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Is Radial Shockwave Therapy Right for Me?

Close-up of a patient receiving a radial shockwave therapy massage on their foot at a holistic clinic.

With one in five Americans suffering from chronic pain, finding effective relief is more important than ever. Innovative treatments, like radial shockwave therapy, are helping those with chronic pain live life more comfortably. 

At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates in Commerce Township, MI, we offer radial shockwave therapy to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain. We’ve compiled some information about this treatment and how it can benefit you. 

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Radial shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses sound waves to increase circulation to the treated area. This, in turn, triggers your body’s natural healing response and helps to regenerate damaged tissue.

Administered on a weekly basis by a trained technician, each treatment takes approximately five minutes. Depending on your specific condition and the areas being treated, you can expect to receive a series of five treatments.

Side Effects of Radial Shockwave Therapy

Due to its noninvasive nature, radial shockwave therapy requires no downtime and has minimal side effects. While it is typically painless, you may experience slight discomfort and bruising for a day or two after the treatment. 

If you have any concerns about potential side effects, please let your podiatrist know. We can answer any questions you may have and help you determine your risk of side effects associated with this treatment.

Results of Radial Shockwave Therapy

The results of radial shockwave therapy can vary depending on the condition and areas being treated. Many patients report experiencing immediate pain relief after just one session. 

However, most find their symptoms improve gradually over the course of treatment. Your podiatrist can discuss more specific treatment timelines with you during your initial consultation.  

Which Conditions Can Radial Shockwave Therapy Treat?

When seeking medical treatment of any kind, you want to know that the option you are choosing is an effective one. Over two decades of research have proven that radial shockwave therapy is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including: 

Chronic Pain

Pain can become chronic for many reasons, often due to continued microtrauma to already injured tissue. As an injury persists and your body is not able to fully heal itself, the healing process can become dormant.

By using sound waves to trigger an inflammatory response and introducing fresh microtrauma while supporting your body’s healing appropriately, we can help patients become pain-free.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common heel pain condition resulting from inflammation and trauma to the tissue that connects the heel bone to the base of the toes known as the plantar fascia. 

Many factors can cause this damage, but some common causes are overuse, an injury, or medical conditions like obesity. Chronic plantar fasciitis can also lead to permanent changes or thickening of the fascia as the condition worsens over time. 

Radial shockwave therapy uses sound waves to heal soft tissue like that which causes this condition. However, it is important to also take preventative measures like wearing proper footwear and resting after long periods of activity. 

Tendon Injuries

Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bones. They give you precise control of your feet, joints, and limbs. When injured, it can impact your mobility and overall quality of life. Radial shockwave therapy helps to heal your tendons, allowing you to move more comfortably and recover from injuries faster. 

Neuritis

When a nerve is pinched, it can swell, leading to a condition called neuritis. This condition can cause pain and discomfort, especially while walking or moving the affected area. Reducing the swelling through radial shockwave therapy helps to alleviate this discomfort. 

Who is a Candidate for Radial Shockwave Therapy?

While most people who are experiencing chronic pain could benefit from radial shockwave therapy, it is not recommended for those:

  • Who are pregnant
  • Under the age of 18
  • Who have a blood clotting disorder
  • Experiencing an infection

Regardless of the condition being treated, we can help you determine whether you are a candidate. If not, we can help you explore alternative treatment options based on your specific needs. 

Learn More About Radial Shockwave Therapy at Lakes Foot & Ankle

If you think you could benefit from radial shockwave therapy, consider scheduling a consultation at Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates. Our team specializes in treating various conditions through radial shockwave therapy. 

To learn more about this treatment option, call our office in Commerce Township, MI, at (248) 453-2288 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We can help you find the relief from chronic pain you’ve been looking for. 

Get Radial Shockwave Therapy at Lakes Foot & Ankle

When you are experiencing chronic pain, you want to find fast, safe, and effective relief. Radial shockwave therapy at Lakes Foot & Ankle in Commerce Township, MI, may be an option for you. For more information about this treatment, call (248) 453-2288 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our podiatrists. 

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Radial Shockwave Therapy

Radial Shockwave Therapy

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Radial Shockwave Therapy is a cutting edge technology proven to increase the rate of healing for soft tissue tendinopathy. It is an advanced, non-invasive and highly effective treatment method that enhances blood circulation and accelerates the healing process causing damaged tissue to gradually regenerate.

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What conditions can be treated with RSWT?

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Diabetic Neuropathy more!

How does RSWT work?

When you experience chronic pain, your body no longer recognizes that there is an injury to that area. As a result, it shuts down the healing process and you feel no relief. The ballistic sound waves of the EnPuls penetrate deep through your soft tissue, causing a microtrauma or new inflammatory condition to the treated area. Once this occurs, it then triggers your body’s natural healing response once again. The energy emitted also causes the cells in the soft tissue to release certain bio-chemicals that intensify the body’s natural healing process. These bio-chemicals allow for the building of an array of new microscopic blood vessels in the soft tissue.

What do studies show?

There have been extensive studies done on Radial Shockwave Therapy over the past 23 years. These studies show an average 85% success rate.

How is RSWT performed?

The system is a machine with an applicator that looks like an ultrasound. It is administered once a week for a series of 5 treatments. Each treatment takes approximately 5 minutes depending on the size and number of areas treated. All treatments are performed by experienced Doctors or staff.

The Doctor applies the applicator to the area and administers the ballistic waves by moving over the affected area in a very slow, circular motion. During the treatment, there may be some minor discomfort. Painful areas are helpful in isolating the truly injured areas.

Why consider Radial Shockwave Therapy?

RSWT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods, including surgery, without the risks, complications, and lengthy recovery periods. There are no incisions and no risk of infection, or scar tissue, like with surgery.

There is no need for anesthesia to be administered during the treatment, as opposed to high-energy shockwave therapy. Patients treated with RSWT may be active immediately and resume their normal routine the same day. Many patients find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain. Some patients will feel results gradually after each treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

There have been very few side effects reported. In rare cases, skin bruising may occur. Patients may also feel soreness in the area for a day or two afterward, similar to a strenuous workout.

Will I be in pain afterward?

A day or two after the treatment you may feel a slight discomfort like a bruise, but that is normal and is a sign the treatment is working.

Is it covered by my Insurance?

No. RSWT is not covered by insurance plans but it is very affordable.

Why RSWT instead of Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is 2 to 3 times a week, for 6 weeks and you are at the facility for no less than an hour. More importantly, there is usually a co-pay required for every visit which could be $40 or more. Over a six week period or 15 visits, this can add up to $600 in out of pocket co-pays. The RSWT treatments are only once a week, for 5 minutes each. This is a highly effective modality which is faster and more effective than Physical therapy, and the cost of the RSWT treatments are usually LESS than the total of your PT co-pays. If you want fast results in less time, and would like to save money, the RSWT treatment is a better choice.

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