What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Some injuries just refuse to heal. Heel pain that greets you every morning, an elbow that flares with every grip, a shoulder that hasn't been right in a year. At Rigby Chiropractic in Tremonton, shockwave therapy gives these stubborn problems a new push toward recovery.
Shockwave therapy, also called acoustic wave therapy, delivers pulses of high-energy sound waves through the skin into injured tissue. No needles, incisions or medication are involved. Treatment is done right in our office in a short visit.
How Acoustic Wave Therapy Works
When an injury becomes chronic, the body often stops treating it as an emergency. Blood flow to the area may stay low, scar tissue builds up, and the healing process stalls. Shockwave therapy is designed to wake that process back up.
In plain terms, the sound waves aim to:
- Stimulate blood flow.Pulses may encourage new small blood vessels to form, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area.
- Trigger a healing response.The mechanical energy signals cells to begin repair activity again.
- Break up scar tissue and calcium.Waves may help loosen dense scar tissue and calcium deposits that limit movement.
- Calm pain signals.Many patients notice reduced sensitivity in the treated area as nerve endings settle down.
Conditions Shockwave Therapy May Help
Shockwave therapy is most often used for chronic soft-tissue and tendon problems, such as:
- Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and other foot pain
- Achilles tendon pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff tendon problems and calcific tendonitis
- Hip pain from bursitis or tendon irritation
- Knee pain, including patellar tendon pain (jumper's knee)
- Lingering sports injuries and muscle trigger points
- Some cases of chronic back pain and neck pain involving tight, irritated muscles
Our Shockwave Approach in Tremonton
Before treatment, Dr. Rigby evaluates the area, reviews your history and looks at what may be keeping it from healing, such as poor joint mechanics, muscle imbalance or footwear. Fixing those contributors helps results last.
Shockwave is often paired with:
- Chiropractic adjustments to improve how the joints above and below are moving
- Corrective care and rehab exercises to rebuild strength in the healing tissue
- Laser therapy to further support tissue recovery
- At-home stretching and activity guidance
What a Shockwave Session Feels Like
A gel is applied to the skin, and a handheld applicator is moved over the painful area. You will hear a rhythmic tapping sound and feel pulsing pressure. The intensity is adjusted to your comfort.
Tender areas can feel uncomfortable during treatment. That's often a sign we've found the problem spot, and the sensation usually eases as the session continues. Most sessions take about 10 to 20 minutes, and you can return to normal daily activities afterward. Some people feel mild soreness for a day or two.
How Many Shockwave Sessions Will I Need?
Most shockwave programs involve a short series of sessions spaced several days to a week apart. Some patients notice less pain soon after the first few visits, while healing continues to build in the weeks following treatment as new tissue forms.
The right number depends on the condition, how long you've had it and how your body responds. We check your progress at each visit and will let you know how things are tracking.
Who Is Not a Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is not recommended over certain areas or for people with:
- Pregnancy
- Active cancer or tumors in the treatment area
- Bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medications (may need medical clearance)
- Infection, open wounds or skin conditions at the treatment site
- A pacemaker, when treating near the chest
- Areas over growth plates in children, or major nerves and blood vessels
If you have a sudden injury with severe swelling, deformity or inability to bear weight, see a physician or urgent care first to rule out a fracture or tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Shockwave therapy can be mildly uncomfortable, especially over very tender spots, but it should not be severely painful. The intensity is adjusted to what you can tolerate, and most patients find it very manageable. Any soreness afterward usually fades within a day or two.
How fast does shockwave therapy work?
Some patients feel less pain after the first few sessions. Because shockwave works by stimulating your body's own repair process, the bigger improvements often build over the weeks after treatment. Chronic conditions typically take longer to respond than more recent ones.
Is shockwave therapy good for plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people try shockwave therapy. It is often recommended when heel pain has lasted for months despite stretching, rest, inserts or other conservative care. Combining it with footwear changes and targeted exercises can help improve results.
Can I exercise after shockwave therapy?
Normal daily activity is fine right away. We usually recommend avoiding high-impact or intense exercise that stresses the treated area for about 48 hours so the healing response isn't disrupted. We will give you specific guidance based on your condition.
Is shockwave therapy the same as ultrasound?
No. Both use sound energy, but they work differently. Therapeutic ultrasound uses gentle, continuous waves mainly to warm tissue. Shockwave delivers short, powerful pulses designed to trigger a healing response in chronic injuries.
Get Stubborn Pain Moving Toward Healing
If an old injury keeps holding you back, shockwave therapy may be the missing piece. Schedule an evaluation with our Tremonton team to see if it's a good fit for you.
Conditions We Treat & Related Therapies
- Plantar Fasciitis & Foot PainHelp for heel pain, arch pain and plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder PainNon-surgical care for stiff, aching or injured shoulders
- Knee PainNon-surgical care for arthritic, injured or aching knees
- Hip PainRelief for aching hips, bursitis and SI joint pain
- Sports InjuriesSports chiropractic care for strains, sprains and overuse injuries
- NeuropathyDrug-free care for numbness, tingling and burning nerve pain
- Laser TherapyFocused therapeutic light to ease pain and support healing
- Recovery & PerformanceRecovery tools and mobility work for athletes and active adults