Shockwave Therapy
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Read our most recent blog on Shockwave – Effectiveness for heel pain and Achilles tendinitis
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that can help individuals heal faster and get back to pain free walking, specifically for conditions like Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis (a common heel pain condition). Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), involves the use of high-energy sound waves to promote healing in damaged tissues. These sound waves are targeted to the affected area and create a controlled micro-trauma, triggering the body’s natural healing response.
Shockwave therapy helps improve function and movement within your joints and muscles. When the acoustic waves of the shockwave machine penetrate the deeper tissue of our body, it can help break up scar tissue and improves blood flow to the area.
Shockwave therapy works at a cellular level to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Relax the muscles
- Stimulate bone regeneration
- Break the pain cycle
Shockwave therapy is extremely beneficial with conditions such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain), achilles tendonitits, neuroma pain and mild arthritic discomfort. Knee pain and hip pain are another two areas that we treat with great success at Stepping Out Podiatry, with most patients generally experiencing reduced levels of pain and greater mobility within 48 hours after treatment.
Let’s talk about how it works…
Tendons (such as achilles tendinitis) – Regeneration of the tendon through the acceleration of blood flow to the area.
Bones (to stimulate healing of complex non union fractures) – Activates bone forming cells which stimulate bone building cells.
Muscles (to help release muscle trigger points and muscle tension) – Through improvement of blood flow, acceleration of healing occurs with muscle relaxation and waste removal – which can occur after physical activity and injury.
Cartilage (to help with arthritis progression) – Reduces the rate of cartilage degeneration.
Benefits of shockwave therapy…
Non-invasive: Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment option, meaning there are no incisions or anaesthesia required.
Fast healing: By stimulating the body’s natural healing response, shockwave therapy can help speed up the healing process compared to conservative treatments alone.
Pain relief: Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, allowing individuals to resume their normal activities without discomfort.
High success rates: Research has shown that shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment option, with high success rates in reducing pain and improving function.
What to expect…
Shockwave therapy is used by your Podiatrist, using a handheld device. The device emits high-energy sound waves targeted to the affected area. Treatment sessions usually last around 10-15 minutes, and multiple sessions may be required depending on the severity of the condition.
Most people feel immediate pain relief on the day. Some mild discomfort may occur 24-48 hours after treatment as the injured area starts to heal itself. This is much like the soreness experienced after a deep tissue massage.
Most people will get significant pain relief and greater mobility in 2-5 sessions.
BLOGS
Orthotic Therapy – Shockwave Therapy can be used in conjunction with orthotics to help provide pain relief and to promote healing. Read more about combining these therapies in our blog.
Chronic heel pain – Shockwave can help speed up the healing process and improve pain for patients suffering from chronic heel pain. Read more about Heel Pain and Shockwave Therapy in our blog
Still wanting more information? You may like to read this blog. 4 Things About Shockwave You Might Want to Know
Are there any side effects or risks?
While shockwave therapy is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects which can include mild discomfort during treatment, redness at the treatment site, or temporary soreness after the session. There are some medical conditions that will prevent some people from this type of treatment, therefore it is important to consult with your Podiatrist.