It’s becoming increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts to use focused shockwave therapy treatment in the Philadelphia area to reduce pain and overcome orthopedic conditions that result from their time training. It’s clear to see why: focused shockwave therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative for you to feel better, move easier, and minimize the risk of adverse side effects from your treatment.
However, focused shockwave therapy is not as widely discussed as surgical options, which might lead you to believe that you can’t get relief from plantar fasciitis and other conditions without making an incision.
What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Focused shockwave therapy is a treatment that was initially developed to break up kidney stones but has since been used effectively for conditions where plaque has built up around a joint, making it painful to move.
Instead of making an incision, the treatment consists of using a device to send shockwaves into the body to break up any plaque that might be inhibiting the joint’s movement or causing general pain. These shockwaves also have the added benefit of stimulating the body to heal itself because the shockwaves cause microtraumas, which force the body to respond by sending blood and activating systems it naturally uses to recover after it receives an injury.
How is it Better Than Traditional Treatment Options?
One of the most significant benefits of focused shockwave therapy is that it doesn’t require an incision to remove the plaque and damaged tissue caused by the pain in cases of plantar fasciitis. Since there’s no incision, your risk of complications is significantly reduced because there’s no opportunity to introduce infection and your recovery times are short enough to minimize post-treatment complications.
Another benefit of focused shockwave therapy is that it doesn’t require a lot of time to start seeing benefits. Some patients can begin experiencing relief after three to five sessions, each of which can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.
Are There Any Risks?
It’s perfectly understandable to worry about the risks involved with any treatment plan that claims to resolve your pain without taking you out of work for a few weeks. Some patients do experience bruising and tingling following treatment, but the potential side effects are mild compared to alternatives. In extreme cases, mild discomfort, redness, or swelling can continue for a few days after a session, but these often resolve themselves the same way your body would resolve a bruised knee.
To find out more about our focused shockwave treatment options in West Chester, PA, or schedule an appointment, call our office now!