Shockwave Therapy is a non-surgical and non-invasive method of pain relief and mobility improvement. Also called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or ESWT, Shockwave Therapy is used around the world in podiatry, urology, sports medicine, physiotherapy and orthopaedics.
Here at The Foot Pod we use RPW shockwave therapy to treat plantar fasciitis, chronic heel and Achilles tendonitis. Shockwave Therapy offers several key benefits:
- Fast, effective treatment
- Minimal side effects
- Speedy recovery
How Exactly Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
RPW shockwave therapy sends high-energy radial pressure waves (RPWs) to the site of chronic pain. These acoustic waves increase blood flow, stimulate muscle repair and regeneration, and increase metabolization at the cellular level.
Shockwave therapy is a safe, effective, treatment recommended for people suffering chronic pain – even at the highest level of sport. Clinical studies and literature reviews continue to prove the effectiveness of ESWT as a treatment method for plantar fasciitis, tendon complaints and a raft of musculoskeletal issues.
What does Shockwave Therapy involve?
During RPW shockwave treatment you may experience a small amount of discomfort, but your response is measured by our experienced podiatrists to ensure you are not in pain. Because shockwave therapy creates an analgesic effect, you should experience immediate acute pain relief. The treatments also stimulate collagen production so you will benefit from increased mobility after 1 or 2 sessions.
Fast treatment
Generally we need to see you 3-6 times, about a week apart, for effective long-term pain reduction. Each session lasts around 20 minutes and most patients report a drastic pain reduction after the first treatment. Shockwave therapy is used as part of a tailored therapy pathway designed to address underlying issues in your feet.
Limited side effects
Shockwave therapy carries a much lower risk of side-effects than surgery. Depending on your level of pain, overall health and related podiatry issues there may – in very rare cases – be side effects to ESWT:
- Tolerable pain 2-4 hours after initial treatments
- Mild discomfort during treatment
- Mild bruising, swelling and/or numbness
- No response to treatment (extremely rare)
Fast recovery
RPW shockwave therapy starts to alleviate pain and restore mobility after the first session. At most you will be restricted from high-impact activity for 48 hours following each session. Your podiatrist will give more tailored advice, but in general the recovery periods following shockwave treatment are substantially shorter than surgery.
What to expect after Shockwave Therapy?
After 1-2 days you will be back on your feet with reduced pain and improved mobility. Here at The Foot Pod, we design RPW shockwave therapy plans that specifically address your pain points, to provide safe and effective pain treatment without surgery.
Contact us to learn more about Shockwave Therapy, book a shockwave therapy treatment, or speak with our team about treatment options tailored for you.