Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective, non-invasive treatment for plantar fasciitis that offers significant pain relief, promotes healing, reduces inflammation and scar tissue, and improves overall foot function leading to a faster recovery and return to daily activity.
When combined with other physiotherapy modalities, like manual therapy and exercise programs, it is particularly beneficial for clients who have not responded well to other traditional treatments like rest, icing, or orthotics.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and arch of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or damaged, often due to overuse, poor footwear, or biomechanical issues such as flat arches.
If you think you have plantar fasciitis and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Plantar Fasciitis
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Promotes healing of the Plantar Fascia
- Breaks down scar tissue
- Improves function and mobility
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Plantar Fasciitis
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy and physiotherapy for plantar fasciitis usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or
high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Non-Invasive and Safe
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating plantar fasciitis, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimising the associated risks.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, allowing them to return to normal activities with reduced discomfort.
Enhanced Healing
By promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation, shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process, leading to faster recovery times compared to traditional treatments.
Reduced Dependence on Medication
Effective pain management through shockwave therapy can decrease the need for pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication, reducing potential side effects.
Improved Function and Mobility
As the pain, inflammation, and scar tissue decreases clients are able to return to activities that were previously painful.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating plantar fasciitis, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Severe pain is limiting function
If plantar fasciitis is causing severe pain that significantly impacts the ability to perform daily activities.
Fast recovery
For individuals with a high level of activity who need to return to their work, sport, or routine quickly.
History of condition
If there is a history of chronic plantar fasciitis or a previous recurrence.
Resistance to standard treatments
If initial traditional treatments (e.g. stretching, orthotics) are showing little to no improvement after a few weeks and the pain remains intense.
Heel spur
If plantar fasciitis is associated with heel spurs which contribute to pain.
Early intervention with shockwave therapy can promote healing of the plantar fascia, reduce pain, and prevent chronic foot pain.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
