A clinical study followed 79 patients with plantar fasciitis over one year and found impressive results. Each patient received 1,000 impulses of shockwave at 14 kV, and outcomes were measured using a 100-point system (70 for pain, 30 for function). By the end of the study
- 75.3% of patients were completely pain free
- 18.8% were significantly better
- 5.9% were slightly better
- 0% were unchanged or worse
The study concluded that Shockwave Therapy is safe, effective, with no complications.
If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain caused by injuries or stubborn musculoskeletal discomfort. Shockwave could be the solution that you’re looking for.
Why I Recommend Shockwave Therapy
I’ve treated countless patients who felt stuck and hopeless, and I’ve seen firsthand how Shockwave Therapy changes that story.
Here’s why I recommend it:
1. Fast, Lasting Pain Relief
High-energy acoustic waves penetrate deep into muscles, tendons, and soft tissues, helping to:
- Stimulate collagen production
- Boost cellular repair
- Increase blood flow
- Trigger your body’s natural healing response
Many patients report relief immediately after treatment, and most feel improvement after 4–8 sessions.
2. Gentle & Customizable
Unlike older machines that can be painful, our Intelect® RPW 2 system includes a Comfort Mode, gradually increasing intensity so your treatment is both effective and comfortable.
3. Loosens Tight Muscles & Reduces Stiffness
Shockwave Therapy delivers high-frequency vibrations (up to 50Hz) that relax muscle knots and trigger points, improving flexibility and mobility.
4. Speeds Recovery from Old and New Injuries
By breaking down scar tissue, adhesions, and calcium buildup, Shockwave Therapy helps restore function and reduce stiffness even from injuries you thought would never fully heal.
5. Non-Invasive & Cost-Effective
No surgery. No injections. No long recovery periods. Just safe, precise treatment with minimal downtime. Each session would cost $66 to $95 depending on the plan you choose
6. Treats a Wide Range of Conditions
Multiple transmitters target different tissue types so whether it’s tendonitis, joint pain, or muscle trigger points, we treat the source of your pain, not just the symptoms.
Conditions Treated by Shockwave Therapy ESWT
Plantar Fasciitis
What Science Says About Shockwave Therapy
Recent studies continue to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)— the type of shockwave therapy we use — for chronic pain, tendon disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries.
Proven Success for Plantar Fasciitis
In multiple studies of proximal plantar fasciitis, ESWT success rates ranged from 34% to 88%.
Chronic Lower Back Pain
A 2023 systematic review involving 632 patients showed ESWT reduced pain compared to controls at 4 weeks pain decreased by 1.04 points on a 0–10 scale at 12 weeks pain decreased by 0.85 points
Post ACL Tear Recovery
A 2025 study reviewed five studies with 242 participants. Patients who received ESWT after ACL surgery had better knee function scores than those who didn’t.
At 12 months, average improvement was about 7 points higher, and at 24 months, about 5.5 points higher.
Tendon and Soft Tissue Injuries
A 2023 review of 45 clinical trials shows that Shockwave Therapy can significantly reduce pain in different tendon and soft tissue problems:
- Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain): on average, patients felt about 1.6 points less pain on a 10-point scale.
- Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis): patients had pain reduced by 0.63 units (SMD = –0.63, 95% CI –1.11 to –0.16).
- Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: pain reduced by 1.38 units (SMD = –1.38, 95% CI –1.66 to –1.10).
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy (shoulder): pain reduced by 2.37 units (SMD = –2.37, 95% CI –3.58 to –1.15).
How We Do Shockwave Therapy?
At The Disc Chiropractic, we take a precise, results-driven approach to Shockwave Therapy. Here’s what to expect:
- We pinpoint the root – We begin by identifying the exact areas and severity of the discomfort to ensure the right treatment is used.
- We Customize the Approach – Using specialized transmitters designed for different tissue types, whether it’s a tendon injury or joint pain, we tailor the treatment specifically to your condition.
- Gradual Intensity Increase – We always start with a lower intensity and adjust as needed to keep treatment comfortable while maximizing results.
- Treatment Duration – Each session typically lasts 10 minutes per area, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Post-Treatment Check – After the session, we assess improvements in movement and pain levels to track progress.
What to Expect on Your Visit
Most people feel anxious walking into a new chiropractor’s office. So let me make this simple
At The Disc Chiropractic, your first visits are designed to give you answers, and don’t worry all of these are included in your $97 first visit special.
Day 1: Consultation, Exam, and X-Rays
This is your “fact-finding” day — the day we figure out exactly what’s going on.
1. We start by talking. You tell me:
- Where it hurts
- How long it’s been going on
- What makes it worse or better
- What treatments you’ve already tried
This is where I listen and conduct tests because your story gives me more insight than any machine ever could.
2. A Full Physical & Neurological Examination
Next, we run through a detailed exam to check:
- Posture and alignment
- Joint motion
- Disc and nerve irritation
- Muscle tension
- Reflexes and neurological function
3. X-Rays
Because I practice the Gonstead method, I rely on high-quality X-rays to see exactly:
- Which joints are misaligned
- How the discs look
- Whether there’s degeneration or instability
- The direction and degree of misalignment
4. Your Doctor’s Findings
After I have done a thorough analysis on your health findings, I’ll sit down with you and go through:
- Your X-ray findings
- What’s misaligned
- What may be causing your pain
- How severe the issue is
- What we need to do to fix it
I explain everything in plain language. No complicated medical jargon.
You will see exactly what I see.
5. Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Next, we build your plan together.
This includes:
- How many visits you’ll need
- What type of adjustments or therapies will help
- How long your recovery will take
- What results you should realistically expect
- Ergonomic or posture recommendations you can start immediately
6. Transparent, No-Pressure Financial Options
We go over all the costs clearly ( If you have insurance we will have a benefits check done for you)
No surprises, No upsells, No pressure
You choose the plan that works best for your health and your budget.
7. Your First Adjustment
Once we’ve reviewed your X-rays and built your plan, I’ll give you your first shockwave therapy session
Often works hand in hand with chiropractic adjustments for best results
get your guide now for free after submitting the form.
FAQs About Shockwave Therapy
What is Shockwave Therapy and how does it work?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility. The therapy delivers focused pressure waves into injured tissues, which breaks down scar tissue, promotes collagen production, increases blood flow, and activates the body’s natural healing response. Over time, this reduces inflammation, restores function, and alleviates pain.
Is Shockwave Therapy FDA approved?
Yes. Certain ESWT devices are FDA-cleared for specific musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) when conservative treatments have failed. FDA clearance ensures that the device meets safety standards for its intended use. Shockwave Therapy should be administered by a trained professional using FDA-cleared equipment for these indications.
Is Shockwave Therapy safe?
Clinical studies show that Shockwave Therapy is safe for treating a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. In a study of 79 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, there were no reported complications, and the therapy was well tolerated. When performed with proper equipment and technique, ESWT carries minimal risk and avoids the downtime associated with surgery or injections.
How effective is Shockwave Therapy for plantar fasciitis?
In the same study of 79 patients with plantar fasciitis, 75.3% of patients were completely pain free after ESWT, 18.8% experienced significant improvement, and 5.9% experienced moderate improvement. None of the patients reported worsening symptoms. These results demonstrate high efficacy for chronic heel pain that has not responded to traditional conservative treatments.
Can Shockwave Therapy help with chronic lower back pain?
A 2023 systematic review including 632 patients demonstrated that ESWT reduced chronic lower back pain compared to controls. At four weeks, patients experienced an average decrease of 1.04 points on a 0–10 pain scale, and at 12 weeks, the decrease averaged 0.85 points. This shows that Shockwave Therapy can be an effective adjunct for chronic spinal and soft tissue pain.
How does Shockwave Therapy help after ACL surgery?
A 2025 review of five studies involving 242 post-ACL repair patients found that those receiving ESWT had better knee function scores than patients who did not. Improvements averaged 7 points higher at 12 months and 5.5 points higher at 24 months, indicating that Shockwave Therapy supports recovery, functional mobility, and tissue healing following surgical interventions.
Can Shockwave Therapy treat tendon and soft tissue injuries?
Yes. A 2023 review of 45 clinical trials found significant pain reduction across multiple tendon and soft tissue injuries. Patients with plantar fasciitis experienced an average 1.6-point reduction on a 0–10 pain scale, tennis elbow pain decreased by 0.63 points, chronic Achilles tendinopathy improved by 1.38 points, and rotator cuff tendinopathy saw a 2.37-point reduction. These findings highlight ESWT as an effective treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
Most patients tolerate Shockwave Therapy well. Some may feel mild discomfort during treatment, especially over tight tendons or scar tissue, but the intensity can be adjusted for comfort. Any soreness afterward typically resolves within one to two days.
How long does a Shockwave Therapy session last?
Treatment duration depends on the size and severity of the affected area. Typically, each session lasts about 10 minutes per treatment area. The number of sessions varies depending on the condition but generally ranges from four to eight treatments.
How soon will I feel results from Shockwave Therapy?
Many patients report partial relief after the first session, particularly with muscle tightness or soft tissue stiffness. Full improvement often occurs after several sessions, as tissue remodeling and cellular repair progress over time.
Can Shockwave Therapy prevent surgery?
For chronic tendon injuries and plantar fasciitis, Shockwave Therapy has been shown to reduce pain and improve function in cases where conservative care failed. Successful outcomes often reduce the need for surgical interventions, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional procedures.
Is Shockwave Therapy safe for older adults?
Yes. Shockwave Therapy is suitable for adults of all ages. Intensity can be customized based on tissue sensitivity, and the therapy is especially useful for age-related tendon degeneration, scar tissue, and chronic soft tissue stiffness.
Can Shockwave Therapy improve mobility?
Shockwave Therapy increases local blood flow, relaxes muscle knots, and breaks down adhesions, which improves flexibility and joint range of motion. Patients often notice improved movement in previously stiff or restricted areas after several sessions.
Who is a good candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
Individuals with chronic pain, tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff or shoulder pain, tennis elbow, or post-surgical stiffness that has not improved with conservative care may benefit from Shockwave Therapy. A consultation with a trained provider is necessary to confirm candidacy and tailor treatment.
Can Shockwave Therapy treat both acute and old injuries?
Yes. ESWT can address both new injuries and longstanding conditions by stimulating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and breaking down scar tissue. Chronic injuries, including old adhesions or calcifications, often show measurable improvement.
How many sessions are typically required?
The number of sessions varies based on the condition, severity, and patient response. Most patients require four to eight sessions, spaced one week apart, to achieve optimal outcomes.
Can Shockwave Therapy be combined with chiropractic adjustments?
Yes. Shockwave Therapy often works best in combination with chiropractic care, which corrects joint alignment while ESWT addresses soft tissue and tendon repair. This integrated approach promotes faster, longer-lasting relief and improves overall mobility.
Does Shockwave Therapy treat only the symptoms or the cause?
Unlike treatments that mask pain, Shockwave Therapy targets the underlying tissue dysfunction. By stimulating cellular repair, increasing circulation, and breaking down scar tissue or calcifications, ESWT addresses the root cause of pain and dysfunction rather than only alleviating symptoms temporarily.
Are there any side effects of Shockwave Therapy?
Side effects are rare but can include mild redness, swelling, or temporary soreness in the treated area. No serious complications have been reported in clinical studies when ESWT is performed by trained professionals using appropriate devices.
Why should I choose The Disc Chiropractic for Shockwave Therapy in Wheat Ridge?
The Disc Chiropractic combines precise diagnostics, including detailed assessment of soft tissue injuries, with FDA-cleared Shockwave Therapy devices. Treatments are customized for each patient, intensity is carefully adjusted for comfort, and progress is monitored to ensure measurable, lasting results. ESWT is integrated with chiropractic adjustments when appropriate to maximize recovery and restore function.
Don’t let pain control your life.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Al Simeone for expert, non-invasive pain relief. Our customized treatment plans—including Shockwave Therapy—are designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love.
Call: 720-573-4910



