Shockwave therapy, also called ESWT, is one of the treatments patients ask about when heel pain has not settled with simpler measures. At Merivale Chiropractic & Massage Clinic in Ottawa, the most common reason people ask for it is plantar fasciitis, but it is not limited to that one diagnosis.
If you want the service-specific overview first, visit our shockwave therapy page.
What shockwave therapy is
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves delivered through a handheld device to a targeted area. The goal is to stimulate a healing response in tissue that has become irritated, overloaded, or slow to recover. It is considered non-surgical and does not require needles or medication during treatment.
Earlier clinic content described several proposed effects, including improved blood flow, stimulation of healing factors, and possible help with stubborn calcific or degenerative tissue changes. Those are reasonable ways to frame it, with the usual clinical caveat that response varies by condition and by person.
Why plantar fasciitis is such a common fit
Plantar fasciitis often shows up as heel pain with the first few steps in the morning or after sitting. It may improve a bit as you move, then flare again after long standing, walking, or training.
Shockwave therapy is commonly discussed when plantar fascia symptoms have become persistent and are not resolving with activity modification, footwear changes, calf mobility work, or more basic conservative care. It is not always the first step, but it can be a useful next step for stubborn cases.
Other conditions that may be considered
The broader shockwave post in this cluster mentioned several patterns we still see in practice, including:
- Achilles or other tendinopathy patterns
- golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow
- some overuse-related muscle or tendon pain
- certain sports injury presentations
Not every sore shoulder, knee, or heel is a shockwave case. Diagnosis matters.
What a session is like
A typical session starts with assessment and locating the painful tissue carefully. We apply gel to the area, then use the handheld device to deliver a series of pulses. Sessions are short, often in the range of several minutes per area, though the exact time depends on what is being treated.
Patients often describe the feeling as intense tapping, pressure, or a deep tissue sensation. It is usually tolerable, and we can adjust the treatment level based on the tissue and your comfort.
What happens after treatment
Many people have mild tenderness for a day or two afterward. Improvement may be immediate for some, but often it builds over time as the tissue response develops. That is why shockwave is commonly prescribed as a short series rather than judged off one visit.
Aftercare often includes temporary activity modification, footwear advice, calf or foot mobility work, and strengthening. For plantar fasciitis especially, the treatment tends to work best when combined with a bigger plan rather than treated like a standalone quick fix.
Who may not be a good candidate
Candidacy depends on your health history and the exact tissue involved. Some people are not good candidates because of medical factors such as active infection, certain clotting issues, pregnancy, recent steroid injection, or other contraindications. We review that with you before recommending treatment.
What to expect in Ottawa
At Merivale, we assess the diagnosis first, then decide whether shockwave therapy makes sense or whether another approach is better. Depending on the problem, your plan may also include chiropractic care, massage therapy, and home work from our exercise library.
If heel pain or another stubborn soft-tissue problem is limiting your walking, sport, or work, our Ottawa team can assess whether shockwave therapy is a reasonable option. You can book an appointment to get started.