Michelle has been a runner for as long as she can remember. Running provided a release from the stress of the day when she could get outside and pound the pavement for an hour or so. But chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis and heel spurs put this beloved pastime on hold.

“I tried everything,” said Michelle. “All of the tried and true treatments for my pain weren’t enough because the pain always came back, and often it was in the middle of a run, forcing me to hobble back home or phone a friend to pick me up.”

Michelle’s physical therapist, Dr. Chris McKenzie of McKenzie Sports Physical Therapy, suggested adding shockwave therapy to her treatment regimen. She agreed to give it a try. 

“Shockwave therapy can be a game-changer for plantar fasciitis and many other musculoskeletal conditions,” said Dr. McKenzie. “The treatment targets the source of the pain, promoting healing and often providing significant relief when other treatments haven’t worked.”

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is an innovative medical treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal and tendinopathy issues. It uses high-pressure sound waves to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and accelerate healing. 

Shockwave therapy is an excellent alternative to invasive treatments like injections and surgery, and countless success stories back up its claims. Studies have shown that it significantly reduces the pain accompanying tendinopathies while improving function and quality of life. 

“Shockwave therapy is considered a first-line choice because of its effectiveness and safety,” said Dr. McKenzie. “Combine it with eating a healthy diet, stretching, and strengthening, the therapy has been shown to be 80% effective.”

What Conditions Can it Help?

Shockwave therapy can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. A few of the most widely treated conditions include tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, shoulder injuries, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendon injuries.

What Happens During Shockwave Therapy?

People often ask whether the treatment hurts. While the name may sound ominous, it is generally well tolerated. Most people report mild discomfort or a tingling sensation during the treatment. 

During the treatment, the provider holds a shockwave device next to the body part in question. The device sends shockwaves into the injured tissues, stimulating healing. The treatment takes about 10 minutes, and patients can typically return to normal physical activities within 24 hours. Depending on the person, the issue, and the duration of the problem, most people need three to five treatments over several weeks.

Getting Back to Life with Shockwave Therapy

At Dr. McKenzie’s recommendation, Michelle began shockwave therapy and received four treatments. After her first treatment, she noticed that the intense pain she felt when walking had lessened. After the entire series of treatments, her pain was a 1 on a 1-10 scale and often a 0. She is back to distance running and feels that shockwave therapy was a game-changer.

“Shockwave therapy at McKenzie Sports Physical Therapy is the closest thing to a miracle cure I have ever experienced, and I highly recommend it to anyone who tells me they have chronic musculoskeletal pain.” 
To learn more about shockwave therapy in Philadelphia, schedule an appointment with one of the physical therapists at McKenzie Sports Physical Therapy.