The Role of Shockwave Therapy in Modern Pain Management

If you’ve struggled with chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or tendon injuries, you know how frustrating it can be to find lasting relief. You’ve tried rest, stretching, and possibly injections, only for the pain to return once you’re back on your feet. That’s where Shockwave therapy comes in. 

Once used primarily in sports medicine and physical therapy, this innovative, noninvasive treatment is now transforming how podiatrists like Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, help patients relieve chronic pain and heal.

In this blog, we break down what Shockwave therapy is, how it works, and why it’s become a go-to option for people looking to get back to walking, running, and living pain-free without surgery.

Get to know Shockwave therapy

Also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), this treatment uses sound waves — not electrical shocks, as its name may suggest — to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. 

During treatment, Dr. Geoghan delivers high-energy acoustic waves through a handheld device directly into the affected area. These waves trigger your body’s natural healing response by improving blood flow, breaking down scar tissue, and encouraging the growth of new, healthy tissue.

We recommend Shockwave therapy for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, such as:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Heel spurs
• Chronic ankle pain
• Shin splints

Because it targets the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms, many patients notice steady improvement over several weeks after treatment.

How it works

When tissue is injured — especially in areas with limited blood supply, like tendons — it can struggle to heal fully. Shockwave therapy helps initiate the healing process. Acoustic waves create controlled microtrauma, stimulating the release of growth factors and increasing circulation.

Essentially, it helps your body heal itself faster and more completely. Over time, this process reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and restores mobility.

The treatment typically takes about 15-30 minutes per session, and there’s no downtime — you can walk out of the office and resume normal daily activities immediately. To get the best results, we typically recommend a series of 3-5 treatments spaced a week apart. 

What to expect during treatment

Dr. Geoghan first identifies the exact area of pain using a physical exam or ultrasound guidance. Then she applies a gel to help the Shockwave device deliver sound waves more efficiently. The machine administers short pulses to the area. 

You feel mild tapping or tingling, sometimes with brief moments of discomfort as the energy reaches deeper tissue, but it’s not painful. Patients have compared it to an intense massage or pressure therapy.

The treatment ends within minutes, and any soreness afterward is mild and temporary, similar to post-workout muscle stiffness.

Why our patients love it

Shockwave therapy stands out because it bridges the gap between conservative care and surgery, offering faster relief without needles, incisions, or anesthesia. Many who’ve tried other options with no or little success find that Shockwave therapy finally breaks through their pain cycle. 

You don’t have to pause your life for recovery, and studies show that it can reduce pain and improve function in the long term, especially for chronic plantar fasciitis.

However, Shockwave therapy isn’t for everyone. Dr. Geoghan thoroughly evaluates your medical history, pain location, and treatment goals to make sure it’s safe and effective for your situation. If you’re pregnant, have circulation disorders, or take certain blood thinners, you may need an alternative approach.

The future of foot and ankle pain relief

The most exciting thing about Shockwave therapy is that it’s part of a broader shift toward regenerative medicine — treatments that work with your body’s own biology. It’s not just about dulling pain; it’s about restoring function, repairing tissue, and getting you back to moving comfortably.

If you’re tired of foot and ankle pain dictating your life or want to avoid surgery, this modern, evidence-based approach might be the answer. Contact Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, today to schedule an appointment and get started with an evaluation. We proudly serve patients in the Lutherville, Maryland, area.