Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment used to help with pain reduction and healing in musculoskeletal conditions like heel pain, tendinitis, or muscle injuries. Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves that are directed at the affected area. These waves create small, controlled pulses of energy as they move through the tissues, causing microtrauma at the cellular level.
The mild trauma from the sound waves stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. This includes increasing blood flow to the area, reducing inflammation, and encouraging the repair of damaged tissues.
HOW DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY HELP?
Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and accelerate recovery. It’s often used when other treatments haven’t worked.
Non-Invasive: Non-surgical option for treating musculoskeletal conditions, avoiding the need for injections or surgery.
No Downtime: Patients can usually resume their regular activities immediately after treatment, as there is no significant recovery period.
Minimal Side Effects
Pain Relief: It effectively alleviates pain associated with conditions like tendinitis, heel pain, and muscle injuries by targeting pain receptors and reducing inflammation.
Enhances Healing: It stimulates and boosts the body's natural healing processes, aiding in the regeneration and repair of tissues.
Improves Blood Flow: It improves blood flow to the treated area, helping to deliver vital nutrients and clear out waste products.
Reduces Inflammation: By reducing inflammation, shockwave therapy helps to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
Stimulates Growth Factors: The therapy promotes the release of growth factors and stem cells, which are essential for tissue repair and recovery.
Effective for Chronic Conditions: Shockwave therapy is particularly useful for chronic conditions that have not improved with other treatments.
THE PROCESS
During the treatment, a device is placed on your skin over the injured area. The device sends out the shockwaves, which you might feel as a series of pulses or taps, with some associated discomfort particularly at the area of injury. However, our podiatrist will continually assess your discomfort and adjust the energy levels as needed.The treatment usually lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may feel some discomfort during treatment, as the shockwaves are delivered to the area of injury. The sensation is typically described as a series of pulses or taps. However, our podiatrist will continually assess your discomfort and adjust the energy levels as needed.
Most patients require between 4 to 6 sessions, spaced about a week apart, though this can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Your podiatrist will evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
Although shockwave therapy is generally safe, it may not be recommended for:
Pregnant women
People with blood clotting disorders
Those with certain heart conditions
Individuals with cancer in the treated area
It's important to consult your podiatrist to confirm if shockwave therapy is right for you.
No, there is usually no downtime after shockwave therapy. You can typically return to your normal activities immediately after the session, although you may experience mild soreness for a short time.