Where does it hurt?
Conditions Commonly Evaluated for Shockwave Therapy Near North Liberty
Short answer
Shockwave therapy is most often discussed for persistent tendon and plantar heel conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendon pain, rotator cuff–related shoulder pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, and gluteal tendon pain at the hip. Whether SoftWave is appropriate for any of them is determined by an in-person evaluation.
Pick the area that's bothering you
Foot & Heel
Back
Back pain is treated at Total Health Chiropractic, but this site focuses on shockwave-relevant musculoskeletal and tendon problems. For back pain, contact the clinic directly.
Full library
Every condition page, with the short answer first
Foot & Heel
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is irritation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, most often felt as sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning. Shockwave therapy is one non-invasive option studied for heel pain that has persisted despite stretching, footwear changes and rest. An evaluation determines whether SoftWave is appropriate for your foot.
Read about Plantar FasciitisFoot & Heel
Heel Pain
Heel pain has several possible sources, including plantar fascia irritation, fat pad sensitivity, insertional Achilles problems, nerve involvement and bone stress. Because these behave differently and respond to different care, identifying the source matters before choosing treatment. Shockwave therapy may be appropriate for some persistent heel conditions once evaluated.
Read about Heel PainAchilles & Tendon
Achilles Pain
Achilles tendon pain most often reflects tendinopathy — a load-related change in the tendon that produces stiffness and pain with running, hills and push-off. Midportion and insertional problems behave differently and need different loading. Shockwave therapy has been studied as an addition to a loading program for persistent cases, and candidacy is decided at evaluation.
Read about Achilles PainKnee
Knee Pain
Knee pain can come from tendon overload, joint surface changes, cartilage and meniscal issues, kneecap tracking problems or referred hip and back involvement. Because these differ, shockwave therapy is not automatically appropriate for every knee. An evaluation identifies the likely source first, then determines whether SoftWave may be part of an appropriate plan.
Read about Knee PainShoulder
Shoulder Pain
Persistent shoulder pain commonly involves rotator cuff–related problems, tendon irritation, calcific deposits, joint stiffness or referred neck involvement. These respond to different care, so evaluation precedes treatment. Shockwave therapy has published support in specific shoulder conditions such as calcific tendinitis, and candidacy is determined clinically.
Read about Shoulder PainElbow
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylalgia, is pain on the outside of the elbow where the wrist extensor tendons attach, typically provoked by gripping, lifting and repetitive hand use. Most cases are managed with progressive loading and load modification. Shockwave therapy has been studied here with mixed results and may be considered for persistent cases after evaluation.
Read about Tennis ElbowElbow
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylalgia, is pain on the inside of the elbow where the wrist flexor and pronator tendons attach. It is typically provoked by gripping, pulling, swinging and heavy lifting. Care centers on progressive loading and load management; shockwave therapy may be considered for persistent cases after an evaluation.
Read about Golfer's ElbowHip
Hip Pain
Hip pain may come from gluteal tendon problems on the outer hip, hip joint changes, deep gluteal and hamstring tendon issues, or referred low back involvement. Lateral hip tendon pain is among the presentations where shockwave therapy has been studied. An evaluation determines the source and whether SoftWave is appropriate.
Read about Hip PainTendon Problems
Tendon Pain
Tendinopathy is a load-related tendon condition producing pain with specific loads, stiffness after rest, and symptoms that flare when activity resumes. Progressive loading is the core of care because tendons adapt to demand. Shockwave therapy has been studied as an adjunct to loading in several tendinopathies, with candidacy determined at evaluation.
Read about Tendon PainDon't start with the machine. Start with the diagnosis.
An evaluation determines what is actually causing the problem and whether SoftWave is an appropriate option for you.
Or call Total Health Chiropractic at (319) 338-7025
Medical disclaimer
This page is general educational information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Whether SoftWave® or any shockwave therapy is appropriate for you can only be determined through an in-person clinical evaluation.
Reviewed by clinical staff at Total Health Chiropractic · Last reviewed 2026-09-08 · Editorial policy