For over two decades, Dr. David Petersen, DPM, of Pacific Foot and Ankle Center in Laguna Woods, CA, has remained at the forefront of non-invasive musculoskeletal treatment, continually evolving his approach to deliver better outcomes for patients who want to stay healthy and active.
A Pioneer in Shockwave Technology
Dr. Petersen’s journey with Shockwave technology began in 2000, when he was introduced to the original Ossatron system, becoming one of the first physicians in the United States to utilize this groundbreaking technology for musculoskeletal conditions.
At the time, treatments were performed in the operating room under IV sedation, primarily targeting chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. Over a ten-year period, Dr. Petersen and his group treated approximately 400 patients with remarkable success:
- Approximately 75% of patients improved after a single treatment
- Most patients recovered within 12 weeks
- Additional treatments further improved outcomes for more complex cases
“Even early on, we were seeing results that we simply could not achieve with traditional conservative care,” Dr. Petersen recalls. Beyond treating patients, Dr. Petersen also played a key role in training more than 150 physicians and podiatrists, helping expand the awareness and the adoption of Shockwave technology across the United States.
Patient Population: Active, Motivated, and Growing
Dr. Petersen’s practice serves a highly active demographic:
- Ages 40–70
- Recreational and competitive athletes (pickleball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf)
- Patients who “still feel 25-30” until injury slows them down
Common conditions treated include:
- Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
- Neuromas
- Posterior tibial and peroneal tendon pathology
- Joint pain (foot, ankle, and beyond)
- Muscle injuries (particularly in the calf)
Many patients present with chronic pain and inconclusive imaging, making Shockwave a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool that Dr. Petersen often refers to as a “pain finder.”
Evolving Beyond Traditional Musculoskeletal Care
Prior to Shockwave, treatment pathways for chronic foot and ankle conditions were often lengthy and frustrating for both patients and providers. Typical protocols included:
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics and taping
- Corticosteroid injections (with limited frequency)
- Activity modification/rest
When these approaches failed after 6–12 months, surgery often became the only remaining option. “Patients would spend a year or more trying everything, only to end up facing surgery,” says Dr. Petersen. “We needed something better. Something that could actually stimulate healing.”
Reintroducing Shockwave: A Modern Approach
After stepping away from Shockwave for several years as the technology evolved, Dr. Petersen re-entered the space with renewed enthusiasm:
- 2021: Introduced Radial Pressure Wave (EPAT)
- 2023: Added Focused Shockwave (ESWT)
- 2024: Integrated Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Technology (EMTT)
This combination of Shockwave Technology and EMTT has transformed his practice. EPAT allows him to address broad soft tissue conditions, while focused ESWT delivers precision treatment for deeper, more chronic pathologies. EMTT complements both by working at the cellular level to prime tissue for healing and accelerate recovery.
The Power of Combination Technologies
Dr. Petersen has experienced firsthand how these technologies work together. After suffering from chronic thumb pain following a basketball injury, he was treated with focused Shockwave and saw complete resolution within weeks. Later, he treated his own chronic sacroiliac (SI) joint pain using EMTT:
- 1 session per day over 3 days
- 85–90% improvement in just days
“EMTT helps reset the cellular environment,” he explains. “It takes tissue that’s inflamed and stagnant, and allows it to function normally again, making everything else we do more effective.”
Driving Practice Growth and ROI
Integrating Shockwave and EMTT has not only improved patient outcomes, but it has also significantly increased practice profitability.
- Devices paid for themselves within months
- Treating up to 12 Shockwave patients per day
- Increased shift towards non-invasive, cash-based care
While initially hesitant about cash-pay models, Dr. Petersen found that patient education eliminates most resistance. “When patients understand the value, and more importantly, when they see results, there’s very little pushback.” Word-of-mouth referrals, combined with visibility on digital platforms, and within active communities like pickleball, have fueled consistent growth.
A Philosophy Rooted in Hope and Healing
At the core of Dr. Petersen’s approach is a simple but powerful goal: help patients reclaim their lives from chronic pain. “Many patients come in feeling lost. They don’t know what’s wrong or where to go next,” he says. “Our job is to guide them, educate them, and give them a clear path forward.” For Dr. Petersen, success is about something deeper than pain relief. “If you can give someone hope and help them get out of that chronic pain mindset, you’ve truly made an impact.”
Advice to Clinicians Considering Shockwave
Dr. Petersen encourages other providers to take the next step:
- Get educated
- Ask questions
- Experience the technology firsthand
“Treat yourself, treat your staff—see what it does. There’s no better way to understand its value.” His message is clear: “Don’t hesitate. This technology changes practices, and it changes patients’ lives.”
CuraMedix and STORZ Medical: "The Rolls Royce of Shockwave"
For Dr. Petersen, choosing CuraMedix and STORZ Medical was an easy decision.
STORZ Medical offers:
- Best-in-class technology: “STORZ is the Rolls Royce of Shockwave.”
CuraMedix delivers:
- Exceptional support: Responsive, knowledgeable, and relationship-driven
- Ongoing education: Access to clinical data, training, and resources
“CuraMedix treats you like family. If there’s ever an issue, the response is immediate. That level of support makes all the difference.”
Ready to join Dr. Petersen, and offer next-level care for your own patients? Contact us today to connect with one of our experts and revolutionize your practice.
Important to Note: The treatments and use of EPAT®, ESWT, and EMTT® described in this article reflect the personal clinical experience of the practitioner and are not intended as claims of efficacy.
