Does Shockwave Therapy Really Work for Chronic Pain? Here’s What You Need to Know
You may be wondering if shockwave therapy is just another overhyped trend in the health world. After all, when you’re living with constant pain—whether it’s in your back, knees, shoulders, or feet—you’ve probably tried a handful of treatments already. Some may have given temporary relief, while others didn’t seem to help at all. So, when you hear about “shockwave therapy for chronic pain,” it’s natural to ask: Does it really work?
That’s a fair question—and the short answer is yes, shockwave therapy has been shown to help many people find lasting relief from chronic pain. But like any treatment, it’s not magic, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The effectiveness depends on your specific condition, your body’s response, and how consistent you are with treatment.
In this article, we’ll break down what shockwave therapy actually is, what the science says, and how it can help with chronic pain conditions. Most importantly, we’ll answer whether it might be the right choice for you.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also called acoustic wave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. Despite the name, there’s no electricity or shocking involved. Instead, controlled sound waves are directed to the painful or injured area, where they help break down scar tissue, improve blood flow, and speed up tissue repair.
Think of it as a way of “waking up” your body’s own healing response in places that have stopped recovering on their own. That’s why it’s often used for chronic pain conditions—those nagging injuries or aches that just won’t go away with rest, medication, or traditional therapies.
Doctors and chiropractors commonly use shockwave therapy to treat:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Tendonitis and other soft tissue injuries
Because it’s non-surgical and doesn’t rely on medications, shockwave therapy has become a popular option for people looking for a safe, effective way to finally get relief from ongoing pain.
What the Science Says About Shockwave Therapy
When it comes to your health, you don’t just want promises—you want proof. That’s why it’s important to look at what the research actually says about shockwave therapy.
Over the past two decades, shockwave therapy has been studied extensively in the medical field. For example:
- A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that patients with chronic plantar fasciitis reported significant pain reduction after shockwave therapy compared to those who tried conservative treatments alone.
- A study summarized via PubMed confirmed that shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain and enhanced functionality and quality of life in patients with tendinopathies—including elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow), Achilles tendon issues, rotator cuff tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.
- Studies have shown that shockwave therapy can enhance blood circulation, particularly through stimulating angiogenesis and microvascular regeneration, which boosts oxygen and nutrient delivery to the affected area. It also triggers collagen synthesis—crucial for repairing tendons and connective tissue—by stimulating fibroblast activity and growth factors like TGF-β1. Additionally, several studies report anti-inflammatory effects, including improved macrophage function and reduced tissue inflammation during healing.
But science isn’t the only proof we rely on. At MyChiropractor Health & Wellness Centers here in Phoenix, we’ve seen these results firsthand with our own patients. Many who came in frustrated after trying medications, injections, or even considering surgery, experienced real relief after a series of shockwave therapy sessions.
For example, one of our patients had been battling heel pain for years. After just a few treatments, they were able to walk comfortably again—something they hadn’t done in months without wincing. Stories like this aren’t rare; they’re exactly why we’ve made shockwave and acoustic wave therapy a cornerstone of our care for chronic pain.
The takeaway? Shockwave therapy isn’t a “miracle cure,” but it is a science-backed, clinic-tested treatment that offers real results for many chronic pain conditions.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain can feel like being trapped in a cycle—you try resting, stretching, medications, maybe even injections, but the pain keeps coming back. Shockwave therapy offers a way to finally break that cycle by targeting the root cause, not just masking the symptoms.
At MyChiropractor Health & Wellness Centers in Phoenix, we’ve seen how this treatment has transformed the lives of patients struggling with stubborn pain. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Relief for Heel and Foot Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
One of the most common reasons patients come to us for shockwave therapy is plantar fasciitis. This painful condition can make every step unbearable. Studies—and our own patients—show that shockwave therapy can reduce inflammation and promote healing in the fascia, often restoring mobility and comfort after just a few sessions.
2. Effective for Tendon Injuries
Tendonitis in the elbow, shoulder, or Achilles tendon can linger for months or even years. Shockwave therapy stimulates blood flow and collagen production, which helps tendons heal properly. We’ve worked with athletes and active adults who, after struggling with tendon pain for ages, were able to return to their favorite activities without constant discomfort.
3. Relief for Back and Neck Pain
Chronic back or neck pain is another area where shockwave therapy shines. By breaking down scar tissue and reducing tightness in muscles and soft tissues, many of our patients report better flexibility and reduced daily pain—allowing them to sit, stand, and move more freely.
4. Non-Surgical, Non-Drug Option
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is that shockwave therapy is completely non-invasive. No needles. No risky surgery. No relying on painkillers to get through the day. For many of our patients, this peace of mind alone makes shockwave therapy worth it.
5. Long-Term Healing, Not Just Quick Fixes
While some patients notice improvement after the first session, the real power of shockwave therapy is in its long-term healing effect. It helps your body repair itself, which means the relief lasts far longer than what you’d get from a temporary fix.
At our clinic, we don’t just offer shockwave therapy—we customize each treatment plan based on your unique condition and goals. That’s the difference between just “getting a treatment” and getting care that’s designed to truly restore your quality of life.
What Patients Can Expect from Shockwave Therapy
One of the first things we tell our patients at MyChiropractor Health & Wellness Centers in Phoenix is this: shockwave therapy is not an instant “quick fix.” Instead, it works progressively—stimulating your body’s natural healing so the results build session after session.
Here’s what you can realistically expect:
During the Treatment
- The procedure is non-invasive and performed in-office.
- A handheld device delivers sound waves directly to the painful area.
- Most patients describe the sensation as a series of quick taps or pulses—it may feel intense at first, but it’s tolerable, and we adjust the settings to keep you comfortable.
- Sessions usually last about 15 to 20 minutes.
After the First Few Sessions
- Some patients notice reduced pain and improved mobility right away, while others feel gradual relief over the course of several treatments.
- Mild soreness or redness in the treated area is normal and usually fades within 24–48 hours.
- Unlike surgery or injections, there’s no downtime—you can walk out of the office and resume your daily activities the same day.
Long-Term Results
- For many chronic pain conditions, significant improvement is seen after 3–6 sessions, spaced about a week apart.
- Because the therapy promotes true healing—by repairing tissues, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation—patients often experience lasting relief rather than a short-term bandage.
- We’ve had patients who struggled with stubborn heel or back pain for years finally enjoy simple things again—walking, exercising, even playing with their kids—without the constant reminder of pain.
At our clinic, we guide you through every step of the process. We don’t just administer treatment—we monitor your progress, make adjustments as needed, and combine shockwave therapy with other supportive care if it helps accelerate your recovery. That’s the difference between a one-size-fits-all solution and a personalized plan designed for lasting results.
Side Effects & Safety of Shockwave Therapy
Whenever you’re considering a new treatment, it’s natural to ask: “Is it safe?” The good news is that shockwave therapy has been used worldwide for decades, and research consistently shows it to be a safe, low-risk, and effective option for treating chronic pain.
Common Side Effects (Usually Mild and Temporary)
Most patients tolerate the treatment very well. However, like any medical procedure, there can be minor side effects, such as:
- Redness or slight swelling at the treatment site
- Temporary soreness, similar to what you might feel after a deep tissue massage or workout
- Mild bruising in sensitive areas (rare)
These effects typically disappear within 24–48 hours and don’t interfere with your ability to work, walk, or go about your normal day.
Why It’s Considered Safe
- Non-invasive: No surgery, no needles, no anesthesia.
- No long-term risks: Unlike certain medications or steroid injections, there are no systemic side effects.
- Clinically backed: As mentioned earlier, multiple studies have confirmed both its safety and effectiveness for chronic pain conditions.
Our Experience at MyChiropractor Health & Wellness Centers
We’ve administered shockwave and acoustic wave therapy to countless patients here in Phoenix, and safety has always been our top priority. By tailoring the intensity and frequency of the treatment to your specific condition, we ensure the process is both effective and comfortable.
In fact, many of our patients are surprised at how quick and straightforward the sessions are—and even those who were nervous at first often tell us they wish they had tried it sooner.
Bottom line: Shockwave therapy is one of the safest advanced therapies available for chronic pain today. By choosing an experienced clinic like ours, you can feel confident that you’re in trusted hands.
How Shockwave Therapy Compares to Other Treatments
When you’re dealing with chronic pain, you’ve probably already explored different treatment options—or at least thought about them. Medications, injections, surgery, physical therapy—they all have their place. But where does shockwave therapy fit in? Let’s compare.
Medications
Painkillers and anti-inflammatories may provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the underlying cause of pain. Over time, dependence on medications can lead to unwanted side effects.
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Shockwave therapy is different: it targets healing at the tissue level, not just symptom relief.
Cortisone Injections
Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain in the short term. But repeated injections may weaken tissues and aren’t a long-term solution.
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Shockwave therapy helps the body heal naturally without weakening tendons or relying on chemicals.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary in severe cases, but it comes with risks, long recovery times, and high costs.
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Shockwave therapy is non-invasive—no downtime, no anesthesia, and a much lower risk profile. Many patients have avoided or delayed surgery by choosing shockwave therapy instead.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often beneficial and may be recommended alongside shockwave therapy. PT focuses on strengthening and mobility, while shockwave therapy accelerates tissue repair.
At our clinic, we often combine therapies for even better results, giving patients the best of both approaches.
Why Patients Choose Shockwave Therapy at Our Clinic
At MyChiropractor Health & Wellness Centers in Phoenix, we’ve treated patients who were frustrated after trying everything else—medications, multiple injections, months of physical therapy—and were told surgery might be the only option. For many of them, shockwave therapy provided the breakthrough they needed to finally reduce pain and regain mobility, without the risks of invasive procedures.
In short: Shockwave therapy doesn’t replace every treatment, but it fills an important gap between temporary fixes and major interventions. It’s the option that helps your body heal while keeping your lifestyle intact.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
At MyChiropractor Health & Wellness Centers in Phoenix, we want every patient to find the treatment that truly works for them. That means being honest about who is most likely to benefit from shockwave therapy—and who may need a different approach.
Who Typically Benefits from Shockwave Therapy
You may be a strong candidate if you have:
- Chronic pain that hasn’t improved with rest, medications, or traditional therapies
- Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendonitis, or chronic shoulder pain
- Back or neck pain caused by soft tissue issues, scar tissue, or repetitive strain
- Sports or overuse injuries that haven’t healed properly over time
- A desire for a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option before considering injections or surgery
Many of our patients come to us after months—or even years—of searching for answers. Shockwave therapy often gives them the relief they couldn’t find elsewhere.
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate
Shockwave therapy is safe for most people, but there are cases where it may not be recommended. You may need a different approach if you:
- Have circulatory or nerve disorders that impair healing
- Are currently pregnant
- Have an active infection, tumor, or open wound in the treatment area
- Have certain metabolic conditions that interfere with tissue repair
- Recently had a cortisone injection in the same area (we typically recommend waiting before starting shockwave therapy)
In these situations, we’ll guide you toward safer, more effective alternatives.
Our Commitment to Your Care
We never take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Every patient who walks into our clinic receives a thorough evaluation first. This ensures we fully understand your condition, your health history, and your goals before recommending shockwave therapy—or any other treatment.
Our experience has taught us that the right treatment at the right time makes all the difference. By carefully selecting who will benefit most, we give our patients the best chance at real, lasting pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy
How long does it take to see results from shockwave therapy?
Many of our patients notice improvement within the first 1–3 sessions, especially with reduced pain and better mobility. However, lasting results usually develop after completing the recommended treatment plan, typically 6–8 sessions. At MyChiropractor Health & Wellness Centers, we closely track your progress and adjust the plan to your specific needs, ensuring optimal recovery.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your condition’s severity and how your body responds. On average, patients benefit most from a series of weekly treatments over 6–8 weeks. With over a decade of experience treating patients in Phoenix, our team has found this schedule produces consistent and long-lasting results.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients describe the sensation as a deep tapping or pulsing, not sharp pain. Some mild soreness can occur afterward, similar to what you might feel after a workout, but it typically subsides within 24–48 hours. Our experienced team adjusts the intensity to your comfort level while still ensuring effectiveness.
What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy is highly effective for chronic tendon injuries (like plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, or Achilles tendonitis), joint pain, and even some muscle injuries. We’ve successfully treated hundreds of patients who had tried other treatments without success, helping them avoid invasive procedures like surgery.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is FDA-approved and backed by extensive clinical research. When performed by trained professionals like our chiropractic team in Phoenix, it carries minimal risk. Unlike surgery or long-term medication use, shockwave therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and has virtually no downtime.
Book Your Shockwave Therapy Consultation in Phoenix Today
If you’ve been living with pain, stiffness, or an old injury that just won’t heal, you don’t have to keep putting life on hold. At MyChiropractor Health & Wellness Centers in Phoenix, we’ve helped countless patients find lasting relief through shockwave therapy—often after they’ve tried other treatments without success.
👉 Take the next step toward feeling better today.
Call us at
(602) 123-4567 or
book your consultation online to see if shockwave therapy is right for you.
Our clinic is conveniently located in Phoenix, AZ, and we proudly serve patients from Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, and the surrounding Valley communities. Don’t wait another day in pain—your path to healing starts here.
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