Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: Can It Really Help?
If you’ve been dealing with nagging heel pain for months, you’ve likely tried it all, rest, insoles, stretches, maybe even steroid injections. But the pain keeps returning, especially in the morning or after long periods on your feet.
For many people with plantar fasciitis, one treatment is proving to be a game-changer:
Shockwave therapy.
At Body Zest, we use it regularly to help clients find relief from long-term heel and arch pain. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot) becomes irritated, inflamed, or degenerated.
Common symptoms include:
Sharp pain in the heel, especially first thing in the morning
Discomfort after long periods of standing or walking
A tight or pulling sensation in the arch of the foot
It’s especially common in runners, people who stand all day, and those with tight calves, flat feet, or unsupportive footwear.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy (also called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT) involves delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area.
These waves help:
Stimulate blood flow
Break down scar tissue or calcification
Encourage tissue repair
Reduce pain by influencing nerve activity
It’s a non-invasive treatment used for various tendon and fascia conditions, including stubborn plantar fasciitis that hasn’t improved with rest or rehab alone.
What Does the Research Say?
Shockwave therapy has a growing evidence base, especially for chronic plantar fasciitis.
🔹 A 2018 review published in The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research concluded that shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in people with persistent plantar fasciitis.
🔹 Clinical studies report success rates of around 70–80%, particularly in those who’ve had symptoms for more than six months.
It’s not a magic wand, but it can be the missing piece when other treatments haven’t worked.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
At Body Zest, your session will typically involve:
A short assessment to confirm the diagnosis
A gel applied to the area for better sound wave transmission
Pulses of sound delivered via a handheld device to the heel and fascia
Sessions lasting around 10–15 minutes
The number of sessions you need can vary from person to person, depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms. Most people see improvement within a short course of treatment, with sessions usually spaced about a week apart.
Is It Right for Everyone?
Shockwave therapy is most effective when:
You’ve had symptoms for longer than 3 months
You’ve already tried basic rehab (like stretching and insoles)
Your pain is affecting your daily life or work
It's not suitable if you’re pregnant, have a blood clotting disorder, or are taking certain medications — which is why we always assess first.
How We Use Shockwave at Body Zest
We don’t rely on shockwave alone. At Body Zest, we combine it with:
Hands-on treatment to improve lower limb mobility
Targeted rehab to strengthen weak areas
Footwear and lifestyle advice to reduce re-aggravation
This integrated approach gives your foot the best chance to heal, and stay pain-free in the long term.
Final Thoughts
If plantar fasciitis is making every step a struggle, and the usual treatments haven’t worked, shockwave therapy might be worth considering.
It’s not about masking the pain, it’s about restarting your body’s healing process when it’s got stuck.
Want to know if shockwave is right for you? We’re always happy to answer your questions.