What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses acoustic energy to stimulate biological processes involved in healing and tissue repair. It is used in musculoskeletal medicine to address certain painful conditions without surgery or injections.
At Optimum Podiatry, we use radial pressure wave therapy, also known as EPAT® (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), to treat appropriate foot and ankle conditions. Treatment is performed in our Powder Springs office and is customized based on your diagnosis and individual needs.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
During radial pressure wave therapy, acoustic pulses are delivered through the skin to the targeted treatment area. The OrthoPulse Ultra 100+ generates these pulses using compressed-air technology and transmits the resulting acoustic energy into the tissue.
This mechanical stimulation is used to support biological responses associated with tissue repair and recovery. Because the treatment is noninvasive, there are no surgical incisions.
What Foot and Ankle Conditions May Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy may be considered for certain musculoskeletal conditions affecting the foot and ankle. One of the most studied applications is plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. Research has found that extracorporeal shockwave therapy can reduce pain and improve function in people with plantar fasciitis, although individual outcomes and treatment protocols vary.
Depending on the diagnosis and individual patient, shockwave therapy may also be considered for certain tendon and other musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle. Evidence is not equally strong for every condition, which is one reason an evaluation and accurate diagnosis are important before treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and one of the foot conditions with substantial research evaluating shockwave therapy. For appropriate patients, shockwave therapy may be incorporated into a broader nonsurgical treatment plan designed to reduce pain and improve function.
Achilles Tendon Pain
Shockwave therapy may also be considered for certain Achilles tendon problems. Because Achilles pain can have different causes and research findings vary, Dr. Cowans first evaluates the tendon and determines the appropriate treatment approach for the individual patient.
What Are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
One of the primary advantages of radial pressure wave therapy is that treatment is noninvasive. It can be performed in the office without a surgical incision and may provide another treatment option for appropriate patients with musculoskeletal foot or ankle pain.
Depending on your condition, shockwave therapy may be used on its own or as part of a broader treatment plan that can include activity modification, stretching and strengthening, custom orthotics, other advanced treatments, or additional conservative care.
What Should I Expect During Shockwave Therapy?
During treatment, a handheld applicator is positioned over the targeted area and acoustic pulses are delivered through the skin. Treatment settings can be adjusted based on the area being treated and the patient's individual treatment plan.
Some patients may experience discomfort during treatment or temporary soreness afterward. Published research on shockwave therapy has reported temporary effects such as treatment-area discomfort, redness, swelling or bruising in some patients.
Dr. Cowans will discuss what to expect based on the specific area being treated and your recommended treatment protocol.
How Many Shockwave Therapy Treatments Will I Need?
There is no single treatment schedule that is appropriate for every patient. The number and frequency of shockwave therapy sessions can vary based on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, treatment goals and response to therapy.
Rather than using the same protocol for everyone, Dr. Cowans develops a treatment plan based on your individual condition.
Is Shockwave Therapy Only for Chronic Foot Pain?
No. Radial pressure wave technology is used in musculoskeletal care for both acute and chronic pain, although whether it is appropriate depends on the specific diagnosis and individual patient. The manufacturer of the OrthoPulse Ultra 100+ describes the system for applications involving acute as well as chronic musculoskeletal pain.
At Optimum Podiatry, treatment decisions are based on the cause of your symptoms rather than simply how long you have been experiencing pain.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for Me?
Not every person with foot or ankle pain needs shockwave therapy. Similar symptoms can result from different conditions, and identifying the underlying problem is essential to choosing the appropriate treatment.
Dr. Cowans will evaluate your symptoms, medical history and condition before recommending treatment. If radial pressure wave therapy is appropriate, he will explain how it fits into your overall treatment plan and what you can reasonably expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shockwave Therapy
Learn more about shockwave therapy, what treatment is like, and whether it may be appropriate for your foot or heel pain.
