Shockwave Therapy
Advanced Injury Treatment
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes high-energy sound waves to target areas of chronic pain or injury. It has been proven to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting tissue regeneration. ESWT is primarily used for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and calcific shoulder tendinitis. Its non-invasive nature makes it a popular alternative to surgical intervention or long-term medication use for chronic pain relief.
How Does It Work?
ESWT works by transmitting focused sound waves through the skin to the injured tissues. These sound waves create microtrauma or small cavitations, which in turn stimulate the body’s healing response. The increased blood circulation helps reduce inflammation, break down calcium deposits, and promote tissue regeneration. Over time, this leads to reduced pain and restored function in the treated area.
The therapy is particularly effective for soft tissue conditions that have not responded well to conservative treatments, including rest, orthotics, or physical therapy.
Conditions Treated by ESWT
Plantar Fasciitis: Shockwaves stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia, providing long-term relief from heel pain.
Achilles Tendinopathy: Promotes healing in the damaged Achilles tendon by increasing blood flow and breaking down scar tissue, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Heel Spurs: Shockwaves help break down calcium deposits, alleviating pressure and pain caused by heel spurs.
Patellar Tendinopathy: Stimulates tendon regeneration in the knee, relieving chronic pain and restoring mobility.
Muscle Strains and Tears: Shockwaves accelerate muscle healing by improving blood circulation and stimulating cellular repair. This therapy is effective for chronic or recurrent strains in all areas of the lower limb.
Shockwave Treatment Process
nitial Consultation and Assessment:
Before beginning ESWT, our podiatrists will conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition. This includes reviewing your medical history, a physical examination, and imaging (if necessary) to pinpoint the affected area and ensure ESWT is the right treatment for you.
Treatment Frequency:
Most patients require between 3 to 6 sessions, scheduled 1 to 2 weeks apart. Each session lasts between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition and the area being treated.
Procedure Overview:
- Preparation: The treatment area is marked and a conductive gel is applied to facilitate the transmission of sound waves.
- Application: A hand-held device emits shockwaves to the targeted tissue. Patients may feel mild discomfort as the sound waves penetrate the tissue, but this typically decreases as the treatment progresses.
- Intensity Adjustment: The podiatrist may adjust the intensity of the shockwaves based on the patient’s tolerance and the area being treated, along with the severity of the condition.
- Post-Treatment Guidance: Patients are advised to avoid heavy physical activity for 48 hours following each session to allow the body time to heal and respond to the therapy.
Post-Treatment Care:
Most patients experience noticeable improvements after the first session, but the full benefits may not be evident until a few weeks after the final session. During the course of treatment, your podiatrist’s management plan may include additional therapies like stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or footwear modifications to support long-term recovery.
Monitoring Progress:
Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess your progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan if necessary. Our podiatrists ensure that you experience maximum relief with minimal side effects.
Expected Results and Recovery
Most patients report a significant reduction in pain within 2-4 weeks of starting ESWT. The regenerative effects continue for months after the treatment, allowing gradual improvement. With proper care and follow-up, the majority of patients experience long-term relief from chronic foot and ankle pain.
Is ESWT Right for You?
If conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief, ESWT may be the next step in your recovery journey. Whether you’re dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, or other soft tissue injuries, our experienced podiatrists will guide you through the process and create a personalised treatment plan.
Fed Up With Foot Pain?
Book Your Consultation Today!
Ready to experience the benefits of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy? Contact us at The Foot Clinics to schedule your consultation with one of our expert podiatrists and take the first step towards lasting pain relief.