Probably the most common condition that is known to respond really well to Shockwave therapy is ‘Plantar Fasciitis’. Approximately one in 10 people who run will develop this painful condition.
Symptoms
In patients suffering from this condition the symptoms are mostly foot pain, often first thing in the morning when you get out of bed or pain after resting. Typically, there is some improvement once you are mobile as the foot warms up, however; plantar fasciitis can cause terrible pain and the patient struggles to walk without severe discomfort.
Causes commonly associated with plantar fasciitis include:
• Exercise with tight calf muscles
• Increase in activity such as walking and running.
• Wearing shoes with little or no support/cushioning
• Overweight
• Spending a lot of time on you feet
• Having high arches or flat feet
• Sometimes causes are unknown
Treatment
Shockwave therapy helps with plantar fasciitis by inducing a micro- trauma to the tissue that is responsible for the pain in the heel of the foot. The shockwave treatment results in new blood vessel formation and an increase delivery of nutrients thus relieving the symptoms of pain. Along with osteopathic manual therapy of the associated areas and treatment plan you will have an outstanding chance of getting out of pain quickly and back to enjoying a pain free life.
WHAT ARE SHOCKWAVES?
Focused shockwaves are are generated electromagnetically through a cylindrical coil which creates opposing magnetic fields when current is applied. In the medical world, shock waves have been used since 1980 to disintegrate kidney stones, for instance. In modern pain therapy, shock wave energy is applied to the painful body regions, where it can exert its curative action.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Shock waves can accelerate the healing process in the body, they stimulate metabolism and improve blood circulation; damaged tissue can regenerate and fully hea
IS IT SAFE?
Treatment is non-invasive, quick and effective, and has been deemed a safe treatment by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (the body that determines best practice within the NHS). No anaesthetic is required, and the patient doesn’t face a lengthy rehabilitation.