Dr. Dan Rueitenbeek :Shockwave and Shockwave Certification at the CSW FE

Shockwave Therapy, Chiropractic & the Future of the Chiropractic Assistant's Role

Shockwave therapy is rapidly becoming a valuable tool in chiropractic offices—but where does it fit, how does it work, and who should be trained to deliver it?

In this episode of The Society, Dr. Zach McCabe sits down with Dr. Dan Ruitenbeek of Shockwave Centers of America for a wide-ranging conversation about extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), its role alongside the chiropractic adjustment, and the growing opportunity to better train and empower chiropractic assistants and technicians.

Dr. Ruitenbeek shares his unique journey from injured hockey player to chiropractor and ultimately one of the profession’s leading educators in shockwave therapy. Together, Zach and Dan break down the differences between radial and focused shockwave technologies, discuss patient selection and contraindications, explore how shockwave can help clinicians address difficult extremity cases and treatment plateaus, and examine where this technology fits within a chiropractic model of care.

They also discuss an important development for Wisconsin chiropractors: the new certification pathway allowing properly trained CAs and CTs to provide shockwave therapy under a chiropractor’s supervision. Dan explains why credentialing support staff isn't simply about compliance—it can expand their role in patient care, create greater career opportunities for CAs, and allow practices to integrate advanced therapeutic technology more effectively.

Plus, get a preview of Dan’s upcoming Shockwave Certification training at the Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin Fall Experience, including what CAs and CTs can expect to learn about shockwave technology, patient safety, treatment parameters, care-plan management, and clinical application.

Whether you already have a shockwave device in your practice, are considering adding one, or simply want to understand where this technology may fit within chiropractic care, this conversation provides a practical introduction to both the science and implementation of shockwave therapy.

In this episode:
• What shockwave therapy actually does
• Radial vs. focused shockwave technology
• Where shockwave fits alongside chiropractic care
• Using shockwave for extremities, spinal cases, and treatment plateaus
• Patient selection and contraindications
• Training and certification of chiropractic assistants and technicians
• The new Wisconsin requirements for CA/CT shockwave certification
• Building a stronger clinical role for the chiropractic assistant
• What attendees can expect at the CSW Fall Experience

Guest: Dr. Dan Ruitenbeek, Shockwave Centers of America
Host: Dr. Zach McCabe
Podcast: The Society — The Official Podcast of the Chiropractic Society of Wisconsin