Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: What to Expect During Treatment
When you wake up with plantar fasciitis, taking your first steps of the day can feel like stepping onto shards of glass. But if you've tried stretching, rest, extra supportive shoes, and everything else you can think of to no avail, shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis might be just what you need. It's an effective treatment that uses acoustic waves to trigger your body's natural healing response so you can leave chronic heel pain in the past.
But first, what exactly is involved in shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis? Keep reading to learn what you can expect during your appointment!
What Is Involved in Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?
To understand how shockwave therapy helps heal plantar fasciitis, let's first take a quick look at how it works.
The "Treatment"
SHOCK = controlled micro-trauma
WAVE = sound signal that initiates
THERAPY = regeneration and repair
Essentially, the handheld shockwave machine emits focused acoustic waves that penetrate deep into the plantar fascia. The signal stimulates your body's natural healing response by creating tiny amounts of cellular trauma that the body wants to repair. Confused? Don't worry, we know that trauma is the last thing you want to do to an already painful area. But, here's the thing, healing.
The Benefits
Once the acoustic waves reach your damaged tissue, two major things happen:
- Neovascularization: Tiny new blood vessels grow into the affected area, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to rebuild the tissue.
- Collagen repair: Your body produces new collagen fibers to mend the damaged plantar fascia.
Instead of merely dulling pain, shockwave triggers actual healing which means lasting results.
And as if that wasn't enough, there's an added bonus. The intense stimulation temporarily confuses the nerve endings, causing an analgesic effect. In plain English, patients often experience pain relief immediately after the first session.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of Plantar Fasciitis Shockwave Treatment
So you've made your appointment for shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and arrived at our San Ramon clinic. What happens now? From start to finish, here's what to expect from your session.
Applying the Gel
The therapist will first apply a conductive gel to your heel and arch. This gel is the same stuff they use for ultrasound appointments. It allows the acoustic waves to transfer from the machine into your tissue without losing any energy at the surface of your skin.
Finding the Pain Point
Next, they'll palpate your foot to determine the most tender spot. Usually, this is the location where the fascia inserts into the heel bone. Typically, an "X" is placed on the skin to mark the area of utmost tenderness. Precise targeting is essential because the waves need to reach the exact area of injury.
The Treatment
Now it's time for the magic to happen. The therapist holds the wand-like shockwave applicator against your foot and glides it back and forth over the injured area.
Wait, does it hurt?
This is the part many patients ask about! Most describe the feeling as rapid tapping or pounding onto the heel. The intensity begins low and increases as your body adapts to the stimulation. Your treatment area will likely become numb to the tapping within a minute or two, making the rest of the session fairly tolerable.
Shockwave treatment only takes about 5-10 minutes per foot. The entire appointment usually doesn't exceed 20 minutes including prep time and post-treatment advice.
If it does start to hurt, talk to your therapist! There's no need to endure painful treatments. The machine can be adjusted until you find a comfortable level.
How To Prepare For Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Before your shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis appointment, make sure to:
- Wear loose-fitting shoes
- Skip anti-inflammatories before treatment (they may hinder results)
- Eat lunch before your appointment (no fasting necessary)
- Bring a list of current medications and health conditions
- Shower before your appointment (wash feet)
Immediate Aftercare Following Shockwave Treatment
Before, during, and after treatment all play a role in your recovery.
Walkout Comfort
Many patients immediately experience less pain while walking out of the door. Remember the analgesic effect we talked about earlier? That's the healing wonder immediately at work.
The First 24 Hours
Once the numbness subsides you may feel some soreness in the treated area. That's normal, and it's also a great sign that your body is preparing to heal. Think of it as similar to how your muscles feel after a great workout. Your body is working overtime to regenerate that damaged tissue.
Can I go to work? What about driving?
YES! There are no restrictions after treatment and patients go back to their normal daily routines. That being said, it's best to take it easy for the first 24-48 hours:
- Avoid activities that require extensive running or jumping
- Limit time spent standing or walking on hard surfaces
- Continue performing stretches as prescribed by your therapist
- Avoid icing the treated area (want that inflammation!)
Treatment Course: Expectations and Predictions
So how well does shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis work? Let's look at some statistics.
Number of Treatments
Most patients receive 3-5 treatments about one week apart. While your body begins healing from the first session, the space in-between allows for full recovery. The second treatment builds upon the previous as does the third, fourth, and sometimes fifth.
Shockwave vs Cortisone injections
When pain gets bad enough, cortisone shots can seem tempting. They provide incredible short-term results that last…about a month. Think of cortisone as your magic bandaid while you're waiting to heal.
Shockwave therapy, on the other hand, works to reverse the damage long-term.
Who Benefits Most From Shockwave Therapy?
Ideal shockwave therapy candidates are people who:
- Have experienced pain for 6 weeks or more
- Have failed to find relief from stretching, shoe inserts, or PT
- Want to avoid plantar fasciitis surgery
- Are willing to commit to the full treatment plan
Ready to Begin Shockwave Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis?
Life doesn't have to be lived in pain. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is a non-invasive procedure that promotes true healing, rather than simply covering up pain. With barely any discomfort during treatment, zero downtime, and high success rates, it's no wonder patients love their Ironhorse doctors. Start your journey to pain-free mornings today by [booking your Shockwave consultation](https://www.ironhorsept.com/contact-us/) at Ironhorse Physical Therapy San Ramon.
FAQs on Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Will shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients say it feels like someone is rapidly tapping or pounding on their heel. It's uncomfortable at first, but not unbearable. Plus, most areas go numb to the stimulation after 1-2 minutes making the rest of the treatment pain-free. Doctors will always start you at the lowest pain setting and adjust as you want. Just be sure to communicate with them if you're in pain!
How long does it take to see results for plantar fasciitis?
Some patients experience relief as soon as they leave the clinic. While the analgesic effect is great, that isn't where the magic truly happens. New blood vessels take time to grow into the affected area and collagen repair isn't immediate. Most patients will begin to notice significant improvements after the 2nd or 3rd treatment and maximum results occur 6-12 weeks after the final session.
Can I drive after treatment?
Yes! There is no anesthesia, sedation, or anything to make you feel drowsy during shockwave treatment. Patients are able to walk out of the clinic and return home to continue their day.
Will insurance cover shockwave therapy?
That depends. Some insurance companies will cover ESWT as we speak while others still deem it "experimental." The only way to know for sure is to give them a call yourself. We've also helped many patients finance their treatments if they are paying out-of-pocket.
Can I continue stretching with shockwave therapy?
Absolutely: and we encourage you to stretch! Gentle calf stretches, plantar fascia stretches, and ankle mobility exercises can help support the healing process. Your physical therapist will also give you a specialized stretching program that complements your Shockwave treatments. Just be sure to take it easy on the aggressive stretching for a few days after treatment when the area is inflamed.
