Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is a modern, non-invasive treatment that helps reduce chronic foot pain and speed up healing when traditional treatments fail. If you’re struggling with persistent heel pain that limits your daily activities, understanding how shockwave therapy works may help you take the next step toward long-term relief.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain, especially among runners, active adults, and people who spend long hours on their feet. At Corbett Hill, shockwave therapy is used to target the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms—helping patients return to movement with confidence.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes. This tissue supports your foot’s arch and absorbs shock during walking and running.
Common Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
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Sharp or stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning
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Foot pain after long periods of standing
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Pain that worsens after exercise (not during it)
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Heel tenderness or stiffness
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Several factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis, including:
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Overuse or repetitive impact activities
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Poor footwear or lack of arch support
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Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon
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Flat feet or high arches
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Weight gain or prolonged standing
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-surgical treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissue.
A specialized shockwave therapy machine delivers controlled pulses of energy directly to the injured area. These sound waves trigger biological responses that help repair tissue and reduce pain.
What Is Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis specifically targets the damaged plantar fascia at the heel. The treatment works by:
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Increasing blood flow to the injured tissue
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Stimulating collagen production
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Breaking down scar tissue and calcifications
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Activating the body’s natural healing response
Unlike rest or medication, shockwave therapy addresses the underlying cause of plantar fasciitis rather than temporarily relieving symptoms.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Reduce Foot Pain?
Shockwave therapy reduces foot pain through several proven mechanisms:
1. Improves Blood Circulation
The acoustic waves increase circulation in the affected area, delivering oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair.
2. Promotes Tissue Regeneration
Shockwave therapy stimulates new blood vessel formation and collagen production, helping damaged plantar fascia heal more effectively.
3. Breaks Down Chronic Inflammation
For long-standing plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy helps disrupt chronic inflammatory cycles that prevent healing.
4. Desensitizes Pain Receptors
The treatment reduces pain signals sent to the brain, leading to noticeable relief after just a few sessions.
How Many Sessions of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Are Needed?
A common question patients ask is how many sessions of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis are required.
Most treatment plans involve:
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3 to 5 sessions, spaced about one week apart
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Each session lasting approximately 10–15 minutes
Many patients experience improvement after the first or second session, with continued healing over several weeks as the body responds to treatment.
What Conditions Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
While highly effective for plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy can also treat:
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Achilles tendinitis
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Tennis elbow
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Golfer’s elbow
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Patellar tendinitis
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Chronic muscle pain
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Calcific shoulder tendinitis
Its versatility makes shockwave therapy a valuable option for many chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Shockwave Therapy vs Traditional Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Traditional plantar fasciitis treatment options often include:
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Rest and activity modification
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Ice therapy
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Stretching and physical therapy
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Orthotics
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Anti-inflammatory medications
While these approaches can help, they may not resolve chronic cases. Shockwave therapy in Portland offers a non-invasive alternative that promotes healing without injections or surgery.
How Corbett Hill Can Help
At Corbett Hill, shockwave therapy is integrated into personalized treatment plans designed to address the root cause of pain. Our approach combines advanced technology with expert clinical assessment to ensure optimal outcomes.
Patients benefit from:
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Evidence-based treatment protocols
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State-of-the-art shockwave therapy machines
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Individualized care plans
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A focus on long-term recovery, not short-term relief
What to Expect During Treatment
Shockwave therapy sessions are quick and require no downtime. You may feel mild discomfort during treatment, but most patients tolerate it well. Normal activities can typically be resumed immediately after each session.
Results continue to improve over time as healing progresses.
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution for chronic foot pain that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments. By stimulating natural healing, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation, shockwave therapy helps patients regain mobility and comfort without surgery.
If plantar fasciitis is interfering with your quality of life, Corbett Hill offers advanced shockwave therapy solutions designed to get you back on your feet—pain-free.
