Extra-corporeal (outside the body) shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment that uses high-energy ultrasound waves to change a chronically injured/inflamed area into an acute injury so that the body can heal it with a fresh start.
If you have had your condition (plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, etc.) for over 6 months, and tried at least 3 conservative therapies, you are an eligible candidate. Allowing yourself to further use a chronically injured area of the body can lead to ruptured tendons, ligaments, and even fractured bones…leaving surgery as the only option.
ESWT creates new tissue cells in the damaged area. Expect about 30 minutes of treatment time after local anesthesia. A gradual healing then takes place ove the next few days to weeks. Only 20% of patients need a second treatment but it is possible.
The best advantages of ESWT are it is non-invasive, non-surgical, painless (after local anesthesia is administered), requires little recovery time, and effective.
