Why Won’t This Injury Heal? How Shockwave Therapy May Help Stubborn Pain
Pain from a new injury often improves with time, rest and the right care. But what happens when the pain keeps returning—or never fully goes away?
Stubborn heel pain, tennis elbow, shoulder pain and tendon irritation can make everyday movement frustrating. You may be able to push through it for a while, only to feel the pain return when you walk, exercise, work or play your favorite sport.
For certain chronic soft-tissue and tendon problems, shockwave therapy may offer another conservative, non-invasive treatment option. Randour Chiropractic Clinics now provides shockwave therapy at our Carnegie office for patients in Pittsburgh’s South Hills and surrounding communities.
Why Some Injuries Become Chronic
Muscles, tendons and connective tissues are placed under stress every day. Most minor injuries recover normally, but some areas continue to be irritated by repetitive movement, activity demands, limited mobility or incomplete rehabilitation.
Over time, a short-term injury may become a persistent problem. Common signs include:
Pain that has lasted for several weeks or months
Discomfort that returns whenever activity increases
Morning stiffness or pain after sitting
Tenderness in one specific area
Reduced mobility or difficulty completing normal activities
An injury that has not fully responded to rest or other conservative care
Chronic pain does not automatically mean you need injections or surgery. It does mean the area should be properly evaluated so the underlying problem—and the most appropriate treatment—can be identified.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses controlled acoustic pressure waves directed at an injured or irritated area. A clinician applies the treatment with a handheld device while adjusting the intensity for the patient’s comfort and condition.
The goal is to stimulate activity in chronically irritated tissue and support the body’s natural recovery response. Treatment does not require an incision, injection or anesthesia, and most patients can return to normal daily activities afterward.
Research suggests that shockwave therapy may be helpful for certain musculoskeletal conditions, particularly some cases of chronic plantar fasciitis and calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy. Results vary based on the condition, how long it has been present and the individual patient, so an evaluation is important before beginning care.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy may be considered for several stubborn soft-tissue and overuse conditions, including:
Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
Achilles tendon irritation
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Shoulder pain
Calcific rotator cuff tendinitis
Patellar tendon irritation and certain types of knee pain
Hamstring injuries
Shin splints
Scar tissue and chronic tightness
Sports and repetitive-use injuries
Not every painful condition is appropriate for shockwave therapy. Dr. Jim or Dr. Adam will evaluate the painful area, discuss your health history and determine whether this treatment fits your needs.
What Does a Shockwave Therapy Session Feel Like?
During treatment, the applicator is placed over the affected area and delivers a series of acoustic pressure waves. Patients often describe the sensation as tapping or pulsing. An already-sensitive area may feel mildly uncomfortable, but the intensity can be adjusted throughout the session.
Most appointments are quick, with the shockwave portion generally taking about 10 to 15 minutes depending on the area being treated. Mild soreness afterward can occur and may feel similar to post-workout soreness. Most patients experience little interruption to their normal routine.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
There is no single treatment schedule that is right for everyone. The recommended number of sessions depends on factors such as:
The type and location of the injury
How long symptoms have been present
The severity of the irritation
Your activity level and treatment goals
How your body responds to care
Many patients receive shockwave therapy as a short series rather than a one-time treatment. Your provider will explain the recommended plan after evaluating your condition.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Me?
You may want to ask about shockwave therapy if you are dealing with chronic or recurring soft-tissue pain that has not fully improved with rest, stretching, activity changes or other conservative treatments.
Shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Be prepared to discuss pregnancy, blood-thinning medication, bleeding disorders, active infection and other medical conditions with your provider. A consultation helps ensure the treatment is used safely and only when appropriate.
A Practical, Conservative Approach to Recovery
At Randour Chiropractic Clinics, we do not use a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Shockwave therapy may be used on its own or alongside chiropractic care, mobility work, soft-tissue treatment and simple rehabilitation exercises when appropriate.
Our goal is to understand what is contributing to your pain and create a realistic plan to help you move more comfortably and return to the activities you enjoy.
Shockwave Therapy in Carnegie, PA
If you have been dealing with persistent heel pain, tendon irritation, shoulder discomfort, tennis elbow or another stubborn soft-tissue injury, shockwave therapy may be worth exploring.
Learn more about Shockwave Therapy at Randour Chiropractic or call our Carnegie office to schedule a consultation.
Randour Chiropractic Clinics – Carnegie
1100 Washington Avenue
Carnegie, PA 15106
412-279-4040
Treatment recommendations and results vary by patient and condition. An evaluation is required to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for you.
