“Do I really need surgery for this?”
Not always. Surgery can put you back weeks to months. Your body is all connected, from the neurological system to the skeletal system, and treatment should reflect that. I use non-surgical care to stabilize the injury, stimulate healing and strengthen you, so you keep moving while you recover.
Dr. Tom Hecker, DPM
30 yearsin practice. Trained as a surgeon.
- Board-certified
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
- In private practice since 1996
- Two-year surgical residency, Chicago
Why rest when you can heal while moving?
Active healing means I do not take you out of your life to fix your injury. I trained as a surgeon. For 30 years I have built non-surgical ways to treat biomechanical injuries and chronic pain, including for people who were told nothing else could be done.
- StabilizeFirst I control what is injured, usually with a brace, an orthotic or a boot. That is what lets you stay on your feet instead of on the couch.
- StimulateThen advanced therapies like laser, focused shockwave and TECAR radio frequency help the tissue heal the way it is supposed to.
- StrengthenYou rebuild while you keep hiking, running or playing. I release you when it is healed, not before.
Watch Dr. Hecker say it himself
Short talks on surgery, recovery and what he tells patients in the exam room. Each one comes with the written version.
Your Body-Made Peptides: Unlocking the Body’s Natural Healing PowerDiscover how your body’s own peptides act as natural healing messengers.Watch and read, 
Fixing Folate Deficiency: More Than Just Taking a VitaminWhy folate is essential for healing and why some people can’t process it effectively.Watch and read, 
The Risks of GLP-1: What You Need to Know Before StartingLearn the potential risks of GLP-1 and how to protect your long-term health.Watch and read, 
The Discount Surgery Trap: Why Cheaper Isn’t Always BetterCheaper surgery isn’t always better — here’s why cutting corners can cost you.Watch and read, 
Healing Without the Scalpel: The Power of Non-Surgical TechnologyExplore the advanced non-surgical technologies that avoid risks and accelerate healing.Watch and read, 
The Surgical ‘Easy Button’ — Why Quick Fixes Can BackfireSurgery might seem like the fastest fix– here’s why the "easy-button" might backfire.Watch and read, Patients, in their own words
“My recent treatment with Hecker has been so much better than the surgery I went through several years ago. The brace kept me active during all the treatments and allowed me to quickly get back to activities like hiking, canyoneering, etc. Outstanding!”
Played pickleball while it healed.
“Doctor Hecker is amazing and so is his staff. They are kind, efficient and get the job done. I highly recommend going here if you have an ankle injury. He went above and beyond to make sure my ankle was completely healed before he released me to return to normal activity. The good news was he put me in a brace which allowed me to continue playing pickleball while I healed.”
Back to 10 miles a week.
“I came to Dr. Hecker for treatment of my Achilles injury after trying ozone shots, acupuncture, and physical therapy without success. Dr. Hecker treated my injury with sugar shots to initiate healing and used Winback, Low Light Laser, and Piezo Shock Wave therapy. My treatments were a complete success. I was able to return to my running routine averaging 10 miles a week for the last year without a single setback!”
What people come in with
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures
- Tendonitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Lisfranc injuries
- Nerve injury
- Flat feet
Not on the list? Call and ask. Dr. Hecker also helps with recovery after surgery.
How I treat it
- Advanced TherapiesA non-surgical approach to the repair and restoration of damaged joints, tendons and ligaments.
- Sports MedicineThe art of recovery from injury while maintaining a high level of activity.
- Optical Therapeutic LaserMedical-grade laser therapy for pain relief and tissue regeneration.
- TECAR Radio FrequencyHigh-frequency, non-invasive energy for pain management and tissue repair.
- Piezoelectric ShockwaveFocused shockwaves that increase cell function and remodel connective tissue.
- SanexasAn electric cell therapy that stimulates nerve function and nerve repair.
- VissmanLong-lasting reduction of muscle tightness through reprogramming of the neuromuscular signal.
- Medical FoodsPhysician-supervised nutrition for the dietary management of medical conditions.
- Certified Athletic TrainerAthletic trainers educated in the evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries.
Watch the doc
Why a surgeon spends his days helping people avoid surgery. Dr. Hecker's story, in his words.
Get in touch with Dr. Tom
Questions, speaking, podcasts and media requests come straight to Dr. Tom and his team. Use the form and someone will write back.
Want to be seen as a patient?
Dr. Tom sees patients at Hecker Sports Medicine in Fort Collins. The clinic books all appointments.