Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Elk Rapids

If you’re dealing with stubborn heel pain that won’t go away, you’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain we see at Mitten Health & Performance in Elk Rapids.

For many people, stretching, rest, orthotics, or even injections only provide temporary relief. That’s where shockwave therapy comes in.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is irritation and degeneration of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes.

Most people feel:

• Sharp pain with the first steps in the morning

• Heel pain after sitting for long periods

• Pain that improves slightly with movement but returns later

• Tenderness directly at the heel

Chronic plantar fasciitis is often not inflammatory. It’s a degenerative issue where the tissue becomes unhealthy and lacks proper blood flow, which is why rest and anti-inflammatories don’t always work.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissue.

At Mitten Health & Performance in Elk Rapids, we use shockwave therapy to:

• Increase blood flow

• Stimulate tissue repair

• Break up chronic degenerative tissue

• Restart the body’s natural healing response

Think of it as “waking up” tissue that has stalled in the healing process.

Why Shockwave Works for Chronic Heel Pain

When plantar fasciitis lingers for months, the tissue often becomes thickened and poorly vascularized. Shockwave therapy creates controlled micro-stimulation in the area, encouraging:

• New blood vessel formation

• Collagen remodeling

• Improved tissue quality

• Reduced pain sensitivity

Many patients experience significant improvement without injections or surgery.

What a Shockwave Visit Looks Like

Shockwave therapy is not just a quick machine treatment. We evaluate:

• Foot mechanics

• Ankle mobility

• Calf tightness

• Hip stability

• Training or activity load

Shockwave is combined with specific mobility and strengthening strategies so the results last. Sessions are quick—typically 5–10 minutes—and most patients need a short series for the best results. Many notice improvement after the first session.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Shockwave therapy is ideal if:

• Your heel pain has lasted longer than 6 weeks

• Stretching and rest haven’t worked

• You want to avoid injections

• You’re active and want to stay that way

• You’re on your feet for work or training

Because we operate on a cash basis, care is straightforward and transparent, with no insurance surprises.

Is Shockwave Therapy Worth It?

For many patients in Elk Rapids and surrounding areas, shockwave therapy has been the turning point after months of frustration. It’s evidence-supported, non-invasive, and designed to improve tissue health rather than just mask symptoms.

If heel pain is limiting your workouts, your job, or your daily activities, it may be time to try something different.

Ready to Get Rid of Heel Pain?

If you’re looking for shockwave therapy in Elk Rapids or near Traverse City, we’d love to help.