04/21/2025
I always get asked if I Shockwave and Laser every patient. And, the answer is no! I only use the modalities when it's appropriate and indicated, and that is determined AFTER a thorough history and clinical assessment.
This patient came in with a diagnosis of posterior tibialis tendinitis that began out of the blue in April 2024. With no cause of the pain and symptoms, the unpredictability of the pain and swelling, and the slloooww progress they were making, the diagnosis didn't quite add up.
After a neurovisceral LTAP assessment it was identified that there was a CNS protection pattern in place and after addressing this the patient gained 50% range of motion in their foot in the first session!
Completing a thorough assessment, listening to the body and starting where we need to took this patient from 9/10 pain, dreading taking their sock off and seeing how swollen their foot was, and not being able to do their PT consistently without flare ups ➡️ to No pain, minimal swelling, doing the activities that they want when they want, and finally being able to strength train without major set backs in FOUR sessions.
All of this change without every touching their posterior tib tendon. No shockwave. No laser. Just listening to their symptoms and assessing their body to know where to treat.
Two big take aways from this patient's win
1) Imaging and MRIs provide us information, but they are not gospel. A proper clinical assessment is needed to treat the patient in front of you instead of treating just the MRI report.
2) Shockwave and Laser is a tool and should be used when it's needed as it's needed. Not every injury is appropriate for it, and some injuries need other things first before we use them. I have over 10 years experience using shockwave combined with laser therapy and know when it should work, and when it will not.
Curious if shockwave and laser therapy is appropriate for you? Send a DM and let's talk.
