Why Chronic Pain Doesn’t Heal — And How Shockwave Therapy Can Help in Sanford, FL

If you’ve been dealing with pain that just won’t fully go away — even after rest, stretching, or other treatments — you’re not alone. Chronic pain doesn’t always mean something is “seriously wrong,” but it often means the body hasn’t been able to complete the normal healing process.

At Journey Spinal Care in Sanford, FL, we work with many patients who say things like, “It’s better than it was, but not gone,” or “It flares up every time I return to normal activity.” Understanding why pain becomes chronic is the first step toward finding lasting relief.

Learn more about our overall approach on the Services page.

What Chronic Pain Really Means

Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that lasts longer than expected for normal tissue healing — often three months or more. This doesn’t necessarily mean there is ongoing damage, but it does suggest that the affected tissue, joints, or nervous system are no longer functioning optimally.

Chronic pain is common in areas like the low back, hips, shoulders, neck, and feet, and we often see it associated with everyday stressors such as prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, old injuries, or postural strain.

Why Some Pain Becomes “Stuck”

When pain lingers, it’s usually due to a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Over time, the body can adapt in ways that unintentionally keep pain patterns going.

Common contributors include:

• Reduced circulation to irritated tissue

• Adhesions or scar tissue that limit movement

• Chronic muscle tension or trigger points

• Altered nerve sensitivity, where the area becomes more reactive

• Compensation patterns, where other muscles or joints take over

  
  

These changes can develop gradually — even without a major injury — and make pain harder to resolve with rest alone.

Learn how soft tissue tension is addressed through bodywork and shockwave therapy.

Why Stretching and Rest Aren’t Always Enough

Stretching and rest are helpful tools, but they don’t always address the deeper reasons chronic pain persists. In long-standing conditions, tissue may need stimulation to improve circulation, encourage remodeling, and reduce pain sensitivity.

This is where additional conservative therapies — such as radial shockwave therapy — can play a role, especially when progress has plateaued.

How Shockwave Therapy Can Support Chronic Pain Relief

Radial shockwave therapy, also known clinically as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses mechanical acoustic pressure waves applied to targeted areas of chronic tissue irritation.

These pressure waves may help by:

• Improving local blood flow

• Reducing pain sensitivity in chronically irritated tissue

• Disrupting adhesions or tight tissue restrictions

• Supporting the body’s natural tissue-healing processes

  
  

Shockwave therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with chiropractic care or bodywork, depending on what best fits your condition and goals. There is no requirement to combine services — care is always individualized.

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Conditions Where Shockwave Therapy Is Commonly Used

Shockwave therapy is often considered for chronic, mechanical musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

• Shoulder blade and upper back trigger points

• Hip and gluteal pain

• Knee tendon pain

• Chronic muscle tightness or overuse injuries

  
  

It is especially helpful when symptoms have been slow to resolve or keep returning with activity.

Research Insight: Shockwave Therapy and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Research supports the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) — including radial shockwave — for addressing chronic musculoskeletal pain. A recent peer-reviewed article published in Medical Hypotheses describes how shockwave therapy may help chronic pain by influencing biological processes such as local circulation, cellular repair, and tissue remodeling in areas that have been slow to heal. These mechanisms provide a scientific basis for why shockwave therapy can reduce pain and improve function when symptoms persist despite other conservative treatments.

This evidence reinforces the role of shockwave as a safe, non-invasive option that can complement or, in some cases, stand alone as part of a personalized approach to chronic tendon, muscle, and soft-tissue discomfort. Read the full article on ScienceDirect.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

Shockwave therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone, and it’s not meant to replace medical care when red flags are present. That’s why we always start with a thorough evaluation.

If shockwave therapy makes sense for your condition, we’ll discuss it with you — clearly,

honestly, and without pressure. Some patients benefit from shockwave alone, while others may choose to combine it with chiropractic care or bodywork. The plan is always yours.

Your Next Step Toward Relief

Living with chronic pain can be frustrating — especially when you’re doing “all the right things” and still not getting the results you want. Understanding why pain persists opens the door to more effective, targeted care.

You can book your appointment online, explore our FAQs for common questions about treatment, or contact us directly to learn more.

You can also call or text us at 321-926-4565 — we’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you schedule your visit.