What Shockwave Therapy Actually Does: A Simple Explanation

Dr. Andrew Kakishita | Lehi, UT

Shockwave Therapy Sounds Intense, But It’s Actually Very Simple

Shockwave therapy can sound intimidating if you’ve never tried it. Most people in Lehi hear the name and immediately picture something far more aggressive than it actually is. The truth is that shockwave is one of the most effective and straightforward tools I use in the clinic for chronic tightness, stubborn tendon pain, and tissues that just aren’t responding to stretching or massage.

I’ve used shockwave therapy on everything from plantar fasciitis to stubborn Achilles issues, chronic hamstring tightness, hip pain, and even those frustrating knots people get between their shoulder blades. If something has been lingering for months and feels “stuck,” shockwave is often the missing piece.

How Shockwave Therapy Works Inside the Body

When I use shockwave in the clinic, I’m applying acoustic energy to the tissue that needs help. That energy does a few important things. It increases blood flow, breaks up adhesions, and stimulates the cells involved in healing. Many painful conditions become chronic because the tissue simply isn’t getting the circulation or stimulation it needs to repair itself.

Shockwave acts like a reset button for the tissue. It sparks a natural healing response and helps the area reorganize so it can tolerate load again. This is why people with chronic tendon issues often feel improvement even when nothing else has helped.

Why Stubborn Pain Responds So Well to Shockwave

Tissues that stay irritated for long periods often become desensitized to traditional treatments. Stretching doesn’t work well because the tissue is already irritated. Massage may feel good in the moment but doesn’t create enough stimulation for long-term change. Shockwave cuts through that barrier by directly stimulating the deeper layers of tissue.

Another benefit is that shockwave doesn’t require downtime. There’s no recovery period afterward. In fact, I often pair it with light loading or simple movement patterns to help the tissue learn how to work again.

If you’ve been reading my blogs about plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or core misfiring, you’ll notice a theme. Tissues respond best to consistent stimulation, load, and movement. Shockwave is simply one of the fastest ways to help irritated tissue adapt again.

What a Shockwave Session Feels Like

Most people describe shockwave as a mild tapping sensation that increases for a few seconds, then fades as the tissue warms up. I always adjust the intensity so it stays tolerable. The goal isn’t to overwhelm the area. It’s to stimulate it just enough to promote healing.

A typical session takes ten to fifteen minutes, and most people notice improvement within a few treatments.

Want to Know if Shockwave Can Help You?

If you’re dealing with a stubborn issue that hasn’t responded to stretching, massage, rehab, or rest, shockwave therapy might be a good option. I use it daily in the clinic because it helps tissues recover when nothing else has worked.

You can learn more about shockwave therapy here:

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