SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (ESWT) FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
- Safe Alternative to Surgical Treatment
- Can be done in office without anesthesia
- Minimal side effects
- Less down time means back to work / activities faster
- Heel Cap
- Low profile heel
| What is Shockwave Therapy? |
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Exracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), also known as Extracorporeal Lithotripsy or Shockwave Therapy has been in use for over 15-20 years for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, such as chronic therapy-resistant tendinopathies, has become a significant subject of research worldwide.
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| How does Radial Shockwave Therapy work? |
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Radial shock wave therapy (ESWT) utilizes a ballistic technique. A projectile accelerated by compressed air and propelled at high kinetic energy, hits an applicator placed on the skin. By using a coupling medium such as ultrasound gel, this impulse is delivered to the tissue in the form of a shock wave. From this point the shock wave continues to spread inside the body in the form of a spherical “radial” wave. In this generating principle, the applicator surface constitutes the geometric point with the highest pressure and the highest energy density.ESWT treatment initiates an inflammation-like condition in the tissue that is being treated. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism in the impact area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcifications.
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| What are the advantages with Radial Shockwave Therapy? |
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Radial Shockwave Therapy is applied without medication, for example Cortisone injections. The treatment stimulates and effectively supports the body’s self healing mechanisms. It is usual to experience immediate pain relief following the treatment and hence improved movement. Reported side effects are minimal.
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| How long should I expect the shockwave treatment to take? |
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One treatment usually takes 15 – 25 minutes to administer approximately 2000 shockwaves per treatment.
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| Should I expect pain during the shockwave treatment? |
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Sometimes the treatment can be a bit painful, but most people can tolerate this without anesthesia.
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| Will I be in pain after the treatment? |
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You will normally experience a reduced level of pain or no pain at all immediately after the treatment. Some individuals have reported feeling a “pins and needles” effect right after treatment; however there may be a dull and diffuse pain occurring a few hours later. This dull pain can last for a day or so and in rare cases a little bit longer.
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| What can I do if I am in pain after treatment? |
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An actual inflammation like condition occurs in the tissues treated with Radial Shockwave Therapy. Your body responds by increasing the metabolic activity around the impact area which in turn stimulates and accelerates the body’s own healing mechanisms. Pain control can be achieved by the use of OTC pain medications however anti-inflammatory medications are contraindicated with shockwave therapy and also cold therapy also interferes with the body’s self healing abilities.
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| What if I am pain free immediately after the shockwave treatment? |
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Even if you have no pain we strongly recommend that you refrain from intensive activities that stress the treated area for the next 48 hours after each treatment.
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| How many shockwave therapy treatments are necessary? |
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Standard protocol is one treatment per week for a three week period. This is the standard protocol even if there is no pain after the first or second treatment.
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| What if the shockwave treatment doesn’t work for me? |
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Normally, it may take several months before maximum effect is achieved. If however after 3-4 months still do not experience a pronounced improvement, surgery for example may be an alternative treatment depending on your particular clinical presentation.
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| Are there any risks, contraindications or precautions that I should be aware of? |
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| Treatment Protocol: |
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