Is Shockwave Therapy Worth It?

Dr. Andrew Kakishita | Lehi, UT

Why Shockwave Therapy Has Become So Popular

Shockwave therapy has grown fast in the last few years, and for good reason. As more people in Lehi look for long-lasting solutions to stubborn pain, shockwave has become one of the most effective tools I use in the clinic. The biggest question people ask me is whether it’s actually worth it. My honest answer is that for the right conditions, shockwave can make a huge difference.

Shockwave works by sending sound waves into the tissue. These waves increase blood flow, break up adhesions, and help restart the healing process in areas that have become irritated or stalled. It’s especially helpful for chronic issues that haven’t responded well to stretching, rest, or standard rehab exercises.

Conditions That Respond Best to Shockwave

The people who benefit most from shockwave are those dealing with persistent tendon or soft tissue problems. A few common examples include:

Plantar fasciitis:

One of the conditions shockwave is most famous for. It helps loosen stiff fascia and improve tissue tolerance.

Achilles or calf pain:

Chronic tension in this area often responds extremely well to shockwave when standard stretching does very little.

Gluteal tendinopathy or outer hip pain:

Shockwave helps reduce irritation and improve the quality of the tissue around the hip.

Elbow tendon pain:

Issues like tennis elbow often feel dramatically better after a few treatments.

These conditions share a common theme. They involve tissues that have become irritated, tight, or stuck. Shockwave helps restart healing when those tissues are not improving on their own.

When Shockwave May Not Be Necessary

Shockwave is powerful, but it’s not always the first step. If a problem is new, coming from simple overuse, or clearly responding to mobility work and gentle strengthening, it may not require shockwave. In those cases, restoring movement, improving tissue tolerance, and addressing basic mechanics usually make the biggest difference.

However, when something has been bothering you for months or keeps returning no matter how much stretching you do, shockwave becomes a strong option.

If you read my blog on what shockwave therapy does, this builds on that same idea. The longer an issue has lingered, the more helpful shockwave tends to be.

How I Use Shockwave in the Clinic

In my clinic here in Lehi, I use shockwave with a combination of joint mobility, soft tissue work, and simple exercises that reinforce the changes we make during the session. The goal is not just to reduce pain but to help you move better so the problem doesn’t come right back.

Most people notice relief within the first few visits, and many feel improvements even sooner.

If you’re dealing with a stubborn issue that isn’t improving, I’m happy to take a look and see whether shockwave is a good fit for you. You can learn more about the treatment here:

https://kineticchiropracticutah.com/services-shockwave-therapy