Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
What is extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
At Pioneer Podiatry, our mission is to bring to you world leading treatments. We are the only practice in the Mackay region to offer Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for the effective and long lasting treatment of many foot and leg conditions, including heel pain, heel spurs, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, among many other conditions.
How does it work?
ESWT delivers gentle, focused shock waves to the body. This efficient treatment uses pneumatically (compressed) generated shockwaves, which are transmitted into the area of pain through a handpiece.
Shockwave therapy is thought to work by inducing micro trauma to the tissue that is affected by Plantar Fasciitis. This micro trauma initiates a healing response by the body. This healing response causes blood vessel formation and increases delivery of nutrients to the affected areas. It stimulates the body’s own repair process and can relieve the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.
Watch as Phil and Rachel shows how shockwave therapy is performed.
Is it effective?
Our clinical results are excellent, at about 90% complete or partial improvement in pain in the affected area. Recent studies and systematic reviews also show good clinical outcomes, even up to 12 months later.
"ESWT is a safe and effective treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis refractory to nonoperative treatments. Improved pain scores with the use of ESWT were evident 12 weeks after treatment. The evidence suggests this improvement is maintained for up to 12 months. We recommend the use of ESWT for patients with substantial heel pain despite a minimum of 3 months of nonoperative treatment."
Excerpt from the latest Meta-analysis-Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2013 Nov;471(11):3645-52. doi: 10.1007/s11999-013-3132-2. Epub 2013 Jun 28.
Does it hurt?
No! A small amount of discomfort is sometimes experienced, particularly on the first session. Following the procedure, we ask patients to take it easy the remainder of the day. The next day, most patients can take part in their normal, daily activities.
How much does it cost?
The treatment cost depends on the location of pain and time needed for the session. Your podiatrist will discuss this with you at your consultation.