Non-Surgical Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendon Pain
Eatontown, NJ
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for stubborn Achilles tendinopathy. No injections, no anesthesia, no downtime. Most sessions take about 15 minutes, and you walk out and drive yourself home.
Shockwave therapy may be worth considering if:
- Pain at the back of your heel or a few inches above it
- Stiffness and pain in the first steps out of bed
- It improves when you warm up, then returns worse afterward
- You've tried rest, stretching, orthotics, or physical therapy without lasting change
- It's been going on more than three months
- You've been told the next step is injection or surgery
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Focused acoustic pressure waves are delivered through the skin into the tendon. The mechanical stimulus is used to prompt the body’s own repair response in tissue that has stopped healing on its own. It’s the same category of technology used for tendon problems in orthopedic and sports medicine settings.
About 15 minutes - In and out. No sedation, no recovery time
No injections, No incisions - Nothing enters the body. You're weight-bearing immediately
Typically 4–6 sessions - Spaced about a week apart
Your first visit - What to expect
- Assessment
I examine the tendon, test loading and range of motion, and review what you've already tried. - Determination
I tell you directly whether shockwave is appropriate for your case. If it isn't, I'll tell you that and point you elsewhere. - First treatment
If it's a fit, we begin the same visit. About 15 minutes.
I came to Dr. Kovacs after my orthopedist recommended that I try shockwave therapy for my Achilles problem. My goal was to get back to running, and I really appreciated that he didn’t just focus on where I was hurting. He took the time to look at the whole area and found an issue in my calf that also needed to be addressed.
I just finished my treatment and have been discharged, and I’m now working my way back into my regular running schedule. I appreciated the more complete approach and the effort to figure out what was contributing to the problem rather than just treating the painful spot.
T.M. (Eatontown, NJ)
Recreational Runner
What your assessment includes
- A hands-on exam of the tendon — loading, range of motion, palpation of the involved segment
- Review of what you've already tried and why it didn't hold
- A direct answer on whether shockwave is appropriate for your case
- If it is, your first treatment the same visit
- A specific plan: how many sessions, how far apart, and what to expect
Shockwave therapy is generally not a covered benefit under most health plans, so this is out-of-pocket care. I’ll go over exactly what it costs when we speak — no packages sold over the phone, and nothing you haven’t agreed to.
Who's treating you
Jordan L. Kovacs, DC, FPSC
I operate the shockwave and laser equipment personally — you’re not being handed off to an assistant. My practice in Eatontown focuses on physical medicine for tendon and soft-tissue problems, and I see a lot of Achilles cases specifically.
Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt?
There’s a firm, tapping pressure and some tenderness over the affected area. Most people describe it as very tolerable. I adjust intensity throughout and you tell me what you’re feeling.
How many sessions will I need?
For acute conditions, typically four to six, spaced about a week apart. Chronic conditions may need 6 to 10 sessions. I’ll give you a specific expectation after the assessment based on how long you’ve had it and what the exam shows.
What does it cost?
Shockwave therapy is generally not covered by health insurance, so it’s out-of-pocket. Cost depends on how many sessions your case actually calls for, which I can’t know before examining you. I’ll give you the exact numbers when we speak — including package pricing if a full course makes sense — and there’s no obligation either way.
How is this different from physical therapy?
They address different things and often work well together. PT loads and strengthens the tendon. Shockwave targets the tissue itself where healing has stalled. Many patients do both.
What if it doesn't help?
Not everyone responds. I’ll be straightforward with you about what I’m seeing as we go, and if you’re not showing meaningful change by the fourth session, I’ll tell you rather than continuing to sell you sessions.
Can I exercise afterward?
You’ll be told to avoid loading the tendon hard for about 48 hours after each session. Walking and daily activity are fine. You drive yourself home.
Ready to find out if this is a fit?
Request an assessment and I’ll personally follow up with you to discuss your condition. If I don’t think shockwave therapy is appropriate for your case, I’ll tell you that upfront.
Our Location
Eatontown Elite Care Center
117 NJ-35 #2, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Free parking on site
About 10 minutes from Red Bank, Long Branch, and Tinton Falls · 15 from Middletown and Freehold
Monday / Wednesday / Friday
8:30 am – 6:30 pm