Medical-Provider-Led Shockwave Therapy · Powered by SoftWave TRTPalatine & Northfield, IL
When Pain Keeps Coming Back, It May Be Time for a Different Approach
Shockwave Pain Institute provides advanced, non-invasive shockwave therapy for persistent musculoskeletal pain — evaluated and delivered by a medical provider at our Palatine and Northfield, Illinois locations. No injections. No surgery. A focused evaluation to determine what's actually going on and whether treatment makes sense for you.
New Patient Offer
New Patient Exam + First Treatment — $99
First treatment provided when clinically appropriate following your examination.
What today's visit includes
- — Provider evaluation of your specific concern
- — A clear explanation of what's likely going on
- — Discussion of whether shockwave therapy fits your case
- — First treatment, when clinically appropriate, same visit
- Provider-led care
- Non-invasive treatment
- Palatine & Northfield locations
- SoftWave TRT technology
- Personalized evaluation
For pain that hasn't gone away
Rest helped for a while. Then the pain came back.
Maybe you've tried stretching, new shoes, a foam roller, physical therapy, or an injection. Maybe you've been told to 'give it more time.' If pain is still interfering with walking, exercising, working, or sleeping, it's reasonable to ask what else is out there.
Questions we hear often
- "Why hasn't this gone away on its own?"
- "Do I really need surgery, or another injection?"
- "Is there something else worth trying first?"
- "Is this treatment even legitimate?"
Start here
Where does it hurt?
Browse conditions by the area that's bothering you. Every page explains the condition in plain language, what the research says, and where shockwave therapy may — or may not — fit.
The basics
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic pressure waves through the skin to an area of chronic musculoskeletal pain — most often a tendon or area of soft-tissue irritation that hasn't resolved with rest alone. It has been studied for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and tennis elbow, among others.
It is not a massage device, and it is not the same in every clinic — technology and protocols vary. Our SoftWave TRT page explains the specific technology used here, including verified regulatory information.
Why patients consider it
Non-invasive
No incisions, no needles as part of the treatment itself.
Drug-free modality
No medication required as part of treatment.
Focused evaluation first
Treatment decisions follow a real medical exam, not a form you fill out online.
Little disruption to daily life
Most patients return to normal activity the same day, when appropriate for their case.
The process
How it works
Medical Evaluation
A provider examines your specific complaint and history to understand what's actually going on.
Determine Appropriateness
Your provider discusses whether shockwave therapy is a reasonable option for your case — and if not, what they'd recommend instead.
Targeted Treatment
If appropriate, treatment is delivered to the specific area involved, typically over a short series of visits.
Monitor Response
Your provider tracks how you're responding and adjusts the plan as needed.
What we treat
Common conditions we evaluate for shockwave therapy
These are among the most-researched conditions for shockwave therapy. Explore the full library for symptom-based navigation and additional conditions.
Beyond musculoskeletal pain
Other areas of care
We also evaluate skin, scarring, and wound-healing concerns when shockwave therapy may be clinically appropriate. Evidence and suitability vary by condition.
New Patient Offer
New Patient Exam + First Treatment — $99
We built the $99 visit to lower the barrier to getting a real evaluation — not as a discount gimmick. You receive an honest exam and, when appropriate, your first treatment. Additional sessions and package options may be discussed after the evaluation when clinically appropriate.
First treatment provided when clinically appropriate following your examination.
What's included
- Provider evaluation
- Relevant history discussion
- Physical/clinical evaluation appropriate to your complaint
- Discussion of whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for you
- First treatment, when clinically appropriate, the same visit
Our technology
SoftWave TRT
Shockwave Pain Institute uses SoftWave TRT, manufactured by Tissue Regeneration Technologies. We believe in accurate regulatory language — not marketing shorthand — so our SoftWave TRT page includes the verified FDA 510(k) record for the device, including exactly what it is and isn't cleared for.
SoftWave TRT is a different company and technology than the unrelated aesthetic device "Sofwave." Our SoftWave TRT page explains the distinction and includes verified regulatory information.
Why Dr. Mark LeVee chose SoftWave TRT
Hear the story behind Shockwave Pain Institute.
Who treats you
Meet Dr. Mark LeVee, DC
Dr. LeVee is a personable and dedicated provider who values genuine, long-lasting relationships with his patients. Having experienced multiple surgeries himself, he understands how frustrating pain can be and is passionate about helping patients explore thoughtful, non-invasive options for returning to the activities they enjoy.
Chiropractor | Lead Clinical Provider
Evidence
What research says
We link to real, verifiable studies — systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized trials — and explain what they actually found, including limitations. No fabricated citations, no cherry-picking.
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and tolerability of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with plantar fasciopathy: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression
European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine · 2024
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Meta-analysis
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine · 2020
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Treatment of Jumper's Knee with Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of Human Kinetics · 2022
Reducing uncertainty
What to expect
From before your visit through follow-up recommendations, we walk through exactly what a new patient visit looks like — so there are no surprises.
Weighing your options
How shockwave therapy compares
We'd rather give you a fair, balanced comparison than a page that always concludes 'shockwave wins.' Tap a card for a quick answer, or open the full comparison.
Cortisone injections often relieve pain faster, but effects can fade and repeated injections carry their own considerations. Shockwave therapy works differently — stimulating a longer, biological healing response rather than reducing inflammation directly.
Read the full comparisonThese aren't mutually exclusive. Physical therapy builds strength and mobility over time; shockwave therapy targets the tissue itself. Many patients do both, sequenced around what their provider recommends.
Read the full comparisonShockwave therapy does not eliminate the need for surgery in every case, and it is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is truly indicated. For appropriate cases, it's a non-invasive option worth discussing before more invasive procedures.
Read the full comparisonVisit us
Two Chicagoland locations
Choose the Shockwave Pain Institute location that is most convenient for you. Appointment availability may vary by location.
Palatine, IL
600 N North CtSuite 120
Palatine, IL 60067
Northfield, IL
1845 Oak StreetSuite #1
Northfield, IL 60093
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic pressure waves through the skin to an area of chronic musculoskeletal pain, most often a tendon or area of soft-tissue irritation. It's been studied for a range of overuse conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and others. Learn more on our Shockwave Therapy page.
SoftWave TRT is the specific shockwave technology used at Shockwave Pain Institute, manufactured by Tissue Regeneration Technologies. Learn more, including verified FDA regulatory information, on our SoftWave TRT page.
SoftWave TRT is a specific brand and technology within the broader category of shockwave therapy. Not all "shockwave" devices are the same — they can differ in how the pressure wave is generated and delivered. Our SoftWave TRT page explains the distinction.
Shockwave therapy has been studied in numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews across a range of musculoskeletal conditions, published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Like any treatment, evidence quality and effect size vary by condition — we've tried to represent that honestly on our Research page rather than overstate it.
The SoftWave TRT device used at our clinic (the OrthoGold 100) received FDA 510(k) clearance — not "approval," which is a different regulatory pathway — for relief of minor muscle aches and pains, temporary increase in local blood circulation, and activation of connective tissue. "Cleared" and "approved" mean different things under FDA regulations, and we try to use the accurate term throughout this site. See our SoftWave TRT page for the full regulatory record.
Most patients describe a firm tapping or pressure sensation, with some tenderness directly over the treated area — tenderness is often highest right where you're already sore. Discomfort is generally manageable and brief; your provider can adjust treatment intensity based on your feedback.
New Patient Exam + First Treatment — $99
First treatment provided when clinically appropriate following your examination.