Shock Wave Therapy

Shock wave therapy is the application of shock waves in medicine. It is used for chronic tendon pain and has been clinically shown to:

• Reduce pain in nerve fibers
• Increase blood flow to surrounding soft tissue
• Start the healing process triggered by the activation of stem cells

So if you have a persistent chronic injury, shock wave therapy can relieve pain, pump blood to the tissues, and begin a healing process. Basically, this therapy activates the recovery process of the tissue that is not healing.

How is the Shock Wave Created?

The portable part of the kit has a small projectile that is fired back and forth into a cavity that hits a solid applicator. The kinetic energy is then converted into a shock wave that is sent to the target via the skin.

Is Shock Wave Therapy Right For me?

Shockwave is perfect for you if you have been in pain for more than 6 months. The conditions which shock wave therapy can treat include:

Plantar Fasciitis:

It is an ailment that affects one in ten people during our lifetime. Typically, most people feel pain in their inner heel, but it can radiate to the foot’s arch. The pain is usually worse in the morning or after resting. If you’ve been in pain for more than six months, please contact us.

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is a combination of the gastrocnemius muscles and the soleus tendons and connects these muscles with the back of the heel. We can apply a shock wave to the insertion point and the midsection of your Achilles tendon.

What to Expect at your Appointment?

During the first appointment, our experienced podiatrist will evaluate and diagnose the root cause of the pain. If this condition responds well to treatment with shock wave therapy, it will be discussed and we will draw out a treatment plan. This generally includes stretching and loading programs and orthosis interventions.

If you are satisfied with the shock wave therapy, we will mark the area where the treatment will be carried out. Also, we will apply the gel to the area to improve the contact between the device and your skin. Once the treatment has started, you will notice a strange sensation that may be uncomfortable at first. It will be eased if you continue with the treatment. A shock wave therapy session can last 5 to 10 minutes per treated area, and an instant reaction is noted. This response is short-term because it generally takes 3 to 6 sessions for a successful treatment.

If you want to know if shock wave therapy is right for you, get in touch with us at Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy.