 Dealing with stubborn pain that just won't go away? Whether you're an athlete trying to get back to your sport, dealing with an overuse injury, or simply tired of living with chronic pain, ProFormance Physical Therapy and Wellness now offers SoftWave Therapy, an advanced form of shockwave therapy designed to support the body's natural healing process. SoftWave can be used as part of a comprehensive physical therapy or wellness plan to help address painful tissues and get you moving again. What Is SoftWave Therapy?SoftWave Therapy, also known as shockwave therapy or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic energy to target areas of painful or injured tissue. Unlike surgery or injections, SoftWave does not require needles or medication. The treatment delivers mechanical energy into the targeted area, which may help stimulate cellular activity, support blood flow, and promote the body's natural tissue-repair processes. At ProFormance Therapy and Wellness, SoftWave is used as part of an individualized approach to helping patients reduce pain and return to the activities they love. How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?SoftWave works through a process called mechanotransduction—essentially, using mechanical stimulation to create biological responses within the body. The acoustic waves interact with the targeted tissue and may help:
What Does a SoftWave Treatment Feel Like?SoftWave treatments are typically quick and performed right in the clinic. A small amount of gel is applied to the treatment area, and the therapist uses the SoftWave applicator to deliver acoustic pulses to the targeted tissue. Treatment settings can be adjusted based on the patient's feedback and the area being treated. ProFormance reports that SoftWave treatments typically take approximately 10–15 minutes. Because every patient and injury is different, your therapist will determine whether SoftWave is appropriate for you and how it should fit into your overall treatment plan. What Conditions Can SoftWave Help?SoftWave may be considered for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and painful areas, including:
Other
Is Shockwave Therapy Effective?Research on extracorporeal shockwave therapy has shown that effectiveness can vary depending on the condition being treated. For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis found stronger evidence for improvements in pain and function in people with plantar fasciitis, while evidence for some tendinopathies—including patellar and Achilles tendinopathy—was more limited or mixed. That's why we don't view SoftWave as a "one-size-fits-all" treatment. Instead, our therapists evaluate your individual condition and determine whether shockwave therapy makes sense as part of your care. SoftWave + Physical Therapy: A Comprehensive ApproachOne of the biggest advantages of receiving SoftWave at a physical therapy clinic is that treatment doesn't have to stop when the device is turned off. At ProFormance, SoftWave can be incorporated with other individualized treatments, including:
ProFormance provides individualized, hands-on physical therapy and wellness services in Huntsville and Athens, Alabama. Ready to Try SoftWave Therapy?If you're dealing with persistent pain, an overuse injury, tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, or another musculoskeletal problem, SoftWave may be worth exploring.
🎉 New Patient Introductory Offer$69 for your first 30-minute SoftWave session Call ProFormance Physical Therapy and Wellness today to schedule: 256-203-0376Don't let pain keep you from doing what you love. Feel better. Move better. Live better. Visit ProFormance Physical Therapy & Wellness  Creatine is best known for its role in muscle strength, exercise performance, and recovery, but researchers are increasingly interested in its potential effects on the brain. A recent systematic review examined the evidence surrounding creatine supplementation and mental health conditions. The findings are promising—but there is still a lot we don't know. What Does the Research Show?The review found evidence suggesting that creatine supplementation may help improve symptoms of major depressive disorder, particularly when used alongside established treatments such as antidepressant medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. However, the evidence isn't equally strong across all mental health conditions. Only a relatively small number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted, and results have been mixed. Promising, But Not a Standalone TreatmentOne of the most important takeaways is that creatine should not be viewed as a replacement for professional mental health treatment. Instead, current research suggests it may have potential as an adjunct—something that could complement established treatments. The review also found creatine to have a generally favorable safety profile, but the authors emphasize that larger, higher-quality studies are needed before creatine can be routinely recommended for mental health conditions.  What Does This Mean for Active Adults?At ProFormance Physical Therapy & Wellness, we're interested in research that looks at the whole person—not just an injury or a single symptom. Exercise, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mental well-being all contribute to our ability to move, perform, and live well.
Creatine is an exciting area of research, but when it comes to supplementation, it's always a good idea to discuss your individual situation with an appropriate healthcare professional. The research is promising. The story isn't finished yet. For years, people with knee or hip osteoarthritis have been told to avoid activities like running, tennis, jumping, or other high-impact exercises because they might "wear out" their joints faster. But new research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine is challenging that long-held belief.
What Did the Study Find? Researchers followed more than 17,000 people with hip or knee osteoarthritis over a 12-month period to determine whether participating in high-impact physical activity increased the likelihood of needing a joint replacement. The results were surprising (not to us of course):
Does This Mean Everyone Should Start Running? Not necessarily. The key message isn't that everyone with osteoarthritis should suddenly begin high-impact exercise. Instead, the study suggests that high-impact activity isn't automatically harmful for people with osteoarthritis. The best exercise depends on several factors, including:
 Why Movement Matters One of the biggest misconceptions about arthritis is that painful joints should be rested. In reality, the opposite is often true. Regular exercise helps:
Don't Let Fear Stop You Many people avoid activity because they're worried they'll make their arthritis worse. Fortunately, research continues to show that "hurt" does not always mean "harm." Some soreness after activity is normal, especially when beginning a new exercise program. That doesn't necessarily mean you're causing damage. A physical therapist can help you understand the difference between expected discomfort and signs that an activity should be modified. How Physical Therapy Can Help Every person with osteoarthritis is different. A physical therapist can evaluate your movement, identify areas of weakness or stiffness, and develop a personalized plan that helps you stay active safely. Your treatment plan may include:
 The Bottom Line This new research offers encouraging news for people living with osteoarthritis. Higher-impact activities do not appear to increase the risk of joint replacement for most people with knee osteoarthritis and may even be associated with a lower risk of hip replacement in people with hip osteoarthritis. Rather than avoiding movement out of fear, work with a physical therapist to determine what types of exercise are safe and appropriate for your body. With the right guidance, staying active can help you move better, feel stronger, and maintain your independence for years to come. Reference: Liew BXW, Grønne DT, Roos EM, Skou ST. High-impact physical activity participation and 12-month risk of joint replacement: a longitudinal mediation analysis of 17,661 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Published online July 9, 2026.   Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) has been around for decades, but conversations about its effectiveness are often clouded by outdated claims, misconceptions, and marketing noise. So what does the current research actually tell us?
A comprehensive review published in late 2024 examined more than 50 years of spinal manipulation research. It looked at how evidence has evolved, where gaps still exist, and what modern clinical practice guidelines recommend. The findings are both reassuring—and clarifying. What the Evidence Supports The review analyzed 33 clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and 59 recommendations related to spinal manipulation. The results were strikingly consistent:
What the Evidence Does Not Support Equally important is what spinal manipulation doesn’t do. Despite persistent claims you may see online or hear in certain settings, research does not support spinal manipulation for:
Why This Matters This distinction is critical for both clinicians and patients. Spinal manipulation is a valuable, evidence-based tool—but only when used appropriately. When applied to the right conditions (primarily MSK issues), it can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery. But when it’s promoted as a cure-all, it undermines trust and distracts from what actually works. A Note on the Research One of the most compelling aspects of this review is that it includes research from across professions—including chiropractic literature. Even within that body of work, the conclusion is consistent: Spinal manipulation is effective for musculoskeletal conditions—and not for systemic or non-MSK issues. This is especially helpful in clinical discussions, where differing viewpoints often come up. The evidence itself provides a common ground. The Bottom Line Spinal manipulation isn’t magic—and it doesn’t need to be. It’s a well-supported, targeted intervention for specific conditions, particularly:
And as always, the goal isn’t just to reduce symptoms—it’s to help people move better, feel better, and get back to doing what matters most. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11476883/  When it comes to improving sleep, one question comes up again and again: Is it better to exercise in the morning or at night? You’ve probably heard strong opinions on both sides—morning workouts to “set your rhythm,” or evening sessions to “burn off stress.” But what does the research actually say? A recent 12-week randomized controlled trial set out to answer exactly that. Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40419564/ What the Study Looked At Researchers followed healthy young adults (ages 23–28) and split them into three groups:
The Results: A Slight Edge… But a Clear Winner There was a small difference:
Any exercise—regardless of time of day—significantly improved sleep compared to doing nothing. That’s the real takeaway. Why This Matters It’s easy to get caught up in optimizing the details:
Consistency beats timing. If you’re exercising regularly, you’re already doing the thing that matters most for sleep. Breaking Down the Takeaways 1. Morning Exercise May Slightly Improve Sleep
2. Evening Exercise Isn’t the Enemy
3. The Biggest Impact: Just Move
So… When Should You Exercise? Here’s the honest answer: The best time to exercise is when you can do it consistently. Not when your schedule is perfect. Not when motivation is highest. Not when the internet says it’s optimal. When you can actually show up and do it regularly. Practical Advice If you’re trying to improve sleep:
If evenings work → also great. Final Thoughts This study answers one of those “in the weeds” questions we tend to overthink. Yes, morning exercise may have a slight edge for sleep—but it’s a small one. The real difference comes from:
 From Day 1 on 4/24/26 to 6/15/26, this patient has shown consistency, and dedication!  Week Zero: Fresh post-op, managing swelling, protecting the knee, and taking those first important steps toward recovery.  1 Month: Incision healing beautifully, mobility improving, strength returning, and confidence growing.  7.5 Weeks: Improved extension, decreased swelling, better movement, and a stronger, more functional knee ready for the next phase of recovery!  A total knee replacement isn’t just about the surgery—it’s about the commitment to the rehab process. Every degree gained, every step taken, and every exercise completed adds up to moments like this.
We are so proud of this patient’s determination and progress! ❤️ Your comeback story starts with the first step. Let us help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love. When it comes to improving performance in the gym, most athletes are looking for anything that gives them an edge—especially on heavy training days. |
 |  |  |
 |  |
Why looking beyond the foot matters—especially for runners
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, particularly among runners. Traditionally, treatment has focused on the foot itself—stretching the plantar fascia, improving ankle mobility, and addressing footwear. While these interventions can be helpful, emerging research continues to highlight an important truth:
The source of the problem isn’t always where the pain is!!!
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, particularly among runners. Traditionally, treatment has focused on the foot itself—stretching the plantar fascia, improving ankle mobility, and addressing footwear. While these interventions can be helpful, emerging research continues to highlight an important truth:
The source of the problem isn’t always where the pain is!!!
Looking Up the Chain
A 2025 study published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation by Li D. and colleagues adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of proximal strength (strength closer to the trunk, such as the hips and thighs) in lower extremity injuries.
In this prospective study:
Your foot doesn’t function in isolation—it’s part of a larger system. Weakness or imbalance at the hip or knee can alter how forces travel down the leg during activities like running.
For example:
Clinical Takeaway
We cannot assume that distal pain (like plantar fasciitis) is caused only by distal issues.
Instead, effective evaluation and treatment should:
If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis—or trying to prevent it—consider incorporating:
The Bigger Picture
This study reinforces a key principle in physical therapy:
Treat the whole system, not just the site of pain.
At ProFormance Therapy & Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to injury care—looking at how your body moves as a whole to uncover the true drivers of your symptoms.
If you’re a runner dealing with heel pain or looking to stay injury-free, we’re here to help you build strength where it matters most.
Ready to move better and run stronger?
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
Source:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40877885/
A 2025 study published in BMC Sports Science, Medicine & Rehabilitation by Li D. and colleagues adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of proximal strength (strength closer to the trunk, such as the hips and thighs) in lower extremity injuries.
In this prospective study:
- 177 male recreational marathon runners (ages 18–30) were evaluated
- Strength was measured using hand-held dynamometry
- Participants were tracked over a 3-month period
- Hip abduction asymmetry (outsides of the hips) and knee flexion asymmetry were significantly associated with the development of plantar fasciitis
- Runners with >32.5% asymmetry in hip abduction strength had a 3.6x greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis
-
Your foot doesn’t function in isolation—it’s part of a larger system. Weakness or imbalance at the hip or knee can alter how forces travel down the leg during activities like running.
For example:
- Weak hip abductors can lead to poor pelvic control
- This may cause excessive inward collapse of the knee (valgus)
- Which in turn increases strain on the foot and plantar fascia
Clinical Takeaway
We cannot assume that distal pain (like plantar fasciitis) is caused only by distal issues.
Instead, effective evaluation and treatment should:
- Assess strength and symmetry at the hips and knees
- Identify movement patterns during walking or running
- Address underlying biomechanical contributors, not just symptoms
If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis—or trying to prevent it—consider incorporating:
- Hip strengthening exercises (e.g., side-lying leg raises, band walks)
- Posterior chain work (glutes and hamstrings)
- Single-leg stability training
- Movement assessments to identify asymmetries
The Bigger Picture
This study reinforces a key principle in physical therapy:
Treat the whole system, not just the site of pain.
At ProFormance Therapy & Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to injury care—looking at how your body moves as a whole to uncover the true drivers of your symptoms.
If you’re a runner dealing with heel pain or looking to stay injury-free, we’re here to help you build strength where it matters most.
Ready to move better and run stronger?
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
Source:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40877885/
In talks around sleep hygiene, exercise can be a tough one to pin down. Most voices in our tribe fall in the "train hard, sleep hard" camp, but that's tough to reconcile with the well known fact that exercise gives you an energy boost. How can that possibly be helpful for sleep?
This open access paper in Nature brings a bit of an evidence based perspective via analysis of nearly 15,000 folks across a one year time span. From the publication: "Our results suggest evening exercise—particularly involving high exercise strain—may disrupt subsequent sleep and nocturnal autonomic function. Individuals aiming to improve sleep health may benefit from concluding exercise at least 4 hours before sleep onset or electing lighter strain exercises within this window.".
The paper further discusses how high intensity exercise might disrupt quality and timing of sleep.
So, get it in, but get it in early!
This open access paper in Nature brings a bit of an evidence based perspective via analysis of nearly 15,000 folks across a one year time span. From the publication: "Our results suggest evening exercise—particularly involving high exercise strain—may disrupt subsequent sleep and nocturnal autonomic function. Individuals aiming to improve sleep health may benefit from concluding exercise at least 4 hours before sleep onset or electing lighter strain exercises within this window.".
The paper further discusses how high intensity exercise might disrupt quality and timing of sleep.
So, get it in, but get it in early!
Leota, J., Presby, D.M., Le, F. et al. Dose-response relationship between evening exercise and sleep. Nat Commun 16, 3297 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58271-x
