Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a treatment modality for heel pain and Achilles tendonitis that has not responded to anti-inflammatory treatments. Therapeutic radial shock waves are often referred to as radial pressure waves. These are high energy acoustic waves. The radial shockwave is generated by compressed air which in turn drives a projectile in a cylinder to a shock transmitter. The kinetic energy generated by the projectile converts into acoustic energy when the projectile hits the shock transmitter. The shock wave is delivered to the tissue via the handpiece. This helps to speed up the healing process and dramatically reduce heel pain levels in a short period of time.

How Do We Use Them?

A number of clinical studies have supported its effectiveness and it is approved by the FDA. Podiatrists and clients of our clinic report a significant improvement in pain following just 3- 4 treatments with 6 treatments reported as most effective. We have one or two clients that have required 10 treatments.

When is this required?

This mehtod is used for:

Pain reduction via the local activation of fibers which inhibit transmission of pain signals.

Increased metabolism. Shockwaves promote the release of pain and inflammatory inhibiting substances at a local cellular level.

Revascularization. Repeated shockwaves create new blood flow to the area promoting healing and regeneration.

Reduced muscle tone. a restoration of normalised muscle tone often associated with pain.