Laser, Shockwave and Rehabilitation
THE NEXT LEVEL OF CARE.
ADVANCED INJURY CARE IN ASHBURN, VA
When an Injury Isn’t Getting Better,
It May Be Time to Look Deeper.
Persistent tendon pain. A sports injury that hasn’t fully recovered. Plantar fasciitis that keeps returning. An area that improved—but never quite returned to normal.
Sometimes the problem isn’t that you haven’t tried enough. The problem may need to be reassessed and approached differently.
At Keegan Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Clinic in Ashburn, we combine a comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation with advanced treatment technologies including Class IV Deep Tissue Laser Therapy and Shockwave Therapy.
The technology is important. Knowing when, where, and why to use it is even more important.
Evaluate the Problem. Choose the Right Treatment. Measure the Response.
SCHEDULE AN ADVANCED THERAPY EVALUATIONAdvanced musculoskeletal and injury care for active adults and athletes in Ashburn and Northern Virginia.
Still Dealing With an Injury That Should Have Improved By Now?
Maybe you’ve already tried rest.
Exercises.
Anti-inflammatory medication.
Massage.
Chiropractic.
Physical therapy.
Activity modification.
Or perhaps you’ve simply waited for the problem to resolve on its own.
You may even be better than you were originally—but still unable to do what you want to do.
“Better” Isn’t Always the Same as Recovered.
If a problem persists, the next step shouldn’t automatically be more of the same treatment.
It may be time to ask:
- What tissue appears to be involved?
- Why is it still symptomatic?
- Is there an underlying mechanical or functional problem?
- Is the area tolerating normal physical load?
- Would another treatment approach be appropriate?
- Does the condition need additional diagnostic evaluation?
That’s where we start.
FIND OUT IF ADVANCED THERAPY MAY BE APPROPRIATEAdvanced Technology. Individualized Treatment.
At Keegan Chiropractic, advanced therapies are not used as stand-alone gadgets or one-size-fits-all treatments.
They are tools available within a broader treatment strategy.
Class IV Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
Our LightForce® XPi 25-Watt Class IV therapeutic laser delivers controlled light energy to targeted tissues.
Photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of light to influence cellular processes associated with the body’s normal inflammatory response, tissue repair, and pain modulation.
Depending upon the condition and examination findings, laser therapy may be incorporated into treatment for selected acute and persistent musculoskeletal problems.
Why Class IV?
Higher-powered Class IV therapeutic lasers allow clinically useful doses of light energy to be delivered to larger and deeper treatment areas in practical treatment times.
The goal isn’t simply to shine a laser where it hurts.
Treatment parameters—including treatment area, energy delivered, power, and technique—should be selected according to the tissue, condition, stage of injury, and treatment objective.
That’s Why Evaluation Matters.
ASK ABOUT CLASS IV LASER THERAPYShockwave Therapy
A Different Approach to Persistent Tendon and Soft-Tissue Problems
Some musculoskeletal conditions become persistent despite rest and conventional conservative treatment.
Radial Pressure Wave Therapy—commonly referred to as shockwave therapy— uses mechanically generated acoustic pressure waves applied to targeted tissues.
Unlike laser therapy, which uses light energy, shockwave therapy delivers mechanical energy.
It is most commonly considered for selected persistent tendon, fascia, and soft-tissue disorders.
Shockwave Isn’t Appropriate for Every Painful Condition.
And that’s exactly the point.
We don’t begin with: “Where should we use the shockwave?”
We begin with: “What is the problem, and is shockwave appropriate for it?”
SCHEDULE A SHOCKWAVE THERAPY EVALUATIONLaser or Shockwave?
They Aren’t the Same Treatment—and You Shouldn’t Have to Decide Which One You Need.
Patients frequently find us after researching one particular technology online.
That’s understandable.
But you shouldn’t need to diagnose yourself and select your own treatment.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Uses light energy and may be considered as part of treatment for selected acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Shockwave Therapy
Uses mechanical acoustic energy and is often considered for selected persistent tendon and fascia-related conditions.
Sometimes the Appropriate Answer Is Neither.
Your examination may indicate that the primary issue would be better addressed with rehabilitation, joint treatment, activity modification, additional diagnostic evaluation, referral—or another approach entirely.
Our job isn’t to sell you a machine.
Our Job Is to Determine What Makes Sense for Your Condition.
LET’S DETERMINE THE RIGHT APPROACHWhat Types of Problems Do We Evaluate?
Advanced therapy may be considered for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions depending upon the diagnosis, examination findings, and stage of recovery.
Foot & Ankle
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendon problems
Ankle injuries
Persistent foot and ankle pain
Selected overuse injuries
Knee
Patellar tendon problems
Selected overuse injuries
Persistent activity-related knee problems
Hip
Selected tendon and soft-tissue problems
Activity-related hip pain
Persistent muscular and soft-tissue conditions
Shoulder
Rotator cuff and related tendon problems
Selected shoulder overuse injuries
Persistent soft-tissue problems
Elbow
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Persistent tendon-related elbow problems
Sports & Activity-Related Injuries
Muscle strains
Tendon injuries
Overuse injuries
Persistent injuries that have not returned to expected function
Not every condition listed above is appropriate for laser or shockwave therapy. Your examination determines whether these treatments are clinically appropriate.
The Technology Is Only Part of the Treatment.
This is one of the most important differences in our approach.
Imagine treating an Achilles tendon problem with advanced technology but never addressing the patient’s ability to tolerate load.
Or treating plantar fascia symptoms without examining foot mechanics, ankle mobility, or activity demands.
Or repeatedly treating a painful shoulder without determining what movements reproduce the problem.
Reducing symptoms without restoring function can leave an important part of the problem unresolved.
That’s why advanced therapy at Keegan Chiropractic may be combined with:
Chiropractic & Joint Mobilization
Addressing relevant joint restrictions and mechanical dysfunction.
Corrective Exercise & Rehabilitation
Restoring mobility, strength, stability, and progressive load tolerance.
Soft-Tissue & Manual Therapy
Addressing involved muscles and soft tissues when appropriate.
Movement & Functional Assessment
Identifying limitations that may be contributing to the problem or preventing return to activity.
Technology Can Help Treat the Tissue.
Rehabilitation Helps Prepare That Tissue to Do Its Job Again.
Why Didn’t My Injury Heal?
There isn’t one answer.
Persistent symptoms can have many contributing factors.
Sometimes the original injury was more significant than expected.
Sometimes the injured tissue hasn’t regained sufficient capacity for the activity being demanded of it.
Sometimes mobility, strength, or mechanics continue to overload the area.
Sometimes activity was progressed too quickly.
Sometimes the original diagnosis needs to be reconsidered.
And sometimes a condition simply takes longer to recover than expected.
Persistent Pain Deserves Reassessment—not Guesswork.
Our first objective is to understand why you’re still having difficulty.
Only then do we decide what role advanced therapy may have.
SCHEDULE AN ADVANCED THERAPY EVALUATIONAlready Tried Treatment?
That’s Useful Information.
Coming to us after previous treatment doesn’t mean everything you’ve already done failed.
In fact, how you responded to previous care gives us valuable information.
We want to know:
- What helped?
- What didn’t?
- How long did the improvement last?
- What activity still causes symptoms?
- What happens when you increase load, speed, or repetition?
- What treatment have you already received?
- Have you had X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, or other diagnostic testing?
Bring That Information With You.
If you have relevant imaging reports or other clinical information, it can help us better understand the history of the problem.
The goal isn’t to start over.
It’s to Determine the Most Appropriate Next Step.
What Does Advanced Therapy Treatment Look Like?
EVALUATE
We start by understanding your condition, history, previous treatment, and current limitations.
DETERMINE
We determine whether laser, shockwave, or another treatment approach is appropriate.
TREAT
If advanced therapy is indicated, treatment parameters are selected according to the condition and therapeutic objective.
RESTORE
When appropriate, treatment is combined with movement, mobility, strengthening, or rehabilitation directed toward restoring function.
REASSESS
We monitor symptoms and function and modify the treatment strategy based upon how you are progressing.
Treatment Should Have a Reason.
And Progress Should Be Measurable.
Why Keegan Chiropractic for Advanced Therapy?
The Machine Doesn’t Make the Treatment Plan. Your Examination Does.
Keegan Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Clinic has served Ashburn and Northern Virginia for nearly three decades.
Our approach combines clinical experience with modern musculoskeletal treatment technology.
We Don’t Believe Every Patient Needs Every Therapy.
We Believe the Right Patient Needs the Right Treatment at the Right Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser therapy hurt?
Therapeutic laser treatment is generally comfortable. Patients commonly experience a warming sensation in the treatment area.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Shockwave treatment produces a mechanical sensation and can be uncomfortable when treating a sensitive area. Treatment intensity can be adjusted according to the condition and patient tolerance.
How many treatments will I need?
There isn’t one treatment schedule appropriate for every condition. Frequency and number of treatments depend upon the condition, chronicity, examination findings, treatment being used, and response to care.
Can laser and shockwave be used together?
They use different forms of energy and may sometimes be incorporated into the same overall treatment strategy when clinically appropriate. That does not mean every condition requires both.
Do I need imaging first?
Not necessarily. The need for X-ray, MRI, diagnostic ultrasound, or other imaging depends upon your history, examination findings, and clinical indications.
Can I exercise while receiving treatment?
Often, some level of activity or rehabilitation is desirable, but the appropriate amount depends upon the injury and stage of recovery. We’ll provide recommendations based upon your individual condition.
Is advanced therapy appropriate if I’ve already had physical therapy or chiropractic treatment?
Possibly. Previous treatment doesn’t automatically determine whether advanced therapy is appropriate. We evaluate the condition, what has already been attempted, how you responded, and what limitations remain.
Stop Chasing the Same Problem.
Find Out What the Next Step Should Be.
If you’ve been dealing with a tendon problem, sports injury, or musculoskeletal condition that isn’t improving the way you expected, you don’t need to decide for yourself whether you need laser, shockwave, rehabilitation, or something else.
That’s our job.
Start With an Evaluation.
We’ll determine what’s still limiting you, whether advanced therapy is appropriate, and what we recommend doing next.
Evaluate. Treat. Restore. Return.
SCHEDULE YOUR ADVANCED THERAPY EVALUATION
Keegan Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Clinic
44355 Premier Plaza, Suite 130
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-858-3500