Healing and Pain Relief with Shockwave Therapy: The Science Is In

If you’re dealing with chronic foot pain or conditions like osteoarthritis, you might be interested in a treatment called extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). It’s a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to jumpstart your body’s natural healing process.

Shockwave therapy is used to treat many lower limb conditions, including: heel pain, plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciosis and heel spurs and tendon pain including Achilles tendonitis or tendinosis. It can reduce pain in osteoarthritis and in nerve pains, such as Morton’s neuromas or ganglions. It is also helpful managing a host of issues including:

·     ligament sprains;

·     knee pains, including ligament and tendon injuries

·     patellar tendinopathy

·     non-acute bursitis including in the hip, knee and ankle

·     strains and sprains

·     muscle tears

·     iliotibial band syndrome

·     scarring after trauma or surgery

Let’s break down how this innovative therapy acts on the body, and how sound waves work to heal injuries and reduce pain. 

Healing Wake-Up Call

After weeks or months of chronic injury, the body’s healing systems can go into sleep-mode. Shockwave therapy sends high-energy sound waves to the painful area, creating tiny bubbles in the tissues (cavitation bubbles). This controlled micro-damage acts like a wake-up call for your body, prompting its natural healing systems to kick into high gear again.

Boosting Blood Flow

One of the major benefits of shockwave therapy is that it increases blood flow to the affected area. More blood means more oxygen and nutrients, which are essential for repairing damaged tissues. It’s like giving your injured foot a fresh supply of everything it needs to heal.

Stimulating Cellular Repair

These shock waves do more than just improve circulation; they also stimulate cells in a very special way. The waves activate receptors on the cells, which then release growth factors and proteins that promote tissue repair and collagen growth. It’s these cellular changes that help reduce inflammation and encourage healing.

Taming Inflammation

Inflammation is a big part of the pain puzzle, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis. A key player in this inflammation is a molecule called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). ESWT helps lower the levels of TNF-α, which reduces inflammation and, consequently, pain. Less inflammation means a better healing environment and quicker recovery.

Building Stronger Tissues

Shockwave therapy doesn’t just help with immediate pain relief; it also promotes long-term healing. The treatment stimulates the production of collagen, an essential protein for the strength and flexibility of your cartilage, tendons and ligaments. This means your tissues can become more resilient over time.

Creating New Blood Vessels

Another fascinating benefit of ESWT is that it encourages the formation of new blood vessels. This process, known as angiogenesis, ensures that your tissues get an ongoing supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients, which further supports healing and prevents future issues.

In summary, shockwave therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against foot and leg pain and tissue damage. It’s non-invasive, promotes natural healing, reduces inflammation, and strengthens tissues, making it an excellent option for those seeking relief from injuries or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or plantar fasciitis

If you’d like to know more about shockwave therapy, including the evidence that demonstrates its effectiveness, you can visit North Star Podiatry’s earlier blog post, “Shockwave Therapy: What you need to know”.

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Is shockwave therapy the solution you need to get back on your feet? If you’re struggling with persistent foot or leg pain, reach out now! Complete our online form. Or you can call or message us, if you prefer.