Muscle & Joint Clinic
Non-Surgical Heel Pain Relief

End Chronic Heel Pain
Without Surgery or Injections

Focused shockwave therapy (ESWT) is clinically proven to resolve plantar fasciitis — even when physio, orthotics, and cortisone have failed.

91%Success rate in clinical trials
3–5Sessions to lasting relief
0Days of surgery downtime
⭐ 4.9/5 from 100+ patients
🏥 ISMST-recognised treatment protocol
📅 Same-week appointments available
📍 San Rafael, CA

Plantar Fasciitis Is More Than Just Heel Pain

It steals your first steps in the morning, limits your activity, and often gets worse the longer it's left untreated.

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Morning Stabbing Pain

Sharp pain with your very first steps — worse after rest, slightly easing as you walk it off.

Heel Pain After Activity

Pain that flares up after standing, walking, or exercise — then lingers for hours afterward.

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Arch & Heel Tenderness

Aching along the bottom of your foot, particularly at the point where your heel meets your arch.

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Symptoms That Keep Returning

You've tried rest, physio, and orthotics — but the pain keeps coming back when you resume activity.

How Focused Shockwave Therapy Works

ESWT uses precisely targeted acoustic wave energy to stimulate the body's natural healing response in the damaged plantar fascia tissue.

1

Diagnostic Assessment

We confirm your diagnosis with clinical examination and imaging, identifying the exact location and severity of your plantar fascia injury.

2

Targeted Shockwave Delivery

A focused shockwave handpiece delivers high-energy acoustic waves precisely to the damaged tissue, breaking down chronic inflammation and scar tissue.

3

Biological Healing Cascade

ESWT stimulates blood vessel growth, collagen production, and stem cell activity — rebuilding healthy tendon and fascia tissue.

4

Progressive Recovery

Most patients experience significant improvement after 3 sessions. Full relief typically achieved within 6–12 weeks of completing treatment.

A Better Alternative to Cortisone & Surgery

When conservative treatments have failed, most patients are offered cortisone or surgery. Focused shockwave therapy offers a superior third path.

❌ Cortisone Injections & Surgery
❌ Cortisone weakens fascia tissue with repeated use
❌ Surgery carries infection and nerve damage risk
❌ Weeks to months of post-surgical downtime
❌ Temporary relief — doesn't heal the tissue
❌ High re-injury rate once cortisone wears off
✅ Focused Shockwave Therapy
✅ Stimulates genuine tissue repair and healing
✅ Non-invasive — no incisions, no anaesthesia
✅ Return to normal activity immediately after sessions
✅ Long-lasting results — addresses the root cause
✅ 91%+ success rate in peer-reviewed clinical studies

What the Research Shows

Focused ESWT for plantar fasciitis has been validated in multiple randomised controlled trials and is recognised as a standard treatment by the ISMST.

91%
Of patients report significant pain reduction after completing ESWT treatment
3–5
Average number of sessions to achieve lasting plantar fasciitis relief
2M+
People treated for plantar fasciitis annually — ESWT is first-line for chronic cases

Clinical data: ISMST Guidelines; Rompe et al. (2010), J Bone & Joint Surgery; Gerdesmeyer et al. (2008), Am J Sports Medicine

Real Patients. Real Results.

Hear from patients who ended years of chronic heel pain with focused shockwave therapy at Muscle & Joint Clinic.

★★★★★
"I had plantar fasciitis for three years. I tried cortisone shots, ibuprofen, Celebrex, custom insoles, and acupuncture. None of it worked — it would help for a little bit and then stop. Coming to Dr. Derik and Muscle & Joint Clinic finally changed that."
Elise S. — Avid walker
★★★★★
"Muscle & Joint Clinic has helped relieve the pain in my feet so much. I can get out of bed without pain, do Pilates, and hike.
My life is restored."
Dawn — Fitness enthusiast
★★★★★
"Ankle tendonitis had taken over my life — I could barely get through a workday. Dr. Anderson kept looking for new approaches and stayed just as invested in my recovery as I was. They got me back to the things I love."
Emma — Exercise Tech Professional

Frequently Asked Questions

Is focused shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients experience a tolerable discomfort during treatment — often described as a strong tapping or pressure sensation. Sessions last only 10–15 minutes, and the mild discomfort is a normal sign the therapy is working. No anaesthesia is required.
How many sessions will I need?
Most plantar fasciitis patients achieve lasting relief with 3–5 weekly sessions. We'll assess your specific case at consultation and give you a personalised treatment plan. Many patients notice improvement after just 1–2 sessions.
How long will results last?
Unlike cortisone injections, ESWT stimulates genuine tissue repair. Clinical studies show results are durable — the vast majority of patients maintain their improvement at 12-month follow-up.
Can I walk and work normally during treatment?
Yes. There is no recovery downtime. Most patients return to normal daily activities immediately. We recommend reducing high-impact activities (running, jumping) for 48 hours after each session, but walking and normal work are fine.
Is ESWT covered by insurance?
Many private insurance plans cover ESWT for plantar fasciitis as it is a recognised, evidence-based treatment. Our team can provide documentation to support your insurance claim.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
Ideal candidates have had plantar fasciitis symptoms for more than 3 months and have tried conservative treatments (rest, physio, orthotics) without sufficient improvement. We'll assess your suitability at your free consultation.

Book Your Free Consultation

Same-week appointments available. Our specialist will assess your suitability for ESWT and answer all your questions — at no charge.

  • Free 30-minute initial consultation
  • Full clinical assessment of your plantar fasciitis
  • Personalised ESWT treatment plan
  • Transparent pricing — no hidden costs
  • Same-week appointment slots available
  • No obligation to proceed with treatment
Prefer to call?
📞 415-488-5372
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat 8am–2pm

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