In this essential episode, Dr. Kate Eckert breaks down the reality of healing timelines and why following your prescribed treatment plan is crucial for success. If you've ever wondered why some people get instant relief while others need weeks to see results, this episode is for you. Dr. Kate shares the three different patient response patterns she sees and explains why patience and compliance are your best allies in the healing process.

This is a must-listen for anyone considering shockwave therapy, decompression, or any regenerative treatment—and especially important if you're used to the "quick fix" mentality of steroid shots and epidurals.

Key Highlights:

• The 3 types of patient responses: One-hit wonders, gradual improvers, and delayed responders
• Why most people start seeing results after "a few visits" but need the full 6 weeks
• The subset of patients who feel worse initially but achieve complete pain resolution at 6-8 weeks
• How rest and activity modification impact your healing timeline
• Why treating multiple areas at once can backfire
• The importance of focusing on ONE problem area at a time
• How jobs that require standing all day affect plantar fasciitis treatment
• Why the first visit isn't actually a "treatment"—it's diagnostic
• Cell regeneration takes 2-3 months: managing delayed onset relief
• When to combine shockwave with decompression for disc issues
• Dr. Kate's "gold standard" approach: 3 visits per week for optimal results
• The personal value equation: avoiding surgery vs. cost considerations