood to treat joint and muscle pain. First, a doctor draws your blood and places it in a machine to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood. Then, the PRP is injected back into the affected area to reduce pain and promote healing.

What is a PRP Injection Good For?

PRP injections are particularly beneficial for treating chronic tendon injuries, ligament sprains, and joint degeneration caused by osteoarthritis, making them a direct replacement for cortisone shots. Because this method uses your own blood, it helps you naturally recover from sports injuries or overuse syndromes without relying on medications or invasive procedures.

What to Expect After a PRP Injection

After a PRP injection, you may experience some soreness or mild swelling in the treated area, which is a normal part of the healing process. Unlike cortisone injections, which aim to suppress inflammation, PRP encourages a controlled inflammatory response to stimulate tissue repair. Avoid strenuous activities for a few days and follow up with your doctor to track your progress.

How Long Does a PRP Injection Last?

Patients often report noticeable improvements in pain and function within a few weeks of receiving a PRP injection, with results continuing to improve over several months. Unlike cortisone, which provides immediate but temporary relief, PRP encourages long-term healing and regeneration. Depending on the severity and nature of your condition, the benefits of a PRP injection can last up to a year or more.

Injection vs. Cortisone: Which Option Is Right for Me?

When comparing PRP injections to cortisone injections, consider that both treatments have their place in interventional pain management. Cortisone is best for quick pain relief and reducing inflammation, making it ideal for acute injuries or flare-ups of chronic conditions. On the other hand, PRP focuses on long-term healing by promoting tissue regeneration. Cortisone provides relief for a few months, but PRP offers more sustained results because it addresses the underlying causes of pain.

Even when understanding these differences in mechanisms and outcomes, it can be difficult to choose the best option for you. The specialists at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics can guide you through the risks, benefits and alternative options to help you get back to living the life you want.

Why Choose Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics?

For the past 40+ years, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics has perfected our patient-centered approach. Unlike many larger institutions, we’ll never treat you like just another number. Instead, we’ll work closely with you to formulate a clear action plan before you leave the office. Our comprehensive facilities offer physician consultations, diagnostic imaging and treatment all under one roof.

Our very own Dr. Matthew Negaard specializes in ultrasound-guided injections, PRP treatments, orthobiologics and sports medicine. Whether you’re considering cortisone, PRP, or other treatments, we’ll help you overcome obstacles to achieve the best possible outcomes. Contact us today to request a consultation at one of our offices in Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville or Tipton, IN.

Orthobiologic treatments have not been authorized by the FDA and are considered experimental by the FDA.

Did you know that there are more than 100 different types of arthritis? This common condition can cause pain and swelling of the joints and connective tissues, as well as limiting movement. Arthritis often occurs with age, but arthritis diseases can affect people of any age. There is no cure for arthritis, so the goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation and improve mobility. Commonly, arthritis is treated with options that include medication, heat and ice, TENS treatment, injections, braces and sometimes surgery. Increasingly, though, doctors are turning to the field of regenerative medicine, using orthobiologic treatments for arthritis pain relief.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine is an exciting field of study, in which doctors use biological tissues, sometimes from the patient’s own body, to promote healing and circumvent the need for surgery. Because these therapies are derived from cells taken from the patient, they are generally safe. In addition to helping the body to heal, there is evidence that these treatments alleviate pain and inflammation. Therapies used in regenerative medicine include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as well as cell-based therapies that involve bone marrow, adipose tissue, or stem cells. The stem cells used in regenerative medicine are typically not fetal cells, but rather cells from placental or amniotic tissue. While there are studies investigating the use of fetal stem cells in orthopedics, they are still in the clinical trial stage. This is the only use that is currently FDA-approved.

What is Orthobiologics?

Essentially, orthobiologics is another term for regenerative medicine, used when it is applied to orthopedics. Orthopedists use orthobiologic treatment to improve pain and enhance the healing of various orthopedic conditions, like injuries of the tendons, ligaments, bones, muscles, spinal discs, meniscus of the knee, cartilage, and other tissue that is not likely to heal on its own. Conditions like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease have all been treated with orthobiologics.

How Orthobiologic Injections Can Help Arthritis Pain

Traditional treatments for arthritis have included pain medications, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery. Orthobiologic treatments for arthritis offer a promising alternative, using an injection for arthritis pain rather than relying on medication or putting the patient through the rigors of surgery. Here’s how specific orthobiologic treatments help address arthritis pain:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

In this type of therapy, a small amount of the patient’s own blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets, and then those platelets are injected into the affected joint. The concentrated platelets contain proteins that reduce inflammation and support the repair of damaged tissue. PRP can be especially effective in relieving arthritis pain, as it works with the body’s own healing processes and immune response.

Is Orthobiologic Treatment Safe?

In most cases, because the cells are pulled from your own body and used on the same day, regenerative medicine is generally considered safe. These treatments pose additional risks, according to the FDA. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have before undergoing treatment.

Do Orthobiologic Treatments Hurt?

There is a little bit of discomfort associated with having a needle inserted into your joint. If you are having PRP therapy, it only takes about 45-60 minutes, and just involves a blood draw and an injection. Generally, patients can get back to their normal activity level within two or three days of treatment, though they may need to wait a few weeks to exercise. In both types of therapy, the injections are typically administered with imaging assistance, like ultrasound, to ensure the accurate placement of the therapy directly into the joint, where it can provide optimal benefit. By addressing pain and inflammation, orthobiologic injections can significantly enhance joint function and overall mobility for arthritis patients. 

Visit Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics to Learn More About Orthobiologics

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is a leader in orthopedic care, and orthobiologics is just one of the treatments provided.  Known today for providing comprehensive, specialized care for patients of all ages, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics started as a small sports medicine clinic for high school athletes, back in 1983. Under the guidance of Dr. Thomas A Brady, the father of Central Indiana sports medicine, this independent, physician-owned orthopedic surgical practice grew to include a variety of sub-specialists before moving to Carmel in 1995. Today, the Carmel clinic is one of four locations, serving patients from across Indiana, with over 20 physicians and dedicated staff members providing patients with exceptional treatment, as well as actively serving their communities. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us through our website.

For Eva Cheung, standing at the Boston Marathon starting line was one of those “pinch me” moments.

“I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d qualify for Boston,” says Cheung. “I was really, really excited.”

Unfortunately, qualifying wasn’t the only hurdle Cheung had to overcome on her way to completing the race. While training for Boston, she experienced nagging pain in her left leg.

“I told my coach about it, and he recommended I reach out to Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics,” she says.

Specialized Orthopedic Urgent Care

Cheung took advantage of Forté Fast Orthopedic Care, an orthopedic urgent care offering walk-in access for recent bone, muscle, joint and sports medicine injuries. With three locations in Carmel, Noblesville and Greenwood, Forté Fast helps patients with the crucial first steps of any injury – obtaining a correct diagnosis and jumpstarting a treatment plan to get them back to the activities they enjoy.

While Forté Fast accepts walk-ins, Cheung made an appointment to ensure she could see a physician who specialized in her specific needs.

“She had quite a bit of pain and discomfort that we couldn’t reproduce during the exam by touching the muscles and soft tissue,” says Dr. Matthew Negaard, an emergency medicine and fellowship-trained sports medicine physician who serves as the medical director of Forté Fast. “That raises a red flag that the bone could be involved, even when the X-ray looks normal.”

Cheung was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her femur – the upper thigh bone.

“The risk of continuing to do activities through a stress fracture is that it can lead to a complete fracture, requiring surgery and several months of rest,” says Negaard. “We try to educate our patients on taking some stress off the bone for a shorter period of time to allow it to heal and then build back up.”

Same-Day Services, Including Unique Rehab Options

Facing the possibility of catastrophic injury, the Boston Marathon could have been out of the cards for Cheung, but Negaard and the team at Forté Fast gave her the best chance of healing and reaching her goal.

Forté Fast provides patients with various same-day services based on their individual needs, including expert-level musculoskeletal evaluation, rehab, imaging, medical supplies and more. Its unique rehab options, such as an anti-gravity treadmill and underwater treadmill, allow patients with a stress fracture, like Cheung, to continue to run and keep up their cardiovascular fitness while protecting the healing bone.

“The rehab process for stress fractures can vary depending on what the person is trying to get back to and what their particular injury is,” says Negaard. “In general, it’s a period of rest and recovery, but we emphasize to our patients that they can continue to cross-train while we allow the bone to heal.”

Advancing from Injury to the Starting Line

The creativity and personalization of Cheung’s rehab process kept her active and ultimately enabled her to reach the Boston starting line.

“I kept thinking, I can’t believe I’m here,” says Cheung.

“I’m so grateful for Forté because they’re so knowledgeable,” she adds. “They listen and know what your goals are. And they will get you to the point where you can reach your goals.”

For more information about Forté Fast Orthopedic Care, including walk-in hours for all locations, visit forteortho.com.

Forté Fast Orthopedic Care’s patient volume is up 52% in the first half of 2023

CARMEL, Ind. – More patients are turning to Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a Carmel-based, physician-owned practice recognized as one of the region’s most respected orthopedic and sports medicine groups, for specialized walk-in orthopedic urgent care. In the first half of 2023, Forté Fast Orthopedic Care clinics saw 52% more patients compared to the first six months of 2022.

With three clinics in Carmel, Greenwood and Noblesville, Forté Fast addresses the injuries that occur while performing daily activities and prevent people from going about their regular schedule. When unexpected accidents arise, obtaining a correct diagnosis and implementing an immediate treatment plan are crucial first steps for a better, faster recovery.

Forté Fast provides walk-in access for acute issues, such as broken bones, sprains, fractures and dislocations. Patients receive same-day services based on their individual needs, including a musculoskeletal evaluation from a fellowship-trained physician, rehab, imaging, bracing, medical supplies and more.

“Receiving expert-level care at Forté Fast helps the overall recovery process by giving patients the opportunity to start healing faster,” said Dr. Matthew Negaard, an emergency medicine and fellowship-trained sports medicine physician and medical director at Forté Fast. “Whether you need X-rays, bracing or physical therapy, we have all the services you need under one roof.”

Since January 2022, Forté Fast has seen a steady rise in patient volume. In the first six months of 2023, 1,912 patients utilized the practice’s same-day services across all clinics, up from 1,255 patients in the first six months of 2022. This trend puts Forté Fast on track to increase patient visits by more than 50% year over year.

One patient, Barbara, who chose to be identified only by her first name, sought Forté Fast care when she tripped and landed on her knees. The fall generated such excruciating pain that she couldn’t walk without crutches.

“I hobbled my way into the Forté Fast walk-in clinic and was seen right away,” said Barbara. “They did X-rays, found a hairline crack in the kneecap and started physical therapy immediately. In just six weeks, I was pain-free and a proud PT graduate, thanks to the orthopedic walk-in care at Forté.”

While walk-ins are welcome, in some cases, it’s best to make an appointment directly with a Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics physician who specializes in a patient’s specific needs. For more information, visit forteortho.com or call 317.643.4128.

About Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, previously known as Methodist Sports Medicine, is an independent, physician-owned orthopedic practice recognized as one of the region’s most respected orthopedic groups. Founded in 1983 as one of the country’s original sports medicine practices, Forté’s physicians and staff provide comprehensive, specialized sports medicine and orthopedic care to patients of all ages.

Clinical evaluations performed by highly skilled fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, combined with advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive non-surgical treatment options, provide patients with exceptional treatment outcomes and a return to active living. Forté provides patients with expert orthopedic care in several sub-specialties, including hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder; foot and ankle; hip and knee; joint replacement and revision; spine care and sports medicine. Forté has been trusted by the Indianapolis Colts as their team physicians since 1983 and serves as the orthopedic provider for Purdue University, Butler University, Indiana State University, and numerous high schools and public safety departments throughout central Indiana.

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics also innovates daily through a separate 501(c)(3), Forté Orthopedic Research Institute, that improves the lives of patients everywhere through advanced clinical research and education.

Random injuries that occur while performing daily activities and prevent us from going about our regular schedule are, unfortunately, not all that uncommon. One of our patients, Barbara, suffered from a recent injury when she tripped and landed on her knees. This fall generated such excruciating pain that she couldn't walk without crutches.

“The next morning,” Barbara recounts, “I hobbled my way into the Forté Fast Orthopedic Care walk-in clinic and was seen right away. They did X-rays, found a hairline crack in the kneecap (patella fracture) and started physical therapy immediately. In just six weeks, I was a pain-free and proud PT graduate, thanks to the orthopedic walk-in care at Forté!”

When unexpected accidents arise, immediately obtaining a correct diagnosis in order to rapidly implement a treatment plan—whatever that looks like—is a crucial first step. One of the many benefits of a same-day appointment is that it assists in the overall recovery by expediting the healing process. By offering this level of orthopedic urgent care at Forté Fast, patients like Barbara are able to experience a one-stop-shop perk when an injury occurs. Taking advantage of an orthopedic walk-in appointment, she was seen by an orthopedic physician, got x-rays, was diagnosed and set up with a physical therapist—all in the same building! Her experience with Forté Fast completely affected her recovery process for the better.

Forté Fast Orthopedic Care is designed to provide immediate access for acute issues, such as a broken bone, sprain, fracture, dislocation and more. We offer same-day convenient services depending on your individual needs, including expert-level orthopedic evaluation, rehab, imaging, medical supplies and more. By offering same-day access to a specialist, we give patients the opportunity to start feeling better, faster. We focus on getting people back to full mobility and comfort under expert-level care.

Staying fit and active is an important part of maintaining our overall health, Dr. Matthew Negaard, Sports Medicine Physician and Emergency Medicine Physician of Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics emphasizes. In fact, exercise allows us to:

But aren't arthritic patients advised to avoid putting too much stress on their joints?

Yes, Negaard answers, but there are many forms of exercise that are low-impact, including biking, swimming, water aerobics, walking on the treadmill or elliptical, rowing and yoga. Most studies suggest, he adds, that even running does not appear to accelerate the progress of osteoarthritis, so long as you allow adequate rest between runs.

Low-impact training provides all the cardiovascular benefits of exercise without placing stress on your joints, assisting in active recovery and improving blood flow and circulation to the muscles, the American College of Sports Medicine explains. What's more, the benefits are not limited to the physical - one important result of exercise is the management of anxiety and depression. "Every adult should perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance for a minimum of two days per week, the CDC recommends.

For those with arthritis, low-impact activity is encouraged. If pain or injury is holding you back from regular activity, let the experts at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics help. Request an appointment now.

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