New advancements in medical technology lead to new solutions to empower wellness in patients. Today’s topic is a closer look at shock wave therapy and how it creates sonic solutions for empowering wellness.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: What is It?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, as the name implies, uses high-energy sonic shockwaves from outside the body to provide therapeutic relief. It can also be called acoustic wave therapy, shock wave therapy, or similar names, but the results are the same.

The acoustic shockwave carries through myoskeletal tissue to treat subacute conditions, both subchronic and chronic. This treatment promotes regeneration and reparative processes in the bones, tendons, and other soft tissues.

How Does Shock Wave Therapy Work?

Using compressed air, this energy is transferred to an applicator at the end of the device and deeper into the tissue. This leads to accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia, and mobility restoration.

The shock waves cause the body to kickstart its natural healing mechanisms. At the microscopic level, these waves cause damage to affected areas. The body recognizes this “microtrauma” damage, signaling increased blood flow to the area. This leads to promoting healing to the heel and to the surrounding tissues.

As the microtrauma heals, a reduction in pain and discomfort will allow the patient to return to everyday activities quickly.

What Are Some Conditions Treated by Shock Wave Therapy?

Shock wave therapy can treat a range of conditions. These include: 

• Plantar fasciitis
• Peripheral neuropathy/nerve pain
• Tennis/golfer’s elbow
• Heel spurs
• Tendonitis
• Chronic joint pain
• Bursitis

These also include easy and effective solutions for several foot and ankle issues.

How to Find Shock Wave Therapy Near Me

You may find yourself wondering, “How do I find shock wave therapy near me?” The simplest and easiest answer is to get a recommendation from your doctor or podiatric specialist. If they aren’t performing shock wave therapy techniques themselves, they’ll recommend the nearest practitioner who does.

Since being adapted for orthopedic uses in the 1990s, shock wave therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment method. Since it requires specialized tools and training, not every practice offers it, but those that do can attest to its benefits.

Why Get Shock Wave Therapy Near Me?

One of the biggest positives in favor of shock wave therapy for heel spurs and other conditions is that it’s non-invasive. Before acoustic shockwave therapy, the only real solution to reducing bone spurs would be surgical intervention.

Even with modern advances, there always remains some risk to performing surgery. Shock wave therapy, on the other hand, can be performed in a lower-risk environment. And with a shorter recovery time, you can get back to your life faster than with surgery.

Unfortunately, despite its effectiveness, many insurance plans do not cover the technique. Even if it isn’t covered, it’s generally less expensive than surgery and just as or more effective. 

Between 80 and 90 percent of patients report reduced plantar fasciitis pain and inflammation. In addition, up to 30% of patients show a reduction in bone spurs after treatment.

Shock wave therapy is the effective, generally safer, and less expensive way to treat heel spurs and similar problems.

Get Shock Wave Therapy for Heel Spurs and More at Diablo Foot and Ankle

With shock wave therapy treatments, conditions that were once difficult to treat are now easier to treat than ever before. If you’re dealing with heel spurs, ankle pain, or similar foot or ankle problems, Diablo Foot and Ankle can help. 

‍Using shockwave therapy to treat heel spurs is just one technique Diablo’s podiatric specialists can use to help you find relief. Call or schedule an appointment today for more information. Learn about our Board-Certified Podiatrists, Dr. Eman Elmi and Dr. Shyan Essapoor.