Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is becoming the gold standard treatment type in sports medicine clinics. Plantar fasciitis treatment involves loosening the tight plantar fascia as well tight muscles in the lower leg. In the past, we relied heavily on using Graston technique for plantar fasciitis and have had great success. Some cases however, have been resistant to Graston technique and improvement plateaued. For chronic, plateaued plantar fasciitis cases, shockwave therapy may be the best treatment. We have seen patients who are considering surgery for plantar fasciitis, have complete resolution of symptoms after shockwave therapy. Keep reading to learn more and watch our demo video on how shockwave is used for plantar fasciitis!
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves, or sound waves at a very high amplitude or energy level. This results in mechanical irritation of the injured tissues. This irritation of the tissues causes the release of growth factors to the area with results in several effects:
- An increase in capillary formation (improved blood flow)
- Release of stem cells to help regenerate the injured tissues
- Increase collagen production to help the area heal
Shockwave therapy also disrupts the pain signals from the heel to our nervous system. The acoustic waves help disperse a chronic pain mediating neurotransmitter called Substance P. As Substance P decreases, painful nerve signals are no longer able to be carried through the nerve endings. This helps significantly in both short term and long term pain relief. We are seeing excellent results in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions such as: calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, tennis elbow, hip bursitis, back pain, and neck pain.
At our office, we offer the latest shockwave technology offered from Kinas Medical Technologies; the leader in shockwave research and development.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Expectations
Shockwave treatments are quick, relatively pain free and offer complete healing after a series of only 4-6 treatments. Each treatment may produce an increase in symptoms for a short period of time (~1-2 days). Some patients report an increase in symptoms temporarily before symptoms subside. After 4-6 treatments, patients then wait an additional 4-6 weeks as the effects of shockwave continue to improve the condition.
Graston technique for plantar fasciitis offers some of the same benefit as shockwave. In some cases Graston is not aggressive enough to heal the plantar fascia. Shockwave penetrates the tissues deeply to have an effect throughout the injured area. Graston technique for plantar fasciitis often will take about twice as long for similar results. For chronic plantar fasciitis, we find shockwave therapy to be more efficient, effective, and cost effective for the patient.
Ready to Eliminate Plantar Fasciitis for Good?
If you have chronic plantar fasciitis, we highly recommend a treatment trial of shockwave therapy! Peak Form Health Center is one of the few sport injury clinics that offers shockwave therapy in San Diego County. We are located in Mission Valley, San Diego. You can schedule a consultation by following the link below:
