Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a high-pressure acoustic wave designed to accelerate tissue repair and cell growth, provide an immediate analgesic effect and provide mobility restoration in bones and soft tissues. ESWT can be used to treat acute, sub-chronic and chronic conditions. The ESWT machine converts kinetic energy (created by compressed air) into shockwaves, this is transferred through to the end of the applicator directly at the point of injury.
The Swiss Dolorclast ESWT machine used at Performance Podiatry is the industry leader for shockwave therapy providing the most powerful/penetrating shockwaves for best treatment outcomes.
Shockwave therapy has shown to increase healing and improve function in musculoskeletal conditions by providing:
- Analgesic effect (lowering concentration of substance P, histamines and inflammatory oedema)
- Anti-inflammatory effect (restore normal healing and regenerative processes)
- Improved blood supply (Stimulates remodelling of capillaries)
- Cell regeneration
- Releasing trigger points (Unblocks the calcium pump to release TrP)
ESWT can treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions that we commonly see in our practice. This may include
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Osteoarthritis (1st MPJ/Midfoot)
- Trigger point therapy
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
Contraindications of the treatment include
- Areas affected by tumours and infections
- Pregnancy
- Blood clotting disorders or patients who take oral anticoagulants
- Pre-ruptured tendons
- Areas that have been treated with cortisone in the past 6 weeks
ESWT is a non-invasive procedure which requires no preparation before treatment and no side effects afterwards. The treatment process is relatively pain free and provides noticeable results immediately after treatment. ESWT provides great results long term when combined with physical therapy and orthoses and footwear.
