Shockwave & SoftWave Questions

A handheld applicator is placed against the skin over the area being treated and delivers acoustic shockwaves into the tissue below. The treatment area is chosen based on examination findings. Claims about tissue-level mechanisms should be read alongside the published research rather than treated as guarantees.

People commonly describe a tapping or pulsing sensation, and it is normal to feel more sensitivity directly over an irritated area. Settings can typically be adjusted for comfort during the session. Individual experience varies.

Most people describe it as tolerable rather than painful, and the sensation is often strongest over the most irritated tissue. Tell your technician what you are feeling so the session can be adjusted.

Session length depends on the area being treated and what else is included in the visit. Total Health Chiropractic can tell you what to expect for your specific plan when you schedule.

There is no single answer. Recommendations depend on your diagnosis, how long the problem has been present, your response to care and your goals. Total Health Chiropractic reviews this with you after evaluation.

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and does not involve incisions or anesthesia. Activity guidance after a session depends on your condition and what your provider recommends.

Common reasons people ask about shockwave therapy include plantar fasciitis and heel pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, Achilles and other tendon problems, hip and soft-tissue pain, back pain and sports or overuse injuries. Evaluation determines whether SoftWave is appropriate for your situation.

Shockwave therapy has been studied for chronic plantar fasciitis, particularly when heel pain has persisted despite initial conservative care. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your diagnosis and examination findings.

Knee pain is a symptom rather than a single diagnosis. Shockwave therapy has been studied for certain knee-related tendon and soft-tissue problems, so the first step is identifying what is actually driving the pain.

Shockwave therapy has been studied for some shoulder tendon conditions, including calcifying tendinitis confirmed on imaging. An evaluation determines whether your shoulder problem is one where it may be considered.

Research on shockwave therapy for lateral elbow tendinopathy is mixed — some trials report benefit and some pooled analyses do not. It may be discussed as one option alongside loading and activity changes after evaluation.

Persistent Achilles tendon problems are among the lower-limb conditions where shockwave therapy has been studied, usually alongside progressive loading. Appropriateness depends on your specific diagnosis.

Active people and athletes frequently ask about shockwave therapy for overuse and tendon-related problems. As with anyone, it depends on the diagnosis, the demands of the sport and clinical judgment after evaluation.

SoftWave therapy is available through Total Health Chiropractic at 2201 E. Grantview Dr. #202 in Coralville, Iowa. You can call (319) 338-7025 to ask about an evaluation.

Pricing depends on the recommended treatment plan, so we do not publish a number we cannot verify. Call Total Health Chiropractic at (319) 338-7025 for current pricing.

Coverage for shockwave therapy varies by plan and is often not a covered benefit. Contact Total Health Chiropractic for current payment options and your specific situation.

Tawni Gentzler is Total Health Chiropractic's Head SoftWave Technician. Dr. Dillon Hammes, DC is the founder of the clinic and part of the clinical environment where evaluation and care take place.

Total Health Chiropractic is at 2201 E. Grantview Dr. #202, Coralville, IA 52241, in Johnson County, minutes from Iowa City. Phone: (319) 338-7025.

Requirements can depend on your insurance plan and situation. Call Total Health Chiropractic at (319) 338-7025 to ask what applies to you before scheduling.