Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT is a specialist treatment for chronic and painful musculoskeletal conditions.
ESWT is the name given to a treatment which involves shockwaves being passed through the skin to the injured part of the body. ESWT has been reviewed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA.
We use the Swiss DolorClast® device which generates shockwaves via a projectile that is propelled at high speed inside a hand held applicator. This is a mechanical action, not an electrical pulse. When the applicator is placed on the surface of the skin, the impulses are delivered as a shockwave that spreads through the tissue as an aspherical ‘radial’ wave.
ESWT using the Swiss DolorClast method produces low-energy shock waves and as a result, the therapy activates self-healing processes. It prompts the body to respond naturally by increasing blood circulation, the number of blood vessels and therefore metabolism in the injured tissue. This in turn activates cell generation and helps dissolve calcium deposits. The causes of chronic pain may be eliminated even in a short period of time.
Our extracorporeal shockwave treatment is indicated for:
Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis - Also referred to as Policeman’s heel or Runner’s heel
Achilles tendonitis, Insertional Achilles tendonopathy / posterior heel spur
However, it has also been successfully used for shin pain (shin splints / medial tibial stress syndrome) and there is some emerging evidence for its potential use on stress fractures.
Most conditions will need an average of 3-4 treatments and treatment sessions usually take no longer than 15 minutes. However, some conditions take more treatments, especially if a large area is involved.
What are the benefits?
How do I book treatment?
You will need a consultation to confirm the diagnosis and be assessed for your suitability for the treatment and any appropriate investigations. A course of treatment, generally once per week for three weeks is required. The effects of the treatment seem to increase over time and the outcome is assessed at 6 weeks following the last treatment.
If you are looking for effective pain relief and leading edge advanced treatments then Foot Mechanix are able to help you. Our specialist Podiatrists are highly experienced and well-trained. We also use the latest equipment and procedures to ensure that you get the best care possible for your foot problems and lower limb injuries. Contact the clinic for more information on how you could benefit from this new treatment.
We are based in Cobham, Surrey. Contact us on 01932 353568 and book Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).