The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of ESWT for the treatment of plantar fasciopathy. ESWT has been around since the mid 1990’s but gained popularity in recent years as it stimulates the body’s own natural healing process. It has a direct effect on local nerve endings, managing pain. Multiple high-quality randomized clinical trials have provided substantial evidence that ESWT is a safe and effective noninvasive option for treating tendinopathy throughout the musculoskeletal system.

Benefits:

• Mechanical pressure and tension forces on the tissue which has been shown to increase cell membrane permeability thereby increasing microscopic circulation and therefore the metabolism within the treated area. This promotes healing and may result in the dissolution of calcific deposits.
• The pressure front creates behind it a “cavitation bubble” which are small empty cavities created behind a pressure front. When the bubbles collapse they create a resultant force that has a mechanical impact on the treated tissue. This force helps to break down calcific deposits embedded in damaged tissue.
• Shockwaves stimulate osteoblasts that are cells responsible for bone healing and new bone production.
• Shockwaves stimulate fibroblasts that are cells responsible for healing of connective tissue such as tendons.
• Diminishes pain by two mechanisms. Hyperstimulation anesthesia – local nerve endings are overwhelmed with so many stimuli that their activity diminishes resulting in short-term reduction in pain. Gate-control mechanism – whereby local nerves are stimulated to recalibrate perception of pain and result in longer-term reduction in pain.

Side Effects

• limited to mild bruising, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling in the treated area, and the recovery is minimal compared with that of surgical intervention.

Inquire today if Shockwave may be appropriate for you.