How long after surgery can shockwave therapy be used on a scar?

The research above covers scars ranging from months to well over a year old. There isn't a strict cutoff, but the tissue generally needs to be fully healed with no signs of active infection or wound complication. We'll assess your specific timeline and healing status at your evaluation.

Will this work on a scar that's been there for years?

Often, yes. Mature scar tissue is exactly what shockwave therapy targets at the cellular level. Patients are sometimes surprised that a scar can still respond to treatment years after surgery, but the underlying fibrotic tissue doesn't stop being treatable just because time has passed.

Is this only for visible, external scarring?

No. Some of the most functionally significant scar tissue is internal — adhesions around a nerve root after spine surgery, fibrosis in deeper tissue layers after reconstruction — and isn't necessarily visible at the skin surface at all. Shockwave therapy targets the tissue based on location and depth, not just what's visible externally.

Will my insurance cover this?

Most insurance carriers in the United States do not currently cover ESWT. We're upfront about this. Pricing and session options are covered clearly at your evaluation, before you commit to anything.

Can shockwave be combined with chiropractic or physical therapy?

Yes, and it frequently is. When scar tissue restriction has led to a compensation pattern elsewhere — altered movement, guarding, secondary tightness in adjacent areas — addressing that alongside the scar tissue itself is part of a thorough plan.

post surgical recovery

Shockwave Therapy for Post-Surgical Scar Tissue

Matt Wilson DC, FIACA2026-09-11T23:41:29+00:00

Shockwave Therapy for Post-Surgical Scar Tissue Shockwave Therapy for Post-Surgical Scar Tissue: Why Scars Keep Causing Problems Long After the Incision Heals — and What Actually Works By Dr. Matthew Wilson, DC, FIACA | Ashworth Chiropractic, Physical Therapy & Acupuncture | West Des Moines, Iowa The incision closed months ago. The surgery, by [...]

Shockwave Therapy for Post-Surgical Scar TissueMatt Wilson DC, FIACA2026-09-11T23:41:29+00:00

My Back Still Hurts After Surgery. What Do I Do Now?
Gallery

My Back Still Hurts After Surgery. What Do I Do Now?

Matt Wilson DC, FIACA2026-09-12T12:57:10+00:00

My Back Still Hurts After Surgery.What Do I Do Now? BACK PAIN SERIES — PART 4 OF 4 This is Part 4 of a four-part series we are working on. Each will be linked as they are published online. Part 1 covers what is the best non-surgical treatment for back pain. Part 2 [...]

My Back Still Hurts After Surgery. What Do I Do Now?Matt Wilson DC, FIACA2026-09-12T12:57:10+00:00