What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved treatment for a range of foot and ankle conditions. It uses acoustic waves delivered to affected areas to stimulate healing, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair.

At First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic we offer advanced dual-modality shockwave therapy, including both focused and radial technologies.

This treatment is commonly used to treat conditions such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis.

Types of Shockwave Therapy

There are two different types of shockwave therapy: radial and focused. In some cases, both may be used depending on your condition.

Radial Shockwave Therapy

Radial shockwave therapy uses lower-energy waves that spread across a broader area. It is best suited for surface-level and generalized pain, helping improve circulation and stimulate healing across larger soft tissue areas.

Focused Shockwave Therapy

Focused shockwave delivers higher-energy waves to a precise point, allowing treatment of deeper or more stubborn areas. It is best for pinpoint pain and chronic conditions.

Which One is Right for You?

Your treatment plan depends on your condition. In some cases, both types are used together for a more comprehensive approach. Having access to both allows for customized treatment plans designed to accelerate healing and reduce pain.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Shockwave therapy works by delivering targeted acoustic sound waves into damaged tissue to trigger your body’s natural healing response.

This process:

• Increases blood flow
• Stimulates cell regeneration
• Breaks down scar tissue or calcifications
• Reduces pain sensitivity over time

What to Expect During Your Treatment

During a session, gel is applied to the target area then a hand-held device delivers shockwaves in controlled pulses. Patients may experience a tapping or pulsing sensation during the procedure, ranging from mild to moderately intense depending on the treatment area. No anesthesia is required, and most patients return to normal activities immediately. Mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area after treatment is normal and usually resolves quickly.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

A typical session is quick and convenient, usually lasting about 15 minutes per treatment area. Shockwave therapy is usually delivered in a series of weekly sessions, with most patients requiring multiple visits to achieve desired results.

What Results Can You Expect?

Patients commonly experience:

• Decreased pain in the treated area
• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Reduced stiffness and tension
• Better overall function during daily activities or exercise
• Improvements may be gradual, with continued healing over time.

Why Patients Choose Shockwave Therapy

Patients choose shockwave therapy because it’s a highly effective, non-invasive, and drug-free method to treating pain at its source rather than just managing symptoms.

Key benefits include:

• No surgery required
• No risk of infection or scarring at treatment site
• Minimal downtime — patients may return to normal activities almost immediately
• Targets underlying causes of pain
• Effective for chronic or stubborn conditions
• Does not require anesthesia

Shockwave therapy is a practical option for patients wanting a fast, conservative, and long-term improvement focused treatment.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?

Shockwave therapy is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment when performed by a trained healthcare professional. The treatment does not involve surgery, needles, or medications, reducing overall risk.

Patients may experience mild and temporary side effects including:

• Soreness in the treated area
• Redness or mild swelling
• Light bruising in some cases

Side effects generally resolve themselves within a few days.

A clinical evaluation is used to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.

Conditions We Treat

Shockwave therapy may be an effective treatment for:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel pain and heel spurs
• Tendon and soft tissue injuries
• Chronic foot and ankle pain

Shockwave Therapy at First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic

At our clinic, we use both radial and focused shockwave therapy to create customized treatment plans based on your specific condition and symptoms. Our goal is to help reduce pain, restore mobility, and support long-term healing without surgery.

If you’re struggling with heel pain or plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy may be a non-invasive solution that helps you get back to your daily activities.

Request an appointment today to see if you’re a candidate for shockwave therapy.