What are Radial Shockwaves?
Radial shockwaves are pneumatically-generated high-energy shockwaves. They are transmitted through the surface of the skin and spread radially (spherically) into the body. The body responds with increased metabolic activity around the site of the pain. This stimulates and accelerates the healing process.
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shock Wave Therapy is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis). During this noninvasive procedure, shockwaves are directed at the area of pain using a hand-held device pressed against the bottom surface of the heel.
Shock Wave Therapy is prescribed for patients who have experienced plantar fasciitis for an extended period of time — six months or more — and have not benefited from other conservative treatments. The brief procedure lasts about 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Strong shockwaves are directed at and penetrate the heel area to stimulate a healing response by the body. The patient does not require assistance walking or driving when the procedure is completed.
People who are not candidates for Radial Shockwave Therapy include pregnant women and individuals with neurological foot disease, vascular foot disease, pacemakers, or people taking medications that interfere with blood clotting (such as Coumadin).
This therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a short recovery time. Clinical studies show a 70 percent success rate for treatment of plantar fasciitis using Radiall Shock Wave Therapy.
Radial Shockwave Therapy is currently used to treat:
- Heel Spur – Calcaneal spur, mostly chronic, painful inflammation under the heel.
- Achillodynia – mostly inflammation-induced change causing pain in the Achilles tendon