What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)?
This therapy involves the application of high energy acoustic waves to an area of chronic pain. These shock waves diffuse through the skin and spread outwards into affected tissue. The body responds by increasing blood flow and thus stimulating metabolic activity. This accelerates the healing process.
ESWT has been used to treat a number of conditions; those local to the lower limb are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy and medial tibial stress syndrome. There are numerous scientific articles which evidence the positive outcomes for this treatment.
The Procedure
Your podiatrist will locate the painful area by palpation prior to the use of the device. This area will be marked and contact gel applied. The applicator is then held against the skin and shockwaves applied.
It is a non-invasive treatment modality. An ESWT session will take 10minutes to complete. For most patients 3 treatments is sufficient however may vary depending on response to the procedure. These treatments are spaced 1-2 weeks apart.
After the procedure some mild discomfort may be experienced. It is recommended that you rest from aggravating activities for 2-3 days.
A reduction in the chronic pain is experienced by most patients a few days following treatment.
Our podiatrists are specifically trained in shockwave therapy to produce the best outcomes.