How Shockwave Therapy Can Help You Overcome Chronic Pain

Whether you’re dealing with painful plantar fasciitis that’s keeping you from your daily run, chronic knee pain that’s making it challenging to climb stairs, or putting up with another chronic condition, you want relief. While many people turn to OTC pain relievers, patches, or injections, these just mask the symptoms.

Lakewinds Chiropractic Center offers shockwave therapy that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in areas of chronic pain, particularly in tendons and soft tissues. Over time, chronic pain can lead to calcifications and adhesions that prevent proper healing. Shockwave therapy creates microtrauma in the affected area, triggering the body’s natural recovery response.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?

Understandably, given the name, many people wonder whether shockwave therapy is painful. The sensation varies depending on the area being treated. For example, when applied to the foot for plantar fasciitis, it can feel like a deep pressure or squeezing sensation. However, the treatment only lasts for 45 to 60 seconds per tender areas found.

“It is a little tender. It will be a little painful during the treatment,” says Dr. Brandon. “But most users, and this is shown in the research, notice almost immediate effects even after the first treatment.”

Can This Therapy Help When Nothing Else Works?

Many patients who have struggled with pain for years have found relief through shockwave therapy. For example, one patient suffering from plantar fasciitis for over five years had tried everything—orthotics, braces, and multiple doctor visits—with no success. After just four to five targeted shockwave treatments, they experienced significant pain reduction and could return to their normal activities.

Dr. Brandon emphasizes that shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic tendon-related pain and can provide up to 86% improvement in long-standing cases when paired with the right exercises and some at-home modifications.