Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis — Does It Really Work?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most stubborn and painful foot conditions, affecting thousands of Calgarians each year. If you’ve tried rest, stretching, and orthotics without lasting relief, shockwave therapy may be the breakthrough you need. At NW Chiropractic & Massage, Dr. Michael Lau offers extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in NW Calgary as a highly effective, non-invasive option for chronic plantar fasciitis.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. It increases blood flow, breaks down calcifications, and triggers the body’s natural repair process in the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot. It is safe, requires no anesthesia, and has no downtime.

What Does the Research Say?

Multiple clinical studies have shown that shockwave therapy produces significant improvement in plantar fasciitis pain and function, with success rates of 60–80% in patients who did not respond to conservative treatments. Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain scores and improved function at 3 and 6 months post-treatment.

What to Expect at NW Chiropractic & Massage

Most patients require 3–5 sessions spaced one week apart. During each session, a handheld device delivers shockwave pulses to the affected area. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during treatment, but most patients tolerate it well. Many experience a reduction in heel pain within the first 2–3 sessions.

Book Your Shockwave Therapy Consultation in NW Calgary

Stop letting plantar fasciitis keep you off your feet. Dr. Michael Lau, Calgary Chiropractor, offers shockwave therapy at NW Chiropractic & Massage, serving Brentwood, Dalhousie, Varsity, and NW Calgary. Located at 3604 52 Ave NW #138, Calgary, AB T2L 1V9. Call (403) 282-4004 or book online at nwcalgarychiro.janeapp.com.