Am I a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
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When pain lingers, it can start to take over everything you do. Simple routines like walking around the block, playing a weekend game of tennis, or even getting out of bed in the morning can feel like a challenge. At Spinal Couture, we meet patients every week who have tried ice, heat, stretching, medication, and even physical therapy, only to find themselves still struggling. That’s often when the conversation turns to shockwave therapy.
It’s a treatment that sounds futuristic at first — using sound waves to treat pain — but the results speak for themselves. The big question many people ask us, though, is: “Am I a good candidate?”
What Shockwave Therapy Actually Does
Shockwave therapy uses targeted acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow and jumpstart the body’s healing process. Instead of covering up the pain with medication, the therapy works directly on the injured tissue.
Sessions are short — usually under half an hour — and most patients don’t need any downtime afterward. Some describe the sensation as a tapping or pulsing on the skin. The goal is to break up stubborn scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and get the body to do what it was designed to do: repair itself.
Who Tends to Benefit the Most
Shockwave therapy isn’t for every single ache or pain, but it has been shown to be very effective for chronic, tendon-related injuries. Conditions like:
Heel pain from plantar fasciitis
Tennis or golfer’s elbow
Knee pain or injuries
Rotator cuff irritation in the shoulder
Achilles tendon problems
Hip bursitis
Muscle knots that don’t seem to release
If your pain has lasted months and hasn’t responded to conservative care, you may be exactly the kind of patient who benefits. Many of our patients at Spinal Couture come in after trying “everything else” and finally begin to see progress.
Signs You Might Be a Good Candidate
There are a few situations where shockwave therapy really shines. You might be a strong candidate if:
You’ve had chronic tendon or ligament pain for more than three months.
You’ve tried treatments like physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatories without long-term relief.
You want to avoid surgery or injections if possible.
You’re in generally good health and don’t have conditions that would interfere with healing.
Most importantly, you need to have a willingness to commit to a short treatment plan. The improvements often build with each session, so consistency is key.
When Shockwave May Not Be Right
There are also times when shockwave therapy isn’t the best choice. Patients who are pregnant, dealing with certain circulation or heart conditions, or taking blood thinners may need to consider different options. It’s also not used directly over infections, tumors, or open wounds.
This is why the first step is always a full evaluation. At Spinal Couture, we take time to look at your medical history and current health before making any recommendations. If shockwave therapy isn’t a safe fit, we’ll guide you toward something more appropriate.
What to Expect During and After
Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the process feels. You’ll come into our office, the area being treated is exposed, and we apply the device directly to the skin. You’ll feel pulsing pressure, and while it can be a bit uncomfortable at times, it’s usually very tolerable.
Afterward, some patients notice mild soreness, almost like they’ve exercised the area, but this fades within a day or two. Over the next several weeks, the healing process continues to build. Some people notice improvement after just two sessions, while others take a few more before the difference really sets in.
Why We Emphasize a Personal Approach
Every patient’s pain story is unique. Two people can both have plantar fasciitis, for example, but the way the pain affects their daily life — and the way their body responds to treatment — can be very different.
That’s why at Spinal Couture, we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Shockwave therapy is one tool among many that we use to help patients move more freely and get back to doing the things they love. Sometimes it’s the perfect fit. Other times, it works best as part of a larger plan that includes chiropractic care, strengthening, or posture correction.
So, are you a good candidate for shockwave therapy? If you’ve been battling stubborn pain that hasn’t improved with other methods, and you’re looking for a non-invasive option, the odds are in your favor. The best way to know for sure is through a one-on-one evaluation.
At Spinal Couture, we’ll walk you through what the treatment involves, review your medical history, and give you an honest opinion on whether shockwave therapy is right for you. And if it isn’t, we’ll help you find another path forward. Relief may be closer than you think.
