Shockwave Therapy vs Injections in Evansville, IN: Comparing Non-Surgical Pain Treatment Options

Many Evansville residents dealing with chronic joint or soft tissue pain eventually face a difficult decision. After weeks or months of discomfort, the conversation often turns to injections—such as cortisone—or the possibility of surgery.

Before taking that step, it’s important to understand all available options. Two commonly discussed non-surgical approaches are shockwave therapy and injections. While both aim to reduce pain, they work in very different ways. Start your shockwave therapy at Lobacz Chiropractic.

Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision about your care.

Why Injections Are Commonly Recommended

Injections are often suggested because they can provide relatively fast symptom relief. Depending on the type, injections may:

• Reduce inflammation

• Temporarily block pain signals

• Decrease swelling in irritated tissue

For some people in Evansville, injections offer short-term improvement, especially when pain is severe.

However, injections are primarily symptom-focused and do not always address the underlying tissue health or mechanical issues contributing to pain.

Limitations of Injections

While injections can be helpful in certain situations, they may also have limitations, including:

• Temporary relief rather than long-term improvement

• Repeated injections often needed

• Potential weakening of soft tissues over time

• Activity restrictions following the procedure

For individuals seeking a more conservative, tissue-focused approach, injections may not always align with long-term goals.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic (sound) waves applied directly to injured or degenerated tissue. The goal is to support circulation, stimulate cellular activity, and encourage the body’s natural repair processes.

Shockwave therapy is commonly used for conditions such as:

• Chronic knee pain

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

• Shoulder and rotator cuff-related pain

• Tendon and soft tissue injuries

It is often considered when pain has persisted despite rest, physical therapy, or other conservative care.

How Shockwave Therapy Differs From Injections

The key difference between shockwave therapy and injections is how they address pain.

Injections:

• Aim to reduce inflammation or block pain

• Often provide temporary symptom relief

• Do not directly stimulate tissue healing

Shockwave Therapy:

• Focuses on improving tissue health

• Encourages circulation and cellular repair

• Designed to address chronic tissue irritation

Because of this difference, many Evansville patients explore shockwave therapy as an alternative to repeated injections.

Comparing Recovery and Downtime

Another important consideration is recovery time.

• Injections may require rest or activity modification afterward.

• Shockwave therapy typically allows patients to remain active during care, with minimal downtime.

This makes shockwave therapy appealing for individuals who want to continue working or staying active during treatment.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The right approach depends on several factors, including:

• The type and duration of your pain

• Previous treatments you’ve tried

• Your activity level and goals

• Your preference for conservative care

Some patients may benefit from injections, while others prefer to explore non-invasive options like shockwave therapy first.

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine which approach may be most appropriate for your condition. Get your evaluation started at Lobacz Chiropractic.

Non-Surgical Pain Treatment Options in Evansville

If you live in Evansville, Newburgh, Henderson, or nearby communities and are dealing with chronic joint or soft tissue pain, it’s important to understand all available non-surgical options.

Conservative care focuses on supporting healing, improving mobility, and reducing reliance on invasive procedures whenever possible.

Take the Next Step

If you’re unsure whether injections or shockwave therapy are right for you, an evaluation can help identify the underlying contributors to your pain and determine which approach aligns best with your goals. We're here to help your on taking your next steps with Lobacz Chiropractic.