What is Shockwave Therapy and Is it Effective?

What is Shockwave Therapy and Is it Effective? 

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used to treat various foot conditions as an alternative treatment when other conservative treatments like cold compresses, shoe inserts, and exercise have not worked. Many podiatrists will recommend it before surgery, as it is always prudent to explore all options before scheduling surgery.

Some of the conditions that can be treated with shockwave therapy include:

tendonitis

tendinopathy

plantar fasciitis

chronic stress/non-union fractures

chronic heel pain

Morton’s neuroma

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

Shockwave therapy uses pressurized air (extracorporeal shock wave therapy or ESWT) or electromagnetic pulses (focused shock wave therapy or FSWT) to deliver impulses to the target area.

Scientists believe that the microtrauma these impulses induce stimulates a healing response from the body, triggering new blood vessels that deliver more nutrients to the area. When this happens, the repair process that ensues in the area reduces inflammation and relieves the symptoms of pain, sometimes permanently.

Levels of Shockwave Therapy

High energy shockwave therapy

High energy shockwave therapy delivers intense pulses to the target area, inducing a higher level of microtrauma and potentially triggering a more intense healing and repair response from the body.

Low energy shockwave therapy

Low-energy shockwave therapy, also known as radial wave therapy, delivers low-intensity pulses and is less painful than the high-energy option. Its impulses induce lower levels of microtrauma and potentially less intense healing response, with foot specialists recommending multiple sessions for effective results.

Shockwave Therapy Pros and Cons

Pros

Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, making it an ideal option for individuals who do not want surgery or who have had surgery and the pain has not improved.

Also, owing to its non-invasive nature, it has little to no side effects, aside from the initial pain experienced, which goes away after some time.

Another advantage of shockwave therapy is that there is no specific recovery period or process. Once you get the treatment, you can resume your day without having to spend time recovering.

Is Shockwave Therapy Effective?

In some cases, yes, shockwave therapy can be effective. The best way to know if it will work for you is to speak to your foot specialist and discuss your condition and whether the therapy would be an ideal option. Nevertheless, shockwave therapy is an effective non-invasive treatment option for individuals who have tried other non-invasive treatments with no success.