What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves delivered to injured tissue. These waves stimulate a healing response in areas that often have poor blood flow and chronic irritation.

The goal of shockwave therapy is to:

• Improve circulation

• Stimulate tissue repair

• Reduce pain sensitivity

• Encourage collagen remodeling

• Improve mobility and function

Unlike treatments that simply mask pain, shockwave therapy is designed to promote healing at the source of the problem.

Conditions Commonly Treated With Shockwave Therapy

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Patients often describe:

• Sharp pain with the first steps in the morning

• Heel tenderness

• Pain after standing or walking

Research has shown promising results for shockwave therapy in chronic plantar fasciitis cases. A systematic review comparing shockwave therapy to ultrasound therapy found improved pain during activity, better patient satisfaction, and improved overall outcomes with ESWT.

Many patients choose shockwave therapy after months—or even years—of ongoing heel pain.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is caused by irritation and degeneration of the wrist extensor tendons near the elbow.

Symptoms often include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow

• Weak grip strength

• Pain with lifting or gripping

A large systematic review analyzing 27 studies and more than 1,800 patients found that shockwave therapy improved pain and grip strength in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Shockwave therapy is frequently used for:

• chronic tennis elbow

• repetitive strain injuries

• gym-related overuse injuries

• work-related elbow pain

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and is commonly caused by:

• repetitive gripping

• lifting

• sports activities

• manual labor

Shockwave therapy may help stimulate healing in chronic tendon tissue while reducing pain and improving function.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendon pain is common in runners, athletes, and active adults.

Symptoms may include:

• stiffness in the tendon

• pain with running or jumping

• tenderness near the heel

Research reviews suggest that shockwave therapy may improve pain and function in Achilles tendinopathy, especially when combined with strengthening exercises and rehabilitation.

Wrist Pain and Tendon Irritation

Shockwave therapy may also help with:

• chronic wrist tendon irritation

• repetitive stress injuries

• forearm tendinopathies

• overuse conditions from typing, lifting, or sports

Many chronic wrist conditions involve irritated tendon tissue that responds poorly to rest alone.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy creates controlled mechanical stimulation within the tissue.

This process may:

• increase blood flow

• stimulate cellular repair

• reduce pain signaling

• improve tissue healing response

Research suggests that ESWT may be particularly effective for chronic tendon conditions that have failed to improve with conservative care alone.

What Does Treatment Feel Like?

Most patients describe shockwave therapy as:

• mildly uncomfortable

• quick

• very tolerable

Treatment sessions are usually short and often take only a few minutes per area.

Some soreness afterward is normal as the tissue responds to treatment.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Treatment plans vary depending on:

• severity

• duration of symptoms

• activity level

• tissue involved

Many patients begin noticing improvement after several visits, although chronic cases may take longer.

Shockwave therapy is often most effective when combined with:

• stretching

• strengthening exercises

• mobility work

• chiropractic care

• rehabilitation

What the Research Says

Recent reviews and meta-analyses continue to show positive outcomes for shockwave therapy in many chronic tendon conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies.

However, outcomes can vary depending on:

• the condition being treated

• severity and chronicity

• treatment protocol

• combination with rehabilitation exercises

The best results are often seen when shockwave therapy is part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than a stand-alone solution.

Shockwave Therapy in Smithfield, Utah

At Frankos Chiropractic & Thrive IV, we use shockwave therapy to help patients across Cache Valley recover from chronic pain and tendon injuries naturally.

We commonly help patients dealing with:

• plantar fasciitis

• tennis elbow

• golfer’s elbow

• Achilles tendon pain

• chronic soft tissue injuries

• sports-related overuse conditions

If chronic pain is limiting your movement, work, training, or daily activities, shockwave therapy may help.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are looking for shockwave therapy in Smithfield or Cache Valley, our team is here to help you explore whether treatment is right for your condition.

👉 Schedule your appointment today at Frankos Chiropractic & Thrive IV.