Shockwave Therapy in San Antonio, TX | Dr. Dan Foss
Shockwave therapy at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio delivers targeted acoustic energy to break down scar tissue, stimulate healing, and resolve chronic pain conditions.
When chronic pain has resisted physical therapy, injections, and conventional treatment, shockwave therapy in San Antonio offers a powerful non-surgical solution. At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Dan Foss uses shockwave technology to break up scar tissue, stimulate cellular repair, and restore function.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy acoustic pulses into damaged tissue, breaking down calcifications and scar tissue, increasing blood flow, and activating the body's natural healing cascade. It is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and has no significant recovery time.
The technology was originally developed to break up kidney stones and has since been adapted with tremendous success for musculoskeletal conditions. Extensive clinical research supports its effectiveness for chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries that have failed to respond to other treatments.
Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Plantar Fasciitis and Chronic Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common and frustrating causes of heel pain, often persisting for months despite rest, stretching, and orthotics. Shockwave breaks up calcifications and scar tissue in the plantar fascia and stimulates genuine tissue repair. Studies show success rates of 70–90% for plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conventional care.
Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons cause severe, recurring shoulder pain. Shockwave disintegrates these deposits non-surgically, providing lasting relief without the risks of injections or surgery.
Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow
Chronic lateral and medial epicondylitis develop when micro-tears in the forearm tendons fail to heal properly. Shockwave stimulates the degenerative tendon tissue to begin a true healing response, often resolving pain that has persisted for years.
Patellar Tendinopathy
Athletes and active individuals suffering from chronic knee tendon pain find significant relief with shockwave therapy, which penetrates deep into the patellar tendon to stimulate healing at the cellular level.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Chronic Achilles tendon pain is notoriously difficult to treat. Shockwave therapy has strong clinical evidence for both mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy and insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
Chronic Low Back Pain
Shockwave therapy can be used on the muscles and connective tissues of the lower back, addressing trigger points and myofascial restrictions that contribute to chronic lumbar pain.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical session lasts 10 to 20 minutes. Dr. Foss applies a gel to the treatment area and delivers shockwave pulses with a handheld probe, targeting the precise areas of damage identified in your assessment. Most treatment protocols involve 3 to 6 sessions spaced one week apart.
During a session, you may feel a tapping sensation and some discomfort as the pulses penetrate into the damaged tissue — this indicates the therapy is reaching the target area. After the session, the treated area may be sore for 24 to 48 hours, similar to a deep tissue massage. This is part of the healing response. Most patients notice meaningful improvement after 2 to 3 sessions.
How Shockwave Fits Into Your Care Plan
Shockwave therapy pairs especially well with:
- Chiropractic Adjustments — Restoring joint alignment while shockwave heals soft tissue
- SoftWave Therapy — Combining acoustic wave modalities for enhanced regenerative effect
- Class IV Laser Therapy — Reducing inflammation while shockwave breaks down scar tissue
Why Choose Dr. Dan Foss for Shockwave Therapy in San Antonio
Dr. Foss brings over 23 years of clinical experience to every patient encounter. His background in Advanced SOT Chiropractic allows him to assess not just the local area of pain but the underlying structural and biomechanical factors that caused the problem. Shockwave therapy is delivered in the context of a whole-body treatment plan — not as a standalone procedure — which produces better and more lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy painful? Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment, particularly in highly sensitive areas. Dr. Foss adjusts the intensity based on your tolerance.
How many sessions will I need? Most conditions respond well to 3 to 6 sessions. Dr. Foss will give you a specific recommendation based on your diagnosis and how your body responds.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance? Coverage varies. Our office can help you verify your benefits and discuss payment options.
Serving San Antonio and Beyond
Pura Vida Chiropractic serves patients from Helotes, Boerne, Shavano Park, Stone Oak, Castle Hills, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, and the Medical Center. If you've been living with chronic pain and haven't found lasting relief, shockwave therapy may be exactly what you need.
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- Contact Us
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Pura Vida Chiropractic 2318 NW Military Hwy #103, San Antonio, TX 78231 📞 Call (210) 685-1994 🕐 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
