Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Pain: What Treatment Is Actually Like
By Dr. Andrew Kakishita, DC | Pleasant Grove, UT Chiropractor
If you have been dealing with stubborn pain for months, you may have heard about shockwave therapy but still wonder what the treatment is actually like.
Will it hurt? How long does it take? What will you feel afterward? And how many treatments will you need?
At Kinetic Chiropractic, we use shockwave therapy as one part of a personalized approach to chronic and recurring musculoskeletal pain. Rather than simply describing the technology, this guide walks you through what you can realistically expect during treatment.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses targeted acoustic pulses delivered through a handheld applicator to the area being treated. The goal is to stimulate a biological response in the tissue and support circulation, tissue repair, and recovery.
It is a non-invasive treatment, meaning there are no injections or incisions involved. At Kinetic Chiropractic, we commonly use shockwave therapy for stubborn conditions such as plantar fasciitis and heel pain, Achilles and patellar tendon pain, shoulder and rotator cuff problems, shin splints, and other chronic or overuse-related issues.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
During treatment, you will feel a series of rapid pulses against the skin. Depending on the area and how sensitive the tissue is, the sensation can range from noticeable tapping or pressure to a sharper, more intense feeling over particularly irritated areas.
The treatment should not be viewed as something you simply have to endure. We can adjust the treatment settings based on your response and the area being treated.
Some areas may feel more sensitive than others, particularly when the tissue is already irritated.
What Happens During a Session?
Your session begins with identifying the area being treated and making sure shockwave therapy is appropriate for your current condition.
Once the treatment area is located, a handheld device delivers acoustic pulses directly to the targeted tissue. The applicator is moved across the treatment area rather than staying in one spot the entire time.
The shockwave portion of an appointment is generally short. Kinetic's existing patient information describes shockwave sessions as typically lasting around 10–15 minutes.
The goal isn't simply to treat a painful spot and send you home. We look at the bigger picture and may combine shockwave therapy with other appropriate services depending on your condition and goals.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
There is no single number of treatments that works for everyone.
Your treatment plan depends on factors such as how long you have had the problem, the condition being treated, how your symptoms respond, and what other care may be appropriate.
At Kinetic Chiropractic, we determine treatment frequency clinically rather than automatically using shockwave at every appointment. Our current care options can also combine shockwave with chiropractic adjustments, red light therapy, soft tissue work, and other treatments when appropriate.
What Should You Expect After Treatment?
You can generally return to normal activities after shockwave therapy because it is non-invasive and does not require the type of recovery associated with surgery or injections.
You may notice that the treated area feels different immediately afterward. Some people experience temporary tenderness or increased sensitivity, while others notice little change right away.
The important thing is to pay attention to how your body responds. Your post-treatment activity and overall recovery plan can be adjusted based on your symptoms and goals.
Who Is Shockwave Therapy For?
Shockwave therapy may be worth considering when pain has become persistent, keeps returning, or has not improved as expected with more basic approaches, similar to insights shared by the Cleveland Clinic.
However, it is not automatically the right treatment for every person or every type of pain. We first need to understand what is causing your symptoms and whether shockwave therapy fits into your treatment plan.
That assessment helps us determine whether shockwave, another treatment, or a combination of services makes the most sense.
Why Combine Shockwave With Other Care?
Chronic pain is not always caused by one isolated problem.
For that reason, shockwave therapy may be combined with adjustments, corrective exercises, soft tissue techniques, taping, or other supportive care, as outlined in clinical guidance from WebMD. Our goal is to address the factors contributing to your symptoms while helping you return to the activities that matter to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
You will feel the acoustic pulses, and some areas can be more sensitive than others. Treatment intensity can be adjusted according to your response.
How long does shockwave treatment take?
The shockwave portion of a session is typically around 10–15 minutes, although your total appointment may be longer depending on what other care is included.
Do I need multiple treatments?
Possibly. The number and frequency of treatments depend on your condition, symptoms, and response to care. We create an individualized plan rather than using the same schedule for everyone.
Can shockwave therapy be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes. Depending on your needs, shockwave therapy can be incorporated with adjustments, corrective exercises, soft tissue work, red light therapy, and other appropriate treatments.
Conclusion
Knowing what to expect can make trying a new treatment much easier. Shockwave therapy is a short, non-invasive treatment that uses targeted acoustic pulses to address stubborn musculoskeletal problems.
At Kinetic Chiropractic, we don't treat shockwave therapy as a one-size-fits-all procedure. We evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and determine whether it belongs in your overall treatment plan.
If chronic or recurring pain has been keeping you from doing what you enjoy, contact us to schedule a chiropractic evaluation and learn whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for your condition.
📞 Phone: 385-256-0603
📧 Email: dr.k@kineticchiropracticutah.com
📍 Address: 405 S 100 E unit 104, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, USA
🌐 Website: kineticchiropracticutah.com