What is ESWT?
ESWT is a non-invasive therapy that uses mechanical waves transmitted through a metal head.
The metal head repeatedly pulses at the affected area to transfer the mechanical waves to the area of your body affected.
ESWT is beneficial because it can treat the condition extra corporeally, meaning outside the body.
Previously, ESWT has been used to treat kidney stones due to how effective it is at breaking up the stone and increasing blood flow to the area.
After using this treatment for kidney stones, practitioners noticed that patients returned with increased bone density and new tissue growth.
Therefore, the benefit of ESWT on soft-tissue was discovered.
How Does ESWT Work?
ESWT stimulates the body’s natural inflammatory response through the mechanical waves and deep pulses it produces.
This inflammatory response brings more blood flow to the area and can improve healing as a result.
What Is It Used For?
At Erica Dash Podiatry, we use ESWT to treat multiple musculature conditions. Some of these include:
- Plantar fasciopathy
- Heel spurs
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Jumpers knee (patellar tendinopathy)
- Patello-femoral pain
- Tibialis posterior tendinopathy
- Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
- Painful/tight calf muscles
- Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome
- And more…
Will ESWT Hurt?
Pain from ESWT can vary between individuals. Some people don’t experience any pain at all, however others can feel a strong discomfort.
Generally, ESWT is only painful at trigger points and areas that are normally tender.
There is a small chance of experiencing side effects after treatment. Side effects can include; bruising, redness, pain, and swelling.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY PODIATRISTS TODAY!
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