Shockwave & SoftWave™ Therapy in Ames, IA: Transforming Pain Treatment

As a chiropractor in Ames, IA, I often encounter patients who have "tried everything" to resolve their chronic pain and are frustrated. I frequently meet patients with long-standing heel pain from plantar fasciitis, nagging tendonitis from sports, or chronic back and neck pain that disrupts their daily lives. Many patients meet me after months or even years of attempts to resolve their pain, only to meet me for care as a last resort.

The good news for these patients is that treatments like Shockwave Therapy and SoftWave™ Therapy are changing the treatment of pain in Iowa. These treatments provide another option for people suffering from chronic pain so that the patient can heal without the need for surgery, opioids, or other more invasive approaches.

In this article, I want to explain what these treatments are, the science behind the treatments, what conditions are alleviated, and how receiving care from a chiropractor for these interventions might yield better results than other approaches.

What Is Shockwave & SoftWave™ Therapy?

Essentially, Shockwave Therapy, also referred to as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT, and SoftWave™ Therapy deliver high-energy acoustic waves to activate the human healing process. The acoustic waves penetrate the skin and soft tissue to stimulate damaged and inflamed areas where standard treatment may not effectively reach.

 

Here's what happens when we apply shockwave or SoftWave™ therapy:
 

Improved blood flow

Poor blood flow is a major reason chronic injuries can last months or years. Shockwave therapy will promote the creation of new blood vessels and has been demonstrated to also increase blood flow to the injured area. 
 

Reduction of scar tissue

Chronic injuries are problematic when there are high amounts of scar tissue. Scar tissue builds around the injury and does not allow movement while causing stiffness. Acoustic waves dissipate scar tissue and allow the injury to heal and restore movement. 
 

Accelerated regeneration

Shockwave Therapy releases growth factors and stem cells in the body as it is applied, which helps the tissue heal better and faster. 
 

Pain reduction

The shockwave will reduce inflammation and trigger the lower nerve sensitivity, which allows for long-term pain relief.
 

Both therapies are:

• Non-invasive – no needles, no incisions.    

• Drug-free – no dependence on medications. 

• Clinically proven – backed by years of medical research.

• Safe – with minimal side effects, typically just mild soreness that resolves quickly.

For patients in Ames, IA, this means real healing without the risks or downtime associated with surgery.
 

Conditions We Treat with Shockwave & SoftWave™ Therapy

At our chiropractic clinic in Ames, we have had the pleasure of successfully using shockwave and SoftWave™ therapies to treat a variety of musculoskeletal issues. Here are some of the most common conditions we have successfully treated using shockwave and SoftWave™ therapies: 
 

Plantar Fasciitis 

One of the top reasons patients seek shockwave therapy here in Iowa is heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that can make every step painful. In this condition, shockwave therapy is intended to break apart microtears in the fascia and promote tissue repair and modify or deactivate painful areas. We have seen many patients with plantar fasciitis have lasting relief using the shockwave therapy icon.  
 

Tendinitis & Tendinopathy

Whether it is tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, or Achilles tendinitis, these issues typically respond well to acoustic wave therapy. By targeting the damaged tendon, we reduce inflammation and restore strength.
 

Sports Injuries

Then we have a lot of athletes in Ames and the surrounding areas in Iowa who have used the SoftWave™ therapy to recover more quickly from sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. One of the best features of SoftWave™ therapy is that it is typically non-invasive, and it often allows patients to continue with light activity while healing.
 

Chronic Joint Pain 

Patients who are suffering from arthritis or other joint issues have used shockwave therapy as a natural option to relieve conditions, promote cartilage health, and reduce stiffness in joints.
 

Neck and Back Pain

Lastly, what most people don't recognize as spinal pain is often a complexity of soft tissue damage and scar tissue surrounding the spine. When a combination of chiropractic adjustment of the spine and SoftWave™ therapy is used, soft tissue (muscles) that surround the spine can be re-educated, restored, and modified.
 

Why Choose a Chiropractor in Ames, IA for This Therapy?

While physical therapists and other providers may also offer shockwave therapy, there are key advantages to receiving treatment from a chiropractor:
 

Holistic musculoskeletal focus 

Chiropractors recognize the impact of spinal position on muscle balance and joint function.

We treat the entire person, as well as the cause of the pain, rather than just where you feel pain.
 

Chiropractic therapy integration 

When SoftWave™ therapy is combined with chiropractic care of the spine (such as neck care), the treatment is typically faster and longer lasting because both the structural and soft tissue elements are treated at one time.
 

Individualized treatment

Each patient's body responds differently. We, as chiropractors, adjust the number and intensity of therapy accordingly to your needs.
 

Prevention 

Not only do we treat your pain, but we also work with you on your posture, how you move, and how you live to reduce the future risk of injury.
 

What to Expect During Treatment?

If you're new to shockwave or SoftWave™ therapy, you might wonder what the process feels like. 

Here's what you can expect:

Consultation & Exam 

We'll evaluate your condition, review your medical history, and confirm that you're a good candidate.
 

Treatment Sessions  

During therapy, a handheld device delivers acoustic waves directly to the painful area. Patients typically describe it as a deep tapping or pulsing sensation.
 

Duration  

Sessions usually last 10–20 minutes, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
 

Frequency 

Most patients benefit from 3–6 treatments, spaced about a week apart.
 

Recovery

There's no downtime; you can walk out of the office and continue your day. Mild soreness is normal but usually resolves quickly.

Patients often notice improvements after the very first session, with full benefits building over time.
 

Real Results in Ames & Across Iowa

We are completely wowed by the impact this therapy has made in the lives of our patients. I've seen people who have had chronic heel pain for months and, after just a few treatments, begin walking again with ease.

I've seen athletes who were sidelined by tendon injuries return to training stronger than ever before. I've seen office workers with nagging neck pain who have been so distracted at work, finally being able to do their jobs without constant discomfort.

In fact, most patients gain significant, long-term relief from their symptoms in 3–6 sessions, depending on their injury.  And, because the therapy is focused on addressing their injury and the underlying healing, it's common for them to continue to improve even after their treatment plan is completed.

This is why patients from all over Iowa, not just Ames, IA, are beginning to seek Shockwave Therapy and SoftWave™ Therapy as alternatives to injections or surgery.