If you've tried rest, ice, stretching, orthotics, and even cortisone injections for your heel pain — and nothing has worked — shockwave therapy might be the breakthrough you need. Here's everything you should know before your first session.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. The hallmark symptom is stabbing pain with your first steps in the morning that gradually eases as you move, then often returns after long periods of standing or getting up from sitting.
Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short
Many patients with plantar fasciitis try rest, ice, stretching, orthotics, and even cortisone injections — and still struggle with persistent pain. That's because these treatments address symptoms but don't always trigger the deep tissue healing needed to resolve the condition. This is exactly where shockwave therapy excels.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Radial pressure wave therapy (commonly called shockwave therapy) delivers acoustic wave pulses directly to the affected tissue. These waves stimulate your body's natural healing response by increasing blood flow to the area, breaking down scar tissue and calcifications, and triggering cellular repair processes. It's non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and has no downtime.
What a Session Feels Like
Each session lasts about 5 to 10 minutes. You'll feel a rapid tapping sensation on the bottom of your foot or heel. Some patients describe mild discomfort during the treatment, but most tolerate it well. Most treatment plans involve 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about a week apart.
Studies show that shockwave therapy has a success rate of over 80% for plantar fasciitis — particularly in cases that haven't responded to other treatments like cortisone shots.
Results
Many patients notice improvement within 2 to 3 sessions. Studies show that shockwave therapy has a success rate of over 80% for plantar fasciitis — particularly in cases that haven't responded to other treatments. Dr. Addess may combine shockwave therapy with chiropractic care and specific stretching exercises for the fastest results.
Schedule Your Shockwave Therapy Session
If you've been dealing with stubborn heel pain and nothing has worked, shockwave therapy at Malbis Chiropractic could be the breakthrough you need. Call (251) 625-4777 or book online.