Shockwave Therapy in Paoli Pa
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a groundbreaking medical advance that allows
doctors to stimulate tissues in the foot and ankle to repair injuries or correct medical conditions.
When your body is not healing itself properly, ESWT gives it an extra boost. If you have
musculoskeletal pain, talk with our podiatrist in Warminster and Newtown.
Reach out to Paoli Footcare Center at (610) 647-0400 to learn more.
What Is ESWT?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is also known as Extracorporeal Pulse Activated
Technology, or EPAT®. It is a regenerative medical therapy which allows acoustic pressure
waves to improve the metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate your overall
healing process.
This quick and economic choice does not require anesthesia and normally lasts only 18 minutes
per session. In most cases, no recovery is necessary. EPAT® is non-invasive, which means no
stitches, no hospitalization, and no risk of infection.
How Effective Is ESWT?
The FDA conducted a study in which 150 podiatry patients were asked to rate their pain level
from 1 to 10. Prior to treatment, patients rated their pain at an average of 7.7. One year after
treatment, the participants were asked to rate their pain again. This time, the average pain level
was a mere 0.6. This is a 92% pain decrease.
The ESWT Procedure
Because ESWT does not require invasive techniques, patients can relax during their therapy.
You should be back to work and your regular activities in no time. The same can not be said of
surgery.
During your treatment, you will lie comfortably on your back in a chair. Your ankle will be placed
on the machine, cradled in a soft, fluid-filled membrane. Sometimes, we will need to take an
ultrasound to localize the affected area. We may also use a local anesthetic to calm you. ESWT
is customizable. We will set the machine to pulsate and penetrate at a level that best works for
you. You will hear repetitive clicking sounds as the machine sends the acoustic waves to your
foot.
Our technicians have performed many ESWT treatments and are proficient at using the
analgesic effects of shockwaves for maximum effectiveness and comfort. If you are nervous,
talk with our podiatrists.
What Conditions Can Be Treated by ESWT?
EWST may be right for you if you have the following musculoskeletal conditions:
- Plantar fascia
- Ligament pain
- Achilles tendon
- Pain in your tendons
When Should I Consider ESWT?
Don’t procrastinate. If you feel pain in your heel whenever you put weight on it, it is because you
are constantly pulling against the tendon fibers. When you are continually putting stress on
degenerative tissue, the results are not only painful but damaging. Once your tissues have
ruptured, ESWT is no longer an option. Take action now.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Foot & Ankle Pain
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), can offer several benefits
for individuals experiencing foot and ankle pain:
Pain Reduction: Effectively alleviates pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis,
Achilles tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Improved Blood Circulation: Stimulates blood flow to the treated area, promoting natural healing
processes and tissue regeneration.
Non-Invasive: As a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure, shockwave therapy avoids the
risks and complications associated with surgery.
Quick and Convenient: Sessions are typically brief, and patients can often resume regular
activities immediately afterward.
Reduced Inflammation: Helps reduce inflammation in the affected area, contributing to pain
relief.
Enhanced Mobility: By addressing the underlying causes of pain, shockwave therapy can
improve joint mobility and overall function.
Minimized Need for Medications: Provides an alternative to long-term medication use for pain
management.
No Downtime: Minimal or no downtime is associated with shockwave therapy, allowing patients
to return to their normal activities promptly.
High Success Rates: Shockwave therapy has shown success in treating various foot and ankle
conditions, offering a viable option for those seeking non-invasive interventions.
It's essential to consult with our Southeastern Pennsylvania podiatrists to determine the
suitability of shockwave therapy based on the specific condition and individual health factors.
The Recovery Process
One of the biggest benefits of ESWT is the short recovery process. It is not common, but you
may experience some mild soreness or bruising near the targeted area. Over time, your body
will respond to the treatment by creating new tissue cells in the damaged area. Give your foot or
ankle approximately 13 weeks to see results, but some patients claim to feel pain reduction in
only one day. 20% of all patients will need a second treatment approximately 16 weeks after the
initial therapy. Complete area healing may take up to one year. Stay informed and get familiar
with all the conditions we treat at our facility.
Call our Paoli podiatrists at (610) 647-0400 to schedule an ESWT appointment.