Who benefits most

Conditions Treated with Radial Pressure Wave Therapy

RPW therapy is particularly effective for chronic soft-tissue conditions — those that have lingered for weeks or months and haven't responded fully to rest, stretching, or other conservative measures.

Plantar Fasciitis

Persistent heel and arch pain caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia — one of the most common applications for RPW therapy.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Chronic Achilles pain and stiffness, particularly midportion or insertional, that resists standard conservative care.

Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis — pain and weakness at the outer elbow from overloaded wrist-extensor tendons. Common in athletes and desk workers alike.

Golfer's Elbow

Medial epicondylitis affecting the inner elbow and forearm — often lingers without targeted tendon-level treatment.

Shoulder Tendinopathy

Rotator cuff tendinopathy, calcific deposits, and chronic shoulder impingement pain that limits range of motion and daily function.

Chronic Muscle & Trigger-Point Pain

Deep muscular tension and myofascial trigger points that haven't released with massage, stretching, or other soft-tissue work.

The science behind the treatment

How Radial Pressure Wave Therapy Works

RPW technology addresses the root tissue environment — not just the pain signal. Here is what happens during and after each session.

  1. Acoustic waves penetrate the target tissue

    A handheld applicator delivers precisely controlled radial pressure waves into the skin and down through the soft tissue. The energy disperses outward from the applicator tip, covering the full depth of the affected tendon or muscle belly — without incision or injection.

  2. Cellular microtrauma triggers the healing cascade

    The mechanical energy creates controlled micro-stimulation at the tissue level. This activates the body's biological repair response — new blood vessel formation (neovascularization), increased circulation, and the migration of repair cells into the affected area.

  3. Calcifications and scar tissue are broken down

    Chronic tendon conditions often involve calcific deposits and disorganized scar tissue that impairs healing. The pressure waves mechanically disrupt these structures, making them easier for the body to resorb and remodel over the following weeks.

  4. Pain modulation begins

    RPW therapy affects local pain receptors (substance P reduction) and gate-control pain pathways, which is why many patients notice a reduction in baseline pain even between early sessions — not just during treatment.

  5. Tissue remodeling continues between sessions

    The most significant healing happens in the days after each treatment — not only during the session itself. Spacing sessions approximately one week apart allows this remodeling phase to occur before the next round of stimulation, compounding the effect over the course of treatment.

The device we use

Chattanooga Intelect RPW 2

Not all shockwave units are the same. The Chattanooga Intelect RPW 2 is a clinical-grade radial pressure wave system used in chiropractic and physical therapy settings worldwide. We chose it for its precision, reliability, and the breadth of clinical evidence supporting its applicator technology.

  • Radial Pressure Wave delivery — acoustic energy disperses outward from the applicator head for broad tissue coverage
  • Variable frequency and pressure settings allow the provider to tailor each session to the tissue depth and condition being treated
  • Handheld, non-invasive applicator — no needles, no anesthesia, no surgery involved
  • Cleared for professional clinical use in soft-tissue and musculoskeletal applications

Chattanooga
Intelect RPW 2

Radial Pressure Wave Unit

TechnologyRadial Pressure Wave
DeliveryNon-invasive, topical
Drug-freeYes — no injections
DowntimeMinimal to none
LocationAlexandria, LA clinic

Your treatment plan

What to Expect

We explain the full process before your first session so there are no surprises. Here is the practical picture.

Initial evaluation

Your provider evaluates the condition, confirms RPW therapy is appropriate, and discusses what a realistic course of treatment looks like for your specific situation.

Session length

Each RPW session is brief — typically 10 to 20 minutes for the treatment itself, depending on the number of areas being addressed and the applicator settings used.

Session frequency

Sessions are typically spaced about one week apart. This interval allows the tissue remodeling response from each treatment to progress before the next session is applied.

Number of sessions

Most patients complete 3 to 6 sessions. Some see meaningful improvement earlier; others may benefit from additional sessions depending on how the tissue responds and the chronicity of the condition.

During treatment

You may feel a rapid tapping or pressure sensation at the treatment site. Some mild discomfort is normal, particularly over inflamed or sensitive tissue. The applicator is adjusted throughout to manage comfort.

After treatment

Mild soreness or warmth in the treated area for 24–48 hours is common and is a sign the tissue has been stimulated. Most patients return to regular activities immediately — no prescribed rest period required.

Your care team

Meet the Providers

Shockwave therapy at Mayfield Advanced Chiropractic is delivered by licensed chiropractors with advanced clinical training — part of an integrative, root-cause approach to musculoskeletal care.

Dr. Samuel Mayfield

D.C. — Founder

A 20-year United States Air Force veteran, Dr. Mayfield brings military-grade discipline to chiropractic care — treating more than 6,000 patients across his career. His clinical philosophy centers on the 4E framework: Evaluate, Educate, Empower, and Emerge. Rather than managing symptoms, his focus is identifying and addressing the structural and functional root of your condition so results last.

Dr. Conrad Taylor

D.C., M.S. — Sports Science & Rehabilitation

A former Penn State Division I goalkeeper and Logan College Valedictorian, Dr. Taylor holds a Master of Science in Sports Science and Rehabilitation alongside his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. His additional Dry Needling certification and athletic background make him particularly well-positioned to treat active patients and athletes dealing with tendinopathy and soft-tissue conditions that require a performance-oriented approach.

Our care philosophy

Root-Cause Care, Not Symptom Management

Mayfield Advanced Chiropractic was built around a straightforward idea: the best outcome happens when patients understand their condition, participate in their recovery, and leave with the tools to maintain it. Radial Pressure Wave Therapy fits that philosophy — it works with the body's natural repair mechanisms rather than bypassing them with ongoing medication or injections.

E

Evaluate

Full clinical assessment before any treatment begins

E

Educate

Clear explanation of what is happening in your body and why

E

Empower

Active recovery, not passive dependency on ongoing treatment

E

Emerge

Return to full function — and stay there

Common questions

Shockwave Therapy FAQ

What conditions does shockwave therapy treat at Mayfield Advanced Chiropractic?

Radial Pressure Wave Therapy at our Alexandria clinic is applied for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), shoulder tendinopathy, and chronic muscle and trigger-point pain. It works particularly well for stubborn tendon conditions that have not responded fully to rest or standard conservative care.

How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?

Most patients complete a course of 3 to 6 sessions, typically scheduled once per week. The number of sessions depends on the specific condition, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment. Your provider will evaluate you at your initial visit and give a personalized recommendation.

Is shockwave therapy painful, and what is the recovery like?

RPW therapy is generally well-tolerated. Some patients notice mild discomfort or temporary achiness around the treated area during and shortly after the session — a normal response indicating tissue stimulation. There is no incision, no injection, and no required downtime. Most people return to normal daily activity the same day.

What device does Mayfield Advanced Chiropractic use for shockwave therapy?

The clinic uses the Chattanooga Intelect RPW 2, a clinical-grade Radial Pressure Wave device. RPW technology delivers acoustic pressure waves to the soft tissue via a handheld applicator — no surgery, no medication, and no needles involved.

How is shockwave therapy different from other treatments for tendon pain?

Unlike corticosteroid injections — which can weaken tissue over repeated use — or surgery, which carries recovery and complication risks, Radial Pressure Wave Therapy is non-invasive and drug-free. It works by stimulating the body's own repair mechanisms: increasing blood flow, disrupting calcifications and scar tissue, and prompting cellular regeneration. It addresses the tissue environment, not just the pain signal.

Serving Rapides Parish and Central Louisiana: Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Woodworth, Boyce, Lecompte, and surrounding communities. Located at 5419 Jackson Street Ext, Suite B, Alexandria, LA 71303.

Ready to get started?

Drug-Free Relief for Stubborn Tendon Pain — Alexandria, LA

If you have been managing plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, tennis elbow, or chronic soft-tissue pain without lasting results, Radial Pressure Wave Therapy may be the next step. Our providers will evaluate your condition and let you know if RPW therapy is the right fit — no commitment to a full course before you understand the plan.