What to Expect During and After Shockwave Therapy

Are you struggling with a foot or ankle condition that’s difficult to treat? Maybe it’s time to consider shockwave therapy, a procedure we walk you through here as you consider if it’s a good option for you.

Did you know that shockwave therapy can be a great alternative to physical therapy, especially when your pain is too intense to tolerate the latter? If you’ve been wondering if shockwave therapy is for you, now is the time to find out more.

Here at Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, we focus on offering numerous treatment options to help our patients create the best plan for their needs. Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, want to help minimize your discomfort and give you the best options for a safe, healthy recovery from your pain.

Shockwave therapy: What it is and who needs it

Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment for issues like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, overuse injuries, and more. When physical therapy is too painful or slow to manage your issues, this treatment can provide more immediate relief.

While shockwave therapy doesn’t reverse the effects of these conditions, it can help manage pain and discomfort, allowing you to tolerate physical therapy or just live your day-to-day life with more ease. A 2020 study found that shockwave therapy helped manage plantar fasciitis in three different categories: pain, function, and quality of life.

What to expect during shockwave therapy

Some people are concerned that shockwave therapy will hurt, but this usually isn’t the case. Shockwave therapy is relatively painless and requires almost no effort on your part. It also doesn’t require needles or invasive practices, as everything is performed outside your body.

When you arrive for shockwave therapy, you remove your socks and shoes and lie down on a table. Depending on the condition being treated, you might lie face up or face down with your legs supported. Local anesthesia is often used to mask any pain you might experience, and then your provider begins the therapy.

At Southwest Foot & Ankle, your provider uses the Zimmer system, which consists of a handheld device rubbed in a circular motion over the treatment area. The device sends out high-frequency waves of sound that create minuscule trauma points. This triggers your body’s natural immune response, allowing you to begin healing.

Sometimes the procedure is a little uncomfortable, but it’s not painful. The therapy usually lasts for about 20 minutes, and after that, you can go home.

What to expect after shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy is likely to create some discomfort after the fact, sort of like when you finish a strenuous workout. You may feel sore, and your muscles might be tight for a while. However, you won’t experience these after-effects for long.

Many people feel their pain lessen considerably after the first treatment, but it’s usually still necessary for you to seek additional treatments. This could involve weekly therapy appointments for a month or so. Over time, you’ll experience a buildup of results associated with the therapy, and you’ll start to move more easily without pain.

Should I try shockwave therapy to treat my pain?

If you’re dealing with an injury or overuse issue in your feet or ankles, shockwave therapy could be extremely beneficial to your recovery. However, every patient is different, so it’s always helpful to discuss your options with your provider.

Are you interested in shockwave therapy? Make an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle today. Call our office at 480-900-7399 or schedule a visit online.