At Feet By Pody, our experienced podiatrists are always looking for new and improved methods to treat our patients. We’ve now included shockwave therapy as part of our service options. This non-surgical, energy-based system is a relatively new technology offering superb results.
Here’s what you should know about our new shockwave therapy treatment.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that can replace traditional surgeries and medications, reducing treatment and recovery periods for patients.
A small, hand-held device is held next to the skin, which sends shockwaves up to 4cm deep into muscle and tissue, activating the body’s natural healing power. The shockwaves trigger activation of stem cells and increase blood circulation to the area, reducing the pain felt in the surrounding nerves and promoting quick and long-lasting healing.
What Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Due to the activation of these healing processes, shockwave therapy can be used across the medical profession for a range of musculoskeletal issues. Here at Feet By Pody, we use shockwave therapy in the treatment of plantar fasciitis and tendon conditions as an alternative to injections or surgery.
Depending on the issue shockwave therapy is treating you can expect to see positive results quickly, although full treatment will run across several sessions, often a week apart.
A recent study reported a 60% reduction in pain in patients treated with shockwave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis. In a separate study from 2013, 93% of patients said they would choose shockwave therapy as their first choice of treatment for a range of problems, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.
While this is a relatively new technology and ongoing studies are still underway, we are seeing real results for our patients that will transform the way these painful and common problems are treated.
What Are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
When compared to traditional treatments of these foot health issues, the benefits are clear:
- Quicker procedure – unlike traditional surgeries with long, often inconvenient recovery periods, shockwave therapy is quick and easy, although we recommend you stay away from hard exercise for 48 hours.
- Less intrusive – shockwave therapy doesn’t interfere with your daily life and doesn’t require anaesthesia, medications, surgery or difficult aftercare procedures.
- Less pain – a non-invasive procedure, shockwave therapy may be slightly uncomfortable at the time of treatment and for a short while afterwards the area may be sore or slightly bruised, but there is no lasting discomfort or bleeding to deal with.
How Do I Know If It’s Right For Me?
If you are suffering with plantar fasciitis or another musculoskeletal issue in your feet or lower limbs, book a visit to one of our London-based podiatry clinics to have a foot health check-up. Shockwave therapy is suitable for most patients and will be recommended to you by one of our trained podiatrists if it is the right course of treatment for you.
Contact Feet By Pody to book your next appointment. Our friendly team are ready and waiting to help solve your foot problems.