By Dr. Boris Nektalov, DNM, DC, Chiropractor & Enzyme Nutrition Specialist · Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness, Forest Hills, Queens NY
Published: July 20, 2026 · Last reviewed: July 20, 2026
The short answer: Yes. Modern chiropractic care treats far more than the spine — including plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and other extremity injuries. At Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness in Forest Hills, we combine chiropractic adjustment, extremity joint mobilization, shockwave therapy, and red light therapy to address these conditions without surgery or long-term medication.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation and micro-tearing of the plantar fascia — the thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. It causes a sharp, stabbing heel pain that is typically worst during the first few steps in the morning or after long periods of sitting.
Roughly 1 in 10 people will experience it at some point, accounting for an estimated 1 million patient visits per year in the U.S. Women are about 2.5 times more likely than men to develop it, and individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher are roughly 5 times more likely to be affected (NCCIH; StatPearls, NIH).
| Contributing Factor | How It Stresses the Plantar Fascia |
|---|---|
| Ankle joint restriction | Forces the foot to over-pronate, increasing arch tension |
| Hip or pelvic imbalance | Alters gait mechanics and loads the heel unevenly |
| Tight calf muscles / Achilles | Increases tension pulling on the heel bone |
| Poor spinal alignment | Changes weight distribution through the legs and feet |
| Unsupportive footwear | Removes arch support the fascia relies on |
This is why treating the heel in isolation often fails. At our Forest Hills office, we evaluate the entire kinetic chain — ankles, knees, hips, pelvis, and spine — before building a treatment plan.
What Is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?
Tennis elbow is irritation and microscopic damage to the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it's most common in people who type, lift, use tools, or perform repetitive arm motions — not just tennis players.
Lateral epicondylitis affects roughly 1–3% of adults, with the highest prevalence between ages 45 and 54 (Mayo Clinic population-based study). Left untreated, symptoms commonly persist for months and interfere with typing, lifting, or shaking hands.
Shockwave Therapy: What the Research Shows
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow, break up chronic scar tissue, and activate the body's natural healing response.
- For plantar fasciitis: A 2024 systematic review found shockwave therapy produced greater improvement than corticosteroid injections in pain, plantar fascia thickness, and foot function at mid-term follow-up.
- For tennis elbow: RCTs and meta-analyses show ESWT builds lasting improvements in pain, function, and grip strength — often outperforming injections at three- and six-month follow-up.
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
Red light therapy delivers specific wavelengths of light into tissue to support cellular energy production, circulation, and inflammation reduction. A 2024 RCT found photobiomodulation plus standard care produced better outcomes for plantar fasciitis than standard care alone. It's non-invasive, requires no medication, and involves no downtime.
Shockwave Therapy vs. Red Light Therapy
| Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) | Red Light Therapy (PBMT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Acoustic waves break up scar tissue, stimulate blood flow | Light wavelengths support cellular repair |
| Best for | Chronic, stubborn soft-tissue injuries | Inflammation reduction, recovery support |
| Sensation during treatment | Mild discomfort, pulsing pressure | Painless, warming sensation |
| Typical course | Weekly sessions over 3–6 weeks | Often combined with other treatments per visit |
| Evidence base | Strong — multiple RCTs and meta-analyses | Growing — recent RCTs show measurable benefit |
Why a Chiropractor Treats Joints Beyond the Spine
Extremity joint mobilization is chiropractic evaluation and treatment applied directly to joints in the feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists, and elbows — not just the spine. Restoring normal joint mechanics reduces the load on injured tissue and supports faster, more complete recovery.
The Nutrition Connection
Chronic inflammation, poor recovery, and nutritional deficiencies can significantly slow tissue healing. As a certified enzyme nutrition specialist, Dr. Nektalov integrates nutrition and wellness strategies alongside physical treatment. See our services for how this fits into a complete plan.
When to Seek Additional Medical Care
If you experience sudden, severe pain, signs of infection, numbness, or symptoms that don't respond to conservative care within a reasonable timeframe, consult your primary care physician or an orthopedic specialist.
Get Evaluated in Forest Hills, Queens
If you're dealing with plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, chronic heel pain, or a repetitive stress injury that hasn't responded to rest or medication, contact our office or book a consultation. (718) 275-9000
Frequently asked questions
Can a chiropractor treat plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Chiropractors evaluate the entire kinetic chain — ankles, knees, hips, and spine — not just the heel. Treatment often combines extremity joint mobilization, shockwave therapy, and soft tissue work to address both the local inflammation and the movement dysfunction contributing to it.
Does shockwave therapy work for plantar fasciitis?
Research supports it. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found shockwave therapy outperformed corticosteroid injections for pain relief, plantar fascia thickness, and foot function at mid-term follow-up, with a strong safety profile and no injection-related risks.
Is tennis elbow only caused by playing tennis?
No. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is caused by repetitive stress to the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It commonly affects people who type, lift, use tools, or perform repetitive arm motions — tennis players make up a small fraction of cases.
What is red light therapy and does it help chronic pain?
Red light therapy, or photobiomodulation, delivers specific light wavelengths into tissue to support cellular repair, circulation, and inflammation reduction. A 2024 randomized controlled trial found it improved plantar fasciitis outcomes when combined with standard care compared to standard care alone.
How is shockwave therapy different from red light therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to break up scar tissue and stimulate healing in chronic, stubborn injuries. Red light therapy uses light wavelengths to reduce inflammation and support cellular repair. They're often used together as part of one treatment plan.
Where can I get non-surgical treatment for plantar fasciitis or tennis elbow in Queens?
Nektalov Chiropractic & Wellness in Forest Hills, Queens, NY offers chiropractic adjustment, extremity joint mobilization, shockwave therapy, and red light therapy for plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Call (718) 275-9000 or visit nektalovhealth.com.
This article is intended for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice. Seek professional evaluation for persistent or severe pain.