If you’ve ever had pain that seems to “hang on” long after it should, you know how irritating that can be. One day, it’s a nagging heel. Next, it’s the knee you notice on stairs, the shoulder that complains when you reach overhead, or the elbow that makes a simple grip feel like work. In a town like Lancaster, where people are on the go, that kind of lingering discomfort can start to take control of your life.
That’s why more patients have been asking about shockwave therapy, a non-surgical option often used when a problem has become stubborn, repetitive, or slow to settle down.
Why Some Injuries Linger Longer Than Expected
A lot of chronic pain isn’t about a single “big” injury. It’s often the slow build, repetitive strain, old wear-and-tear, or a tissue that just hasn’t bounced back the way you hoped. Tendons and certain joint structures don’t get the same rich blood flow as muscle, so healing may feel sluggish. Then the body adapts; you move differently, you avoid certain motions, and the cycle continues.
When that happens, the goal shifts from “rest it more” to “help the area respond again.”
How Shockwave Therapy Works to Make a Change
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves delivered through the skin to reach deeper tissue. It’s not surgery, and it doesn’t rely on medication. Instead, the pulses act like a wake-up call to the irritated area, encouraging circulation and tissue remodeling over time.
Lancaster Chiropractor Dr. Chad Hedges explains it in plain terms: “We’re trying to change the tissue’s pattern, not just chase the pain for a day.” That mindset matters, especially for chronic issues where quick fixes usually don’t hold.
Who This Service Could Make a Difference For
People who ask about shockwave therapy tend to have one thing in common—they’ve been dealing with the issue for a while. Maybe they’ve tried stretching, ice, new shoes, a brace, or even scaled back activity, yet the discomfort keeps coming back.
Our team uses it to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis and heel pain; knee osteoarthritis; tendon irritation (e.g., Achilles, patellar, or rotator cuff); elbow pain; hip or glute discomfort; and persistent trigger points, which are typically long-standing problems.
What a Session Feels Like and How Long It Takes
A session is short, typically 10-15 minutes per area. You’ll feel a series of rhythmic pulses. Some spots can be tender, but most people tolerate it well, and there’s no downtime afterward. Many patients return to work, errands, or normal activities without delay.
Plans are often spaced weekly over several visits, giving your body time to respond between sessions. The changes can be gradual, which can be a positive sign; it suggests the body is adapting rather than just getting temporary relief.
When It May Not Be the Best Fit
Shockwave therapy isn’t for everyone. Certain health factors and situations can make it a poor choice, and severe “bone-on-bone” changes may call for different conversations. That’s why an exam and a clear plan matter, so you’re not guessing, you’re choosing the right next step.
Ready to Talk It Through?
If you’re in Lancaster and tired of working around the same pain, schedule a visit with Dr. Hedges at Peak Performance Sport & Spine, and see whether shockwave therapy fits your needs and goals.