This guide walks through the whole experience from the moment you book to the days after your session, so you can walk in knowing exactly what's going to happen. If you want the short version first, the Radial Shockwave page covers the basics. This article goes deeper.
What Radial Shockwave is, in plain language
Radial Shockwave uses pressure waves to work on tight, tired muscles, tendons and connective tissue. Your practitioner holds a handheld applicator against your skin, and the device sends rapid pulses into the tissue underneath. The word radial describes how that energy travels: it spreads outward from the tip of the applicator across a wider area.
That makes it a good fit for the spots active people know well: a heel that feels tight in the morning, an elbow that's cranky after tennis or lifting, a shoulder that never quite settles, or a tight hip or calf that massage only helps for a day or two. It's non-invasive: no needles, no injections and no incisions.
Before your first session
Booking
Book online like every other service, on the booking page or from the Radial Shockwave page. When you book, you pick up to two spots to work on, and you read and sign a short consent form.
If you're deciding between Radial Shockwave and Myofascial Release, call us at (818) 307-0932. Many clients use both, often in the same visit.
Check whether Radial Shockwave is right for you
Radial Shockwave isn't for everyone. The consent form you sign when booking lists when it isn't a good fit, for example during pregnancy, if you take blood thinners, if you have a pacemaker, or soon after a cortisone shot, an injection, a fracture or surgery in the area. It's only for adults (18 and over). If you're under a doctor's care for the area, check with them first.
What to wear
Wear comfortable clothing that makes the area easy to reach. Shorts work well for heel, calf, knee and hip work; a tank top or loose short-sleeved shirt is best for elbow and shoulder work. Your practitioner uses a thin layer of gel on the skin, so avoid anything you'd mind getting a little gel on.
Arrive a few minutes early
For your first visit, arrive about 10 minutes early for a quick tour, so your session time is all yours.
During your session: step by step
Step 1: A short conversation
Your practitioner asks where you feel it, when it bothers you (first thing in the morning, during activity, after sitting) and what you'd like from the session, so the work goes exactly where you want it.
Step 2: Finding the spots
Next, your practitioner feels the area to find the most tender points. You'll be asked for feedback as they go; saying "that's the spot" helps.
Step 3: Gel and the applicator
A thin layer of gel goes on the skin so the pulses pass smoothly into the tissue. The device usually starts at a lower setting.
Step 4: The session itself
Radial Shockwave feels like rapid, firm tapping, with a clicking sound from the device. Over areas that aren't sore, most people describe it as strong but fine. Over the most tender spots, it can feel intense for a few seconds at a time. Your practitioner moves the applicator around and adjusts the intensity as you go, and many people find a spot gets easier within a minute or two.
Step 5: Wrapping up
The gel is wiped away and your practitioner tells you what to expect over the next few days. There's no waiting period before you can leave.
Does Radial Shockwave hurt?
Honest answer: it can be uncomfortable, especially over the areas that have been bothering you the longest. That's normal, and it's why the work is done in short bursts with constant check-ins.
What it shouldn't be is unbearable. You're always in control. If a setting feels like too much, say so, and your practitioner will turn it down or shift the applicator slightly. Communicating throughout is part of the process, not an interruption of it.
A useful way to think about it: most people find it similar to firm trigger point work or a deep myofascial session, just faster and more rhythmic. If you've had Myofascial Release and handled it well, you'll likely be fine with Radial Shockwave.
How long a session takes
A Radial Shockwave session is up to 20 minutes, including the short conversation, finding the spots and the work itself.
Because it's quick, it's easy to fit into a lunch break or to add to another service in the same visit. You can add Radial Shockwave to a 30 or 60-minute Myofascial Release, or to Cupping and scraping.
How many sessions will you need?
Radial Shockwave usually works best as a few sessions rather than one. Many people book about once a week (never closer than 72 hours apart). How many depends on how long the area has bothered you, where it is and how your body responds. Start with one visit and see how your body feels; your practitioner can suggest a plan after that.
What happens after your session
Right after
You can walk out and get on with your day. The area may feel a little warm, flushed or tender, and some people notice it feels looser.
The next day or two
Mild soreness, redness or tenderness in the area is common and usually settles within a few days.
Aftercare
- Skip icing the area for the first couple of days.
- Take it easy with that area for about 48 hours. Walking and normal daily movement are fine; save the long run or heavy lifting for later in the week.
- Keep about a week between sessions.
Pairing Radial Shockwave with other services
One of the advantages of a recovery studio is that Radial Shockwave fits naturally with other services.
- [Myofascial Release](/myofascial-release): Radial Shockwave works on one spot quickly; Myofascial Release works on the tight muscle and fascia around it. Add Radial Shockwave to a 30 or 60-minute Myofascial Release when you book. Our guide to what a Myofascial Release session involves walks through it.
- [Compression Therapy](/compressiontherapy): a comfortable way to finish the visit, especially for runners.
- [Contrast Therapy](/contrast-therapy): the infrared sauna and cold plunge, before your bodywork or on another day.
- [The Ammortal Chamber](/ammortal-chamber): a calm, whole-body reset.
When you book more than one service, we put them in the best order for you.
Who is Radial Shockwave good for?
- Runners and walkers who log a lot of miles.
- Lifters and CrossFit athletes who train the same movements often.
- Tennis, pickleball and golf players.
- Desk workers with tight upper backs, necks and shoulders.
- Anyone who's tried rest, stretching and massage and still has one spot that won't loosen up.
Visiting Biohack in Woodland Hills
Biohack Cryo + Wellness is at 5305 Topanga Canyon Blvd in Woodland Hills, easy to reach from the 101, Ventura Boulevard and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
Ready to try it? Book Radial Shockwave, or see packages and gift cards.
Frequently asked questions
What does Radial Shockwave feel like?
Rapid, firm tapping on the skin, with a clicking sound from the device. It can feel intense over the most tender spots, and your practitioner adjusts the intensity as you go.
How long does a session take?
Up to 20 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people book a few sessions about a week apart. Start with one and see how your body feels.
Is there any downtime?
No. Most people go straight back to their day. Take it easy with the area for about 48 hours.
Is soreness afterward normal?
Yes. Mild soreness, redness or tenderness is common and usually settles within a few days.
Can I combine Radial Shockwave with other services?
Yes. Many clients add it to Myofascial Release, or finish with Compression Therapy.
Is Radial Shockwave for everyone?
No. It's for adults 18 and over, and the consent form you sign when booking lists when it isn't a good fit.
Radial Shockwave at Biohack Cryo + Wellness is a wellness service and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. Individual results vary.