RGV Foot & Ankle Institute
Shockwave
Therapy
Non-invasive acoustic wave treatment for chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy — serving McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and the Rio Grande Valley.
Shockwave Treatment for Chronic Foot & Heel Pain
Stimulate Your Body's Natural Healing
Shockwave therapy is a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment we use at RGV Foot & Ankle Institute to stimulate your body's natural healing response — especially for stubborn, chronic conditions that haven't responded to rest, stretching, orthotics, or injections.
It works by delivering high-frequency acoustic waves directly to injured tissue, promoting blood flow, breaking down scar tissue, and accelerating recovery.
It's quick, safe, and requires no downtime — making it an ideal solution for active South Texas patients who want lasting relief without surgery or cortisone.
Why Shockwave
A smarter way to heal stubborn injuries
Acoustic Wave Technology
Focused sound pulses penetrate deep into injured tissue to stimulate the body's natural healing response.
No Drugs, No Surgery
A completely non-invasive alternative to cortisone injections and surgical intervention.
Under 20 Minutes
Each in-clinic session is short, comfortable, and requires zero downtime — walk straight out the door.
Clinically Proven
Backed by years of research for chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other tendon disorders.
Conditions Treated
What Shockwave Can Help
We commonly use shockwave for chronic soft-tissue injuries that have lasted longer than six weeks and haven't responded to conservative care.
- Chronic heel pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Insertional and mid-portion tendonitis
- Patellar and other tendon-related injuries
- Calcific tendinopathy and heel spurs
- Stubborn soft-tissue injuries that haven't responded to other care
- Post-injury scar tissue and adhesions
How It Works
Your Shockwave Journey
Diagnostic Assessment
Dr. Galvan confirms shockwave is the right treatment for your condition through a full biomechanical and imaging review.
Targeted Treatment
A handheld applicator delivers controlled acoustic pulses directly to the injured tissue — most patients describe it as a firm tapping sensation.
Series of Sessions
Most patients complete 3 to 6 sessions, scheduled about a week apart, to allow tissue regeneration between treatments.
Return to Activity
There is no downtime — you can walk, work, and gradually return to running or sport as the tissue heals.
FAQ
Common Questions About Shockwave Therapy
What is shockwave therapy?+
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-frequency acoustic (sound) waves to stimulate healing in damaged tendon and soft tissue. It improves blood flow, breaks down scar tissue, and triggers your body's own repair processes — making it especially effective for chronic foot and heel pain that has not responded to other treatments.
Is shockwave therapy painful?+
Most patients describe shockwave as uncomfortable rather than painful — similar to a firm tapping or pulsing sensation. We adjust the intensity to your tolerance, and each session lasts under 10 minutes per area treated.
How many sessions will I need?+
Most patients see meaningful improvement after 3 to 6 weekly sessions. The exact number depends on how chronic and severe your condition is. We reassess after each session and adjust the plan accordingly.
How soon will I see results?+
Many patients notice reduced pain within the first 1 to 2 sessions, though the deeper tissue regeneration continues for 8 to 12 weeks after your treatment series is complete.
Is there any downtime?+
No. You can walk out of the clinic and return to work or normal daily activity immediately. We do recommend avoiding high-impact exercise like running for 24 to 48 hours after each session.
Who is a good candidate for shockwave therapy?+
Shockwave is ideal for patients with chronic soft-tissue pain — particularly plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other tendon injuries — that have lasted more than 6 weeks or have not responded to rest, stretching, orthotics, or injections.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?+
Coverage varies by plan. Our McAllen front desk team will verify your benefits and review out-of-pocket options before treatment. HSA and FSA accounts can typically be used.
Ready to end the pain?
Book a shockwave therapy assessment with Dr. Galvan and his team. Same-day appointments are often available across the Rio Grande Valley.
Other Services
Minimally Invasive Bunion & Hammertoe Surgery
Micro-incision bunion and hammertoe correction — minimal scarring, walk the same day, no general anesthesia.
Laser Nail Therapy
Advanced laser treatment for fungal toenails and psoriatic nails — safe, painless, and clinically proven.
Regenerative Therapies
PRP, prolotherapy, and biologic injections that accelerate your body's natural healing of chronic foot and ankle pain.