Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses targeted acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in damaged soft tissues. It is best supported for stubborn tendon and fascia problems like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, and calcific shoulder tendinitis. For patients whose chronic pain has not responded to other treatments, it can be a turning point toward real relief.
At ChiroMed Crawfordsville, we offer shockwave therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal care. It is particularly useful for stubborn conditions that have resisted conventional treatment for months or even years.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, technically called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), delivers acoustic waves through the skin to targeted areas of injury or chronic pain. The technology originated in urology for breaking up kidney stones, but researchers discovered in the 1990s that lower-energy applications could stimulate tissue repair rather than break things apart.
According to research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, shockwave therapy triggers a cascade of biological responses at the cellular level. These include increased blood vessel formation and higher levels of growth factors that promote tissue regeneration. In simple terms, the treatment helps restart the body’s natural healing process in areas where healing has stalled.
The procedure itself is straightforward. A handheld device delivers pressure waves to the treatment area. Sessions typically last 10 to 15 minutes, and most patients need somewhere between three and six treatments spaced about a week apart.
There are two main types of shockwave. Radial shockwave spreads energy over a wider, more superficial area, while focused shockwave concentrates energy at a deeper, more precise point. The right choice depends on the condition and how deep the problem tissue sits.
Conditions That Respond Well to Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy works best for chronic soft tissue problems, particularly tendinopathies and fascia-related conditions. Here is where the evidence and our experience are strongest:
Plantar Fasciitis. That stubborn heel pain that is worse with your first steps in the morning is one of the most well-studied uses of shockwave therapy. The FDA first approved ESWT devices for chronic plantar fasciitis in 2000, and the research supporting it has grown since. For patients who have tried rest, stretching, orthotics, and injections without lasting improvement, shockwave therapy may provide the breakthrough they need. Footwear often plays a role too, as we cover in how the wrong shoes affect your back, hips, and knees.
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow. Lateral and medial epicondylitis (the clinical terms for these conditions) involve degeneration of the tendons where they attach to the elbow. These areas have notoriously poor blood supply, which is part of why they heal so slowly. Shockwave therapy’s ability to stimulate new blood vessel growth makes it well suited for these stubborn tendon problems.
Achilles Tendinopathy. Chronic Achilles problems, whether at the insertion on the heel or in the middle of the tendon, often respond well to shockwave treatment. A 2023 narrative review found solid evidence supporting shockwave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy, with research showing both pain reduction and improved function.
Shoulder Tendinitis. Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff is another condition with strong research support. The treatment may help break down calcium deposits while promoting healing of the underlying tendon. Learn more on our shoulder pain page.
Hip and Greater Trochanter Pain. Pain on the outside of the hip, often diagnosed as greater trochanteric pain syndrome or hip bursitis, frequently involves the gluteal tendons. Shockwave therapy can reach these deeper structures effectively.
How Shockwave Fits Into Comprehensive Care
Shockwave therapy works best as part of a broader treatment plan, not as a standalone fix. At ChiroMed, we approach chronic pain through what we call the Three Pillars of Health: alignment, core stability, and healthy intake.
For many patients with chronic tendon or fascia problems, the underlying issue is not just the painful tissue itself. There is often a biomechanical component, whether that is spinal misalignment affecting how forces transfer through the body, muscle imbalances creating abnormal stress patterns, or movement habits that keep re-aggravating the problem.
That is why we typically combine shockwave therapy with chiropractic adjustments to address alignment issues and functional rehabilitation to build the stability needed to maintain results. We might also add E-Stim therapy or massage therapy depending on your situation.
This comprehensive approach is what separates getting temporary relief from actually getting well and staying well.
What to Expect During Treatment
Patients often ask whether shockwave therapy hurts. The honest answer is that you will feel something, but most people describe it as tolerable discomfort rather than real pain. The sensation is a rapid tapping or pulsing at the treatment site. Some areas are more sensitive than others, and we adjust the intensity based on your feedback.
No anesthesia is needed for the treatments we perform at ChiroMed. You can drive yourself to and from appointments, and there is no downtime afterward. Most patients return to normal activities right away, though we typically recommend avoiding high-impact exercise for 24 to 48 hours after each session.
Results are not usually immediate. The treatment starts a healing response that unfolds over weeks. Many patients notice gradual improvement starting around two to four weeks after beginning treatment, with continued progress over the following months.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally not recommended for people with blood clotting disorders, those taking blood thinners, pregnant women, children with open growth plates in the treatment area, or patients with infections or tumors in the treatment area. We review your complete health history before recommending this treatment.
The best candidates are typically patients who:
- Have had symptoms for at least three months
- Have not gotten lasting relief from conservative treatments like rest, ice, stretching, or physical therapy
- Want to avoid surgery or injections
- Are dealing with a diagnosed tendinopathy or fascia problem
If you have been dealing with chronic back pain, shoulder pain, heel pain, or other soft tissue problems that will not quit, shockwave therapy might be the missing piece. For some patients, in-office injections are another option, which we explain in what joint and trigger point injections can treat.
When to See a Doctor First
Some symptoms point to a problem that needs medical evaluation before shockwave therapy:
- A sudden pop or snap in the back of the heel, with trouble pushing off or standing on your toes
- Heel or foot pain with burning, numbness, or tingling
- Pain with fever, redness, or significant swelling
- Pain that wakes you at night or comes with unexplained weight loss
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shockwave treatments will I need?
Most patients benefit from three to six sessions spaced about a week apart. We evaluate your progress along the way and adjust the plan as needed.
Does insurance cover shockwave therapy?
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurers cover ESWT for specific conditions like plantar fasciitis, while others consider it investigational, and we can help you understand your options.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are generally mild and temporary, such as redness, minor swelling, or bruising at the treatment site. These usually resolve within a day or two.
Is shockwave therapy the same as E-Stim?
No. Shockwave uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate tissue healing, while E-Stim uses gentle electrical current to ease pain and relax or retrain muscles.
Ready to find out if shockwave therapy could help your chronic pain? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeff McIntyre at ChiroMed Crawfordsville or call (765) 362-1500. We’ll evaluate your condition and put together a treatment plan designed to help you get well and stay well. Get Well. Stay Well.
ChiroMed Crawfordsville is a trusted provider of comprehensive chiropractic care and wellness services dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal health and pain-free living. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals specializes in treating a wide range of conditions, including neck pain, back pain, sports injuries, and chronic pain syndromes, using evidence-based techniques and personalized treatment approaches.
We believe in addressing the root causes of pain rather than simply masking symptoms, offering natural, non-invasive solutions that promote the body’s innate healing abilities. Our practice combines traditional chiropractic adjustments with complementary therapies such as massage therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and lifestyle counseling to provide holistic care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
At ChiroMed Crawfordsville, we’re committed to creating a welcoming, patient-centered environment where individuals and families can receive exceptional care. Whether you’re dealing with acute pain, recovering from an injury, or seeking preventive wellness care, our team is here to support your journey to better health.
Ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic care? Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. New patients are always welcome, and we make it easy to get started with our streamlined intake process. Let us help you take the first step toward a pain-free, healthier life.
