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SoftWave Therapy St. Paul: A Breakthrough for Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis

Understanding the Challenge of Chronic Pain

Living with chronic tendon or ligament pain can make even the simplest activities challenging. Conditions like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis cause inflammation and tiny tears in the soft tissues that keep your body moving. Over time, the body’s ability to repair itself slows down, and pain becomes an ongoing part of daily life.

Most patients start with rest, ice, or pain medication but often find only short-term relief. Some are advised to consider injections or surgery. At St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, we offer a non-surgical alternative that promotes healing from within. SoftWave Therapy uses advanced acoustic wave technology to activate natural tissue repair, providing safe, lasting relief from chronic pain.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Tendonitis occurs when tendons become irritated or inflamed due to repetitive movement, overuse, or aging. It frequently affects areas such as the shoulder (rotator cuff), elbow, knee, and Achilles tendon. Activities that involve heavy lifting, overhead motions, or repetitive strain often contribute to the condition. Poor posture, weak supporting muscles, or previous injuries can also increase your risk.

Plantar fasciitis is another common condition that causes pain in the heel or arch of the foot. It develops when the thick tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes strained or inflamed. Long hours standing, wearing unsupportive shoes, flat feet, or walking barefoot on hard surfaces can worsen the pain.

Understanding what causes these injuries allows you to take proactive steps to prevent them. But when pain persists, effective treatment that targets the source of the problem—not just the symptoms—is essential.

What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy is a form of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) that uses true broad-focused acoustic waves. These gentle sound waves penetrate deep into the tissues, activating the body’s natural healing response without surgery, injections, or medication.

Each treatment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The device delivers controlled acoustic pulses through the affected area, stimulating cells and encouraging tissue regeneration. Patients typically feel mild tapping or vibration during treatment, and there is no downtime afterward.

Cleared by the FDA, SoftWave Therapy is used nationwide to relieve musculoskeletal pain, accelerate recovery, and support long-term joint and tendon health.

How SoftWave Therapy Heals

SoftWave Therapy promotes healing through multiple biological mechanisms that work together to restore tissue health:

  • Improved circulation: The therapy increases blood flow to the injured area, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support recovery.
  • Stem cell activation: SoftWave stimulates the body’s own stem cells, which are responsible for repairing damaged tissue.
  • Reduced inflammation: The acoustic waves calm overactive inflammatory signals, easing swelling and pain.
  • Breakdown of scar tissue: Over time, old scar tissue can limit flexibility. SoftWave helps remodel these tissues and restore normal movement.

Research shows that SoftWave Therapy can increase circulating stem cells by more than 200 percent during treatment, making it one of the most effective non-invasive options for chronic soft tissue injuries.

Conditions SoftWave Therapy Can Treat

SoftWave Therapy provides benefits for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including:

  • Tendonitis in the shoulder, elbow, knee, or Achilles tendon
  • Rotator cuff pain and shoulder impingement
  • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  • Chronic muscle strain or scar tissue buildup
  • Slow-healing soft tissue injuries

For patients in St. Paul seeking a science-backed, natural alternative to cortisone injections or surgery, SoftWave Therapy is a proven choice. Many athletes and active individuals also use this therapy as part of their rehabilitation or injury prevention programs.

Restoring Strength and Mobility

SoftWave Therapy not only relieves pain but also supports lasting healing by improving the structure and function of damaged tissue. For tendonitis, it reduces inflammation while stimulating collagen production and tissue repair, helping tendons become stronger and more flexible.

Patients with plantar fasciitis often notice improvement within the first few sessions. The therapy enhances circulation in the plantar fascia, easing morning heel pain and improving comfort throughout the day. Most importantly, it addresses the root cause of inflammation, helping patients walk and stand comfortably again without recurring pain.

Combining SoftWave Therapy with chiropractic care, stretching, and strengthening exercises can further improve results and prevent future injuries.

What to Expect During Treatment

SoftWave sessions are quick, comfortable, and performed right in our St. Paul clinic. You’ll sit or lie in a relaxed position while our team applies the therapy handpiece to the affected area. Mild soreness may follow the first session, similar to muscle fatigue after a workout, but this typically fades within 24 hours.

Many patients experience improvement after the first or second session, with continued progress as the body’s healing process accelerates. Most treatment plans include six to eight sessions, depending on the severity of the condition. Because SoftWave Therapy is non-invasive, you can return to work, exercise, and daily activities immediately after treatment

Why Choose St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center

Our clinic was among the first in the area to offer SoftWave Therapy, and we have seen excellent outcomes in patients who struggled with chronic tendon and foot pain for years. Our approach combines advanced technology with individualized care to ensure each patient achieves meaningful, lasting improvement.

When you choose SoftWave Therapy in St. Paul, you can expect:

  • A detailed evaluation to determine if SoftWave is right for you
  • Personalized treatment sessions based on your goals and condition
  • Integration with chiropractic care, decompression therapy, or rehabilitation exercises when appropriate
  • A caring team dedicated to helping you move and feel better naturally

Our patients often report significant improvements in comfort, mobility, and quality of life—without surgery or dependency on pain medication.

The Science Behind the Results

SoftWave Therapy has been extensively studied for its ability to enhance healing and reduce chronic pain. Clinical research shows that it stimulates the release of growth factors, improves blood vessel formation, and enhances collagen production, all of which are essential for tissue repair.

Unlike treatments that only mask discomfort, SoftWave Therapy corrects the underlying biological cause of chronic soft tissue injury. This is why results continue to improve even after completing a treatment program. Patients appreciate that it delivers long-term relief without injections, drugs, or recovery time.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

If you are living with tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or another chronic pain condition, SoftWave Therapy could be the solution you have been searching for. At St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, we use cutting-edge technology and compassionate care to help you recover naturally.Schedule your consultation today to learn how SoftWave Therapy in St. Paul can help you move freely, live comfortably, and rediscover your active lifestyle.

Insurance

We accept most major insurance plans, including HSA/HFA funds, and verify your coverage before your first visit at no cost; just bring your insurance card. We also coordinate with your primary care provider to ensure seamless care.

Hours

By appointment only

Monday: 9am – 12pm & 2pm – 6pm
Tuesday : By appointment
Wednesday: 9am – 12pm & 2pm – 6pm
Thursday: 12pm – 6pm
Friday: 9am – 1pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Patient Testimonial

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Emily Catton

Lead Spinal Rehabilitation Specialist

Emily serves as the Lead Spinal Rehabilitation Specialist at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where her exceptional patient care and clinical expertise have made her an invaluable member of our team since August 2017. As our most senior team member, Emily exemplifies the practice’s commitment to compassionate, comprehensive care.

Professional Background

Emily brings a strong academic foundation to her role, having graduated from Winona State University in 2017 with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Movement Science and Psychology. This interdisciplinary education uniquely positions her to understand both the physical and psychological aspects of patient rehabilitation, allowing her to deliver care that addresses the whole person.

Since joining our team, Emily has become an expert in our proprietary treatment protocols. Her advanced training includes certification as a registered Limited Scope X-ray operator, providing her with detailed knowledge of spinal anatomy and pathology that enhances her rehabilitation work.

Olivia

Lead SoftWave Technician Specialist

Olivia brings Southern warmth and exceptional expertise to St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where she has been an indispensable team member since 2018. Originally from Georgia, Olivia made Minnesota her home in 2010, establishing roots in East St. Paul and graduating from Johnson Senior High School before pursuing her passion for healing at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

With over a decade of experience in therapeutic bodywork, Olivia’s journey began as a certified massage therapist in 2016, quickly distinguishing herself through her remarkable ability to address soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions. Her skills and commitment to patient care gained Dr. Chris’s notice, resulting in a lasting professional partnership.

In January 2024, Olivia’s role evolved to Lead SoftWave Technician Specialist, where she skillfully applies Extra-Corporal Shock Wave Therapy to address knee pain, shoulder injuries, and various soft tissue conditions. Her extensive background in massage therapy provides her with an intuitive understanding of the body’s mechanics, allowing her to achieve exceptional results with SoftWave technology.

Olivia is also a key practitioner in our proprietary Spinal Rehabilitation Therapy (S.R.T.) program, working seamlessly alongside Emily to create a therapeutic environment that promotes optimal healing and recovery. Together, they form the backbone of our patient care team, establishing an atmosphere of comfort, trust, and clinical excellence that patients consistently praise.

What truly sets Olivia apart is her genuine compassion and unwavering reliability. She greets every patient with a warm smile, approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, and consistently demonstrates the perfect balance of technical skill and heartfelt care. Her humble nature belies her exceptional abilities, making her therapeutic presence all the more powerful.

Outside the clinic, Olivia embraces life’s simple joys with her 7-year-old daughter and spouse. She finds renewal through camping adventures, expresses her creativity through drawing, delights in culinary exploration, and soaks up Minnesota’s precious sunshine whenever possible.

We consider ourselves truly blessed to have Olivia as part of our healing community at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center, where her dedication continues to transform lives daily.

Molly

Office Manager

With over two decades of dedicated patient care experience, Molly brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her role as Office Manager at St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center.

After graduating from Century College’s Dental Assistant program in 2004, Molly built an impressive career as a Licensed Dental Assistant, developing exceptional skills in patient communication and healthcare administration.

Guided by her personal commitment to holistic wellness, Molly made a transformative career shift in Summer 2023 to align her professional path with her passion for natural health. She earned prestigious certifications from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Specialist, and Corrective Exercise Specialist—qualifications that provide her with unique insights into the comprehensive care our patients receive.

“What I value most about St. Paul Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Center is our team’s dedication to treating the whole person, not just symptoms,” Molly shares. “Seeing patients progress from pain to wellness is incredibly rewarding.”

As Office Manager, Molly expertly coordinates patient care while ensuring our practice runs smoothly. Her understanding of both administrative excellence and natural healing principles makes her an invaluable bridge between our clinical team and patients.

When not welcoming patients with her warm smile, Molly embraces life as a devoted mother to three daughters. Her personal wellness journey includes strength training and fitness activities—often making these family affairs. An avid home chef, she experiments with nutritious recipes and occasional treats, believing that balance is essential to well-being. In quieter moments, she finds inspiration through reading and creative writing, nurturing her lifelong love of storytelling. Molly’s adventurous spirit also drives her passion for travel and exploring new cultures.

Her philosophy perfectly complements our center’s mission: “True health comes from understanding the body’s natural healing abilities and supporting them through proper care, nutrition, and mindful living.”