At New Life Chiropractic, our sports medicine team stays abreast of research to deliver evidence-informed care. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) delivers mechanical energy pulses that stimulate blood flow, release growth factors and accelerate healing in stubborn injuries such as Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff injuries, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow. A systematic review of studies listed in the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) notes that ESWT is an effective and safe non invasive treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, and researchers found that an optimum protocol includes three treatment sessions at one-week intervals, each delivering around 2,000 impulses at the highest energy flux density tolerated by the patient. The review also cautions against the simplistic distinction between radial and focused shockwave therapy, noting no clear scientific evidence favoring one type over the other.

Our sports medicine team follows these evidence-informed guidelines and individualizes treatment. We adjust energy levels, number of pulses and intervals based on the athlete’s injury, tolerance and goals. For example, an Achilles tendinopathy case may require three sessions with 2,000 impulses each, while a plantar fasciitis case may need a different regimen. Shockwave therapy is not a stand-alone cure; it augments chiropractic adjustments, Active Release Techniques, rehabilitative muscle feedback and corrective exercises to restore joint function and reduce pain. We educate athletes on training load management and recovery strategies so shockwave therapy supports a safe return to sport without overstressing healing tissues.