Shockwave Therapy In West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or SoftWave therapy, delivers controlled acoustic wave energy to a targeted area of soft tissue. The energy stimulates the body’s natural repair response, promotes new blood vessel formation in areas of chronic tendon or tissue damage, and may reduce local inflammation and pain signals in the treated tissue.
The treatment is non-invasive. No needles, no incisions, and no recovery time. Sessions typically take 10 to 15 minutes per treatment area, and most patients require a series of sessions spaced over several weeks. Shockwave therapy is used most often for chronic tendon conditions, plantar fasciitis, and soft tissue injuries that have not responded to more conservative care.
What Shockwave Therapy Can Help With
Shockwave therapy is most effective for chronic soft tissue and tendon conditions, particularly those that have plateaued with other conservative treatment.
Tendon pain and tendinopathy. Chronic tendon conditions in the shoulder, elbow, knee, and Achilles often respond well to shockwave therapy. The acoustic energy can stimulate repair in tissue that has not healed properly after repeated strain.
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Shockwave therapy is one of the most evidence-supported non-surgical options for chronic plantar fasciitis. Patients who have had heel pain for months and have not found lasting relief with orthotics or stretching often see meaningful improvement with a treatment series.
Calcific shoulder tendinitis. In cases where calcium deposits have formed in shoulder tendons, shockwave therapy may help break down those deposits and restore more normal tissue function.
Knee and hip soft tissue conditions. Chronic pain in the IT band, patellar tendon, and hip flexor attachments may respond to shockwave therapy when other approaches have not provided lasting relief.
Chronic muscle trigger points. Shockwave energy can be used to address persistent muscular trigger points that are contributing to regional pain and movement restriction.
When Shockwave Therapy May Not Be Appropriate
Shockwave therapy is not the right starting point for every patient. During your evaluation, our team reviews your health history, symptoms, examination findings, and any relevant imaging to determine whether this care fits your situation. If your symptoms point to a condition outside the clinic’s scope, we may recommend medical evaluation or referral before beginning care. Being clear about who this care does and does not fit is part of how Vero Health Center builds a plan you can trust.
Conditions We Treat With Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is most often applied to chronic soft tissue and tendon conditions involving the extremities and spine. The conditions below are among those where this treatment may be clinically appropriate.
Who This Service Is For
Shockwave therapy is best suited to patients with chronic soft tissue or tendon conditions, typically those that have been present for three months or more and have not responded fully to other conservative treatment. Patients who have already tried rest, physical therapy, cortisone injections, or other interventions without lasting relief are often the strongest candidates.
Shockwave therapy is not typically appropriate for acute injuries, areas with active inflammation, patients who are pregnant, or patients with certain systemic conditions. The evaluation will determine whether your case fits.
You may be a good fit for shockwave therapy if:
- You have had chronic tendon, heel, or soft tissue pain for three months or more
- Rest and conservative treatment have provided only temporary relief
- You want to avoid injections or surgery for a musculoskeletal condition
- You have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, tendinopathy, or a chronic soft tissue condition
- You are willing to commit to a treatment series over several weeks
How Vero Health Center Provides Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy at Vero Health Center is delivered using SoftWave technology, a radial shockwave system that applies acoustic energy to the treatment area. Sessions are brief and are typically performed alongside other components of the patient’s care plan.
Pre-Treatment Evaluation
Before beginning shockwave therapy, we confirm the diagnosis and evaluate whether the treatment area and presentation are appropriate for this modality. This step is not skipped, even for patients who have already been diagnosed elsewhere.
Targeted Acoustic Wave Application
A handheld applicator is placed against the treatment area with ultrasound gel. Controlled acoustic wave pulses are delivered to the targeted tissue over the course of a short session, typically 10 to 15 minutes per area. Most patients report feeling pressure and mild discomfort rather than sharp pain.
Series And Progress Monitoring
Most patients receive a series of 5 to 10 sessions spaced approximately one week apart, though the protocol may vary based on the condition and response. We monitor progress across sessions and adjust accordingly.
What Our Patients Are Saying
What To Expect At Your First Shockwave Therapy Visit
Your first shockwave visit includes an evaluation to confirm you are a candidate, followed by the first session if appropriate.
Scheduling And Intake
Contact us to schedule. Let us know the area and condition you want addressed so we can prepare for the evaluation.
Evaluation And Candidacy Confirmation
We assess the treatment area, confirm the diagnosis, and determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your presentation. If it is not the right fit, we will tell you that directly and discuss what alternatives may apply.
First Shockwave Session
If you are a candidate and ready to proceed, we deliver the first session that day. We explain what you will feel, and we monitor your response throughout.
Post-Session Guidance
After the session, we explain what to expect in the days that follow. Mild soreness in the treatment area is common after the first one or two sessions. We discuss how to care for the area between sessions.
Series Planning
We set a clear schedule for the remaining sessions and explain what progress markers we expect to see over the course of the series.
Related Services
Shockwave therapy is frequently combined with chiropractic care and other services at Vero Health Center. Explore related options:
Neurologically Based Chiropractic Care
An approach to evaluation and treatment centered on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system.
Integrative Health
A coordinated approach that brings together various treatments and support best suited to your condition, goals, and overall well-being.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
A controlled, motorized therapy that gently stretches the spine to reduce intradiscal pressure.
Regenerative Medicine
A category of treatments designed to support or stimulate the body's natural tissue repair processes. Used for patients with joint degeneration, tendon damage, and soft tissue conditions where the underlying tissue integrity has been compromised.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Sources And Clinical References
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients experience pressure and mild discomfort during treatment, particularly during the first one or two sessions. The intensity can be adjusted based on your comfort. Many patients find subsequent sessions more tolerable as the tissue responds to treatment.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?
Most protocols involve 5 to 10 sessions spaced approximately one week apart, though the number can vary based on the condition being treated and how your tissue responds. We will outline the expected series during your first visit.
How soon will I notice results from shockwave therapy?
Some patients notice improvement within the first few sessions. Others see more gradual change over the course of the series and in the weeks following the last session. Shockwave therapy stimulates a biological repair process that continues after treatment ends.
Does insurance cover shockwave therapy?
Coverage for shockwave therapy varies significantly by insurer and plan. We are in network with most major insurance companies including: Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare.
Is there anything I should avoid after a shockwave session?
We recommend avoiding high-impact activity in the treatment area for 24 to 48 hours after each session. We will provide specific post-session guidance based on where and what was treated.
Can shockwave therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is frequently combined with chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and rehabilitation as part of an integrative plan. Combining modalities often produces better outcomes than shockwave alone.
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Read This ArticleBook Shockwave Therapy in West Des Moines
Chronic tendon and soft tissue pain can be stubborn, but it often responds to care that targets the underlying tissue damage. Shockwave therapy at Vero Health Center stimulates your body’s own repair process to address the underlying tissue damage driving your symptoms. If you have had heel pain, shoulder pain, or another soft tissue condition that has not responded to other care, contact us to find out if you are a candidate.