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Common Running Injuries and How SoftWave Therapy Helps Runners Heal Faster in Chandler, AZ

Published June 16th, 2025 by Bridge Wellness Center

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world—but it’s also one of the most common sources of sports-related injuries. Whether you’re a casual jogger, a weekend warrior, or a competitive marathoner, the repetitive impact and high demands placed on your body can lead to a variety of overuse and acute injuries.

At Bridge Wellness Center in Chandler, AZ, Dr. Matt McCutcheon and his team use SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technology to help runners recover faster, reduce pain, and get back on the road or trail—without surgery, injections, or prolonged downtime.


Why Runners Are Prone to Injury

Running places repeated stress on the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the lower body. Without proper recovery, cross-training, and injury prevention, this can lead to inflammation, tissue breakdown, and chronic pain.

Common contributing factors include:

  • Overtraining or sudden increases in mileage

  • Poor running mechanics or posture

  • Inadequate footwear or worn-out shoes

  • Muscle imbalances and tightness

  • Lack of recovery time between runs

  • Running on uneven or hard surfaces


Common Running Injuries SoftWave Therapy Can Help Treat

1. Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot can cause sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning. SoftWave helps reduce inflammation, break down scar tissue, and stimulate regeneration of the plantar fascia.

2. Achilles Tendonitis

Overuse of the Achilles tendon can lead to swelling, pain, and stiffness. SoftWave improves blood flow, stimulates collagen repair, and helps prevent chronic degeneration.

3. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Pain along the shinbone is common in new runners or those increasing mileage too quickly. SoftWave speeds recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair in the lower leg muscles and connective tissues.

4. IT Band Syndrome

Tightness and inflammation in the iliotibial band can cause outer knee or hip pain. SoftWave helps reduce irritation and supports healing of the tissues surrounding the IT band.

5. Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

Pain around or behind the kneecap can limit mileage and performance. SoftWave targets inflammation in the soft tissues around the knee and stimulates regeneration for long-term relief.

6. Stress Fractures

Repetitive impact can cause small bone cracks, especially in the foot or lower leg. SoftWave aids recovery by increasing circulation and supporting bone and tissue healing.

7. Hamstring and Calf Strains

Overstretching or sudden movements can cause muscle strains. SoftWave reduces muscle inflammation, promotes collagen synthesis, and accelerates tissue repair.


The Science of SoftWave for Running Injuries

SoftWave Therapy works by delivering broad-focused electrohydraulic acoustic waves into injured tissues, triggering a series of biological responses that promote true healing:

  • VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) – Stimulates the growth of new blood vessels to restore circulation.

  • eNOS (Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase) – Improves oxygen delivery to tissues for faster healing.

  • Neoangiogenesis – Creates new microcapillaries to nourish damaged tissues.

  • Stem cell activation and migration – Repairs and regenerates damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

  • PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) – Supports DNA repair and cell replication.

  • Inflammation modulation – Calms excessive inflammation without stopping the body’s natural repair process.

  • Toll-like receptor modulation – Helps reduce chronic pain sensitivity.


Why Runners Choose SoftWave Therapy

Runners choose SoftWave at Bridge Wellness Center because it is:

  • Non-invasive – No needles, no surgery.

  • Drug-free – Avoids side effects of painkillers and injections.

  • Fast-acting – Many patients feel improvement after the first session.

  • No downtime – You can often continue training with proper guidance.

  • Long-term benefits – Promotes lasting tissue repair and resilience.

Whether you’re in the middle of training for a race or recovering in the off-season, SoftWave Therapy can help you heal faster, move better, and prevent future injuries.


Get Back to Running Strong

If running pain is slowing you down or keeping you off the course, it’s time to explore SoftWave Therapy. Dr. Matt McCutcheon and his team at Bridge Wellness Center specialize in helping runners recover and stay injury-free using this advanced, science-backed technology.

Request a SoftWave Therapy new patient visit online today


Contact Bridge Wellness Center

Bridge Wellness Center
4645 E. Chandler Blvd. Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85048
Phone: 480-687-3790
Email: info@bridgewellnesscenteraz.com
Website: www.bridgewellnesscenteraz.com


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