What Happens During Shockwave Therapy?
During shockwave therapy, controlled acoustic waves are delivered directly to the injured or inflamed area of the foot or ankle. These sound waves travel through the tissue to reach areas where healing has slowed or stalled. Because the energy is targeted, treatment focuses precisely where chronic inflammation and irritation have taken hold—something especially common in long-standing “-itis” conditions.
As the acoustic waves move through the tissue, they help improve circulation in areas affected by chronic inflammation. Poor blood flow often limits the body’s ability to heal, but shockwave therapy increases local blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients that damaged tissue needs to repair. This stimulation also activates key repair cells, supporting the gradual regeneration of healthier tissue at the cellular level.
In many chronic inflammatory conditions, the body becomes stuck in a repetitive cycle of flare-ups that never fully resolve. Shockwave therapy helps interrupt this pattern by signaling the body to restart a proper healing response. Rather than simply masking pain, it addresses the underlying reason the inflammation has persisted.
Over the course of treatment, irritated tissue begins to remodel and strengthen. Tight or damaged fibers gradually regain flexibility and integrity, reducing stress on surrounding structures. This process not only relieves current pain but also helps lower the risk of future flare-ups, especially when paired with appropriate movement, support, and follow-up care.
One of the most important benefits of shockwave therapy is that healing continues well beyond each appointment. The body keeps responding to the treatment for days and weeks after a session, allowing improvement to build gradually over time—without the need for invasive procedures.