Case-series · July 28, 2026
Multi-Modal Management of Plantar Fasciitis with SoftWave and Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Case Series
Abstract
Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain resulting from degenerative or inflammatory changes in the plantar fascia. Conservative care is the standard first-line approach, but outcomes can vary. This report documents outcomes from a multi-modal protocol in a private practice setting. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted on patient files from ProCARE Chiropractic in Olathe, KS. Inclusion criteria were a clinical diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and completion of a documented course of care. Data included initial and final self-reported pain scores on a numeric rating scale (NRS). Interventions included SoftWave Tissue Regenerative Therapy (TRT), Acoustic Wave Therapy, and Functional Rehabilitation. Results: For the population reviewed (n=2), the mean pain reduction was 79%. Case 1 reported a 65% pain reduction (8/10 to 3/10) after 3-8 sessions of SoftWave and acoustic wave therapy. Case 2 reported a 93% pain reduction (8/10 to 1/10) following SoftWave and functional rehabilitation. Both cases noted significant improvement in 'first-step pain'. Conclusions: The findings from this small case series suggest that a multi-modal approach incorporating SoftWave TRT and functional rehabilitation may provide substantial pain relief for patients with plantar fasciitis. Further controlled research is needed to validate these observations.
Methods
This study employed a retrospective case-series design to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated for plantar fasciitis at a single private chiropractic clinic, ProCARE Chiropractic, located in Olathe, KS. Data were extracted from existing patient records for individuals who presented with and were treated for plantar fasciitis. The inclusion criterion was the availability of a recorded initial and final self-reported pain score upon completion of a defined treatment plan. The cohort for this report consists of two such patient cases. The primary outcome measure was the change in pain intensity, captured using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) where 0 indicates 'no pain' and 10 indicates 'worst possible pain'. The percentage of pain reduction was calculated for each case, and a mean was determined for the series. Treatment protocols were multi-modal and determined by the treating providers, Dr. Toby Scott and Dr. Molly M. Scott, based on individual patient presentation. The specific interventions documented in this series include Chiropractic Adjustment, Acupuncture, SoftWave Tissue Regenerative Therapy (TRT), Acoustic Wave Therapy, Graston Technique, and Functional Rehabilitation. Data regarding mobility improvement were not systematically tracked and were therefore excluded from the analysis. Due to the retrospective nature of this study, there was no control or comparison group.
Discussion
This retrospective case series documents outcomes for two patients with plantar fasciitis treated with a multi-modal approach at a private chiropractic clinic. The observed mean pain reduction of 79% suggests a clinically significant improvement for the individuals in this series. A key feature of the treatment protocols was the inclusion of SoftWave Tissue Regenerative Therapy (TRT), a form of acoustic wave therapy, often combined with functional rehabilitation. The substantial pain reduction, particularly in the characteristic 'first-step pain' described in both cases, indicates that this protocol may effectively target the underlying pathology and primary symptoms of the condition. In Case 2, the combination of SoftWave TRT and functional rehabilitation yielded a 93% pain reduction, suggesting a synergistic effect. SoftWave therapy may promote a biological healing response, including neovascularization and stem cell activation, to address the degenerative nature of fasciosis. Concurrently, functional rehabilitation can address the biomechanical faults, such as gait abnormalities or soft tissue restrictions, that may have contributed to the initial injury. The outcomes reported here are promising when compared to the often-prolonged recovery seen with traditional conservative care alone. Although these results cannot be generalized, they provide a clinical rationale for integrating advanced therapeutic modalities like SoftWave with foundational rehabilitative strategies in the management of plantar fasciitis. This approach aligns with a modern understanding of the condition as a degenerative process requiring regenerative, not just anti-inflammatory, intervention.
Limitations
This report has several significant limitations inherent to its design. First, as a retrospective case series, it lacks a control group, making it impossible to attribute the observed improvements solely to the interventions provided. The natural history of plantar fasciitis, placebo effects, or concurrent self-care could have contributed to the outcomes. Second, the sample size is extremely small (n=2), which prevents generalization of the findings to a larger population. Third, the study was conducted at a single private practice, and the results may be influenced by specific provider skills and patient populations not representative of other settings. Fourth, the primary outcome measure was a subjective, self-reported pain score, which can be influenced by patient perception and recall bias; no objective functional measures were systematically analyzed. Finally, there is a potential for selection bias, as the series may inadvertently include only patients who responded favorably and completed their care plan, while those who had poor outcomes may have discontinued care and were therefore excluded.