A Treatment That Goes Beyond the Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustments are the foundation of what we do at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic, but some conditions need more than spinal alignment to fully resolve. Chronic tendon problems, scar tissue buildup, and deep muscle pain often require a treatment that reaches tissues an adjustment alone cannot target.
That is where shockwave therapy comes in. This non-invasive treatment uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues, and it is quickly becoming one of the most requested services at our office.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy delivers focused sound waves into the affected tissue through a handheld applicator. These pressure waves create a controlled micro-trauma at the cellular level, which triggers the body's natural healing response. The treatment:
- Increases blood flow to the injured area, bringing oxygen and nutrients needed for repair
- Breaks down scar tissue and calcifications that restrict movement and cause pain
- Stimulates collagen production to rebuild damaged tendons and ligaments
- Reduces substance P, a neurotransmitter associated with pain signaling
Each session typically lasts between 5 and 10 minutes per treatment area. Most patients notice improvement within 3 to 5 sessions, though some respond even sooner.
Conditions That Respond Well to Shockwave Therapy
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most well-studied applications of shockwave therapy. The thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and painful, especially with the first steps in the morning. Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research has shown that shockwave therapy can significantly reduce plantar fascia pain when other conservative treatments have not worked.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, involves degeneration of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is common in people who perform repetitive gripping motions, not just tennis players. Shockwave therapy targets the damaged tendon fibers directly and promotes regeneration.
Shoulder Pain
Chronic shoulder pain from rotator cuff tendinopathy or calcific tendinitis responds well to shockwave treatment. The acoustic waves can help break down calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons that cause pain and restricted motion.
Knee Pain
Patellar tendinopathy, commonly called jumper's knee, and other forms of chronic knee pain can benefit from shockwave therapy. It is particularly useful when rest and physical therapy alone have not resolved the issue.
Hip Pain
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome and gluteal tendinopathy are common causes of hip pain that often respond to shockwave treatment. Patients who have been dealing with persistent lateral hip pain frequently see improvement after a series of sessions.
What the Research Says
The evidence supporting shockwave therapy has grown significantly over the past two decades. Here are some of the key findings:
Plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (Gerdesmeyer et al., 2008) found that patients receiving extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis had significantly greater improvement in pain and function at 12 months compared to the placebo group. The study concluded that ESWT is an effective and safe treatment for chronic plantar heel pain that has not responded to conservative care.
Calcific shoulder tendinitis: A multicenter randomized trial published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Gerdesmeyer et al., 2003) demonstrated that focused ESWT was effective in treating calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Patients in the treatment group showed significant reduction in calcium deposits and improvement in shoulder function compared to controls.
Tennis elbow: A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research (Rompe et al., 2004) compared ESWT to corticosteroid injection for chronic lateral epicondylitis. At one year follow-up, the shockwave group had superior outcomes, with 65% of patients reporting successful results compared to the corticosteroid group.
Tissue healing mechanisms: A review published in the International Journal of Surgery (Wang, 2012) outlined the biological mechanisms behind shockwave therapy, including neovascularization (new blood vessel formation), release of growth factors, recruitment of stem cells, and anti-inflammatory effects at the cellular level.
Patellar tendinopathy: Research in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (Zwerver et al., 2011) found that ESWT combined with appropriate rehabilitation showed positive outcomes for chronic patellar tendinopathy in athletes, supporting its use as a non-surgical option for jumper's knee.
These findings align with what we see clinically at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic. Patients with chronic tendon conditions who have failed other conservative treatments often respond well to shockwave therapy.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?
Patients often describe the sensation as a rapid tapping or pulsing on the skin. The intensity is adjustable, and Dr. JC will work with you to find a level that is effective without being uncomfortable. Some areas may be more sensitive than others, especially during the first session.
There is no downtime after treatment. You can return to normal activities the same day, though we may recommend avoiding high-impact exercise for 24 to 48 hours after a session.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Shockwave therapy works best for patients who have:
- Chronic pain lasting more than 6 weeks that has not responded to rest or medication
- Tendon-related conditions such as tendinopathy or tendinitis
- Soft tissue injuries with scar tissue buildup
- Conditions where surgery is being considered but they want to try a conservative option first
It may not be appropriate for patients with certain blood clotting disorders, active infections in the treatment area, or during pregnancy. Dr. JC will evaluate your specific situation before recommending treatment.
Why We Added Shockwave Therapy to Our Practice
At Advanced Wellness Chiropractic, the goal has always been to give patients every advantage in their recovery. Adding shockwave therapy to our treatment options means we can address conditions that previously required referral to a specialist or that simply were not responding to adjustments and soft tissue work alone.
The research behind shockwave therapy is strong, and the results we see in our office confirm it. When combined with chiropractic adjustments, Pin and Stretch therapy, and targeted rehab exercises, shockwave becomes part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed to get you out of pain and keep you there.
Ready to See If Shockwave Therapy Is Right for You?
If you have been dealing with chronic pain that is not getting better, shockwave therapy may be the missing piece. Contact us today or call (636) 393-8390 to schedule a consultation at our Bridgeton, MO office. New patients can take advantage of our $99 New Patient Special to get started.