Shockwave Therapy

Do you suffer from Plantar Fascitis, Chronic Achilles Tendon pain or Heel Pain(Heel Spurs)?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a new treatment which is non-surgical, non-invasive, involves no time off your feet and best of all no anaesthesia is required. In most cases patients can usually get back to sports and resume work after a few days without any pain. It is considered a breakthrough treatment that can make problems like heel pain virtually obsolete. For this reason, shockwave therapy is the best way forward when treating foot injuries.

How does ESWT work?

Exracorporeal shockwave therapy has been used in Medicine since the 1990's. Today the first treatment of choice for disintegrating/eliminating kidney stones and urethral stones is ESWT. In the mid 1990's ESWT was being successfuly used on Tendonitis Calcarea (calcium deposits in damaged tendons) , epicondylitis and heel spurs all of which are now accepted as scientifically proven methods of treatment for these conditions.

During your consultation, your Chiropodist/Foot Specialist will localize the pain region by palpation and by following the patients indications of pain. After the pain region is determined, the area is subject to short pulsed shock waves. These high energy acoustic (sound) waves travel through the skin to the affected area eliminating painful calcium deposits that can interfere with healing. ESWT works by creating an anaesthetic type condition in the painful area by releasing endorphins, also stimulating the bodies immune system, increasing local metabolism promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth) and by stimulating lymph drainage. This increase in blood flow effectively stimulates the body's intrinsic repair mechanisms thereby activating the body's self healing abilities.

Am I a Candidate For Extracorporeal shock wave therapy?

If you have tried conservative measures such as heel taping, cortisone injections, physical therapy or prescription orthotics and still suffer from heel pain, then ESWT is for you. A complete consultation and thorough examination at our office will determine your best option.

Studies have indicated up to 90 percent success rate in plantar fascitis, heel spur syndrome and achilles tendonitis. When the above conditions are treated with a combination of prescription orthotics and ESWT, the success rate nears 100 percent. Although some patients experience relief after the first treatment, others feel relief after 12 weeks or more. This newer treatment requires three to five, 10 minute treatments performed weekly over 3 to 4 weeks.

The fees?

Treatments including Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is not covered by OHIP. Often private health insurance, Work Benefits, Unions etc. will cover ESWT. All fees will be discussed at the time of your consultation. Also, we can provide you with a predetermination for you insurance carrier if requested.

LINK Office Brochure on Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

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