Beyond the Surface: How Shockwave Therapy Targets Plantar Fasciitis at Its Core

by | Nov 12, 2024 | 0 comments

6 min read

If relentless heel pain has become a constant companion, stealing the joy from your every step, you’re not alone. Daily activities can feel like a challenge for those battling plantar fasciitis—and temporary fixes often fall short. 

For anyone living with plantar fasciitis, this daily struggle can feel like an unbreakable cycle of discomfort and frustration. But what if you didn’t have to rely on temporary relief anymore? 

Shockwave therapy offers a fresh, targeted approach that doesn’t just mask the pain—it addresses the root cause. 

Summary

  • Shockwave therapy targets plantar fasciitis by using high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce pain, and break down scar tissue.
  • The treatment typically involves 3-5 quick sessions, is non-invasive with minimal recovery time, and can be combined with other chiropractic techniques for enhanced effectiveness.
  • Bergen Chiropractic offers personalized shockwave therapy treatments for plantar fasciitis, emphasizing long-term healing and relief through a comprehensive approach to patient care.

How Shockwave Therapy Works for Foot Pain Relief

Shockwave therapy is a game-changer when tackling foot pain, especially when dealing with pesky plantar fasciitis. 

This therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves generated by a specialized device. Think of these waves as little messengers that travel deep into your tissue—up to 6 cm! They’re aimed right at your pain’s source, ensuring they hit the spot.

As these shockwaves penetrate the tissue, they create controlled microtrauma. That might sound a bit intense, but it’s a good thing! Microtrauma kicks your body’s natural healing processes into gear. It’s like sending a wake-up call to your body, telling it to work on repairing those damaged tissues.

4 Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

4 benefits of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis

If you’re dealing with the stubborn pain of plantar fasciitis and muscle spasms, shockwave therapy might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. This innovative treatment goes beyond masking symptoms—it gets to the root of the problem, offering both immediate relief and long-term healing. 

From targeting the underlying cause to breaking down pesky scar tissue, these benefits showcase why more people are turning to this treatment for lasting foot pain relief.

1. Targeting the Root Cause of Plantar Fasciitis

Unlike treatments that merely mask symptoms, shockwave therapy addresses the underlying issues causing your pain. It promotes long-term healing by stimulating blood flow and cellular repair in the plantar fascia.

2. Stimulating Tissue Regeneration for Lasting Recovery

The acoustic waves generated during shockwave therapy trigger your body’s natural healing processes. This leads to new, healthy tissue forming, effectively replacing damaged areas that contribute to discomfort.

3. Effective Pain Reduction: Immediate and Long-Term Relief

Many patients report experiencing immediate pain relief after just one session of shockwave therapy. Over time, as treatments continue, this relief often builds, providing lasting benefits.

4. Breaking Down Scar Tissue to Restore Mobility

Scar tissue can limit your foot’s flexibility and contribute to ongoing pain. Shockwave therapy helps break down this scar tissue, restoring your foot’s natural range of motion and reducing discomfort.

What to Expect with Shockwave Therapy

So, you’re considering shockwave therapy for your plantar fasciitis? Great choice! Let’s walk you through what you can expect during this treatment journey.

Frequency and Duration of Treatments

Typically, you’re looking at about 3 to 5 sessions of shockwave therapy. Don’t worry—these sessions are spaced out, usually about a week apart. This gives your body time to respond to each treatment and start healing.

Each session is quick. We’re talking about 10-15 minutes per session. That’s shorter than your average coffee break! So, even if you’ve got a packed schedule, you can squeeze these treatments in without too much hassle.

Non-Invasive Treatment with Minimal Recovery Time

One of the coolest things about shockwave therapy is that it’s noninvasive. That means no needles, incisions, or anesthesia. 

There is minimal recovery time needed. After treatment, you can jump right back into your normal activities, so you do not need to take time off work or cancel your plans.

Combining Shockwave Therapy with Other Chiropractic Techniques

combining shockwave therapy with other chiropractic techniques

While shockwave therapy is incredibly effective on its own, combining it with other chiropractic techniques can supercharge your recovery from plantar fasciitis. Our expert team offers a comprehensive approach that includes:

The Graston Technique

This specialized form of manual therapy uses stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. It’s particularly effective for plantar fasciitis, as it can help restore mobility to the plantar fascia and promote healing.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Regular chiropractic adjustments can improve overall foot and ankle alignment, complementing the effects of shockwave therapy. This holistic approach addresses the symptoms and the root causes of plantar fasciitis.

Customized Exercise Programs

We’ll develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen your feet and improve flexibility. This is crucial for long-term relief and prevention of future flare-ups.

What Happens during a Shockwave Therapy Session?

what happens during a shockwave therapy session

  1. Initial Assessment: Your session begins with a brief evaluation by our experienced chiropractor. They’ll check your foot’s condition and confirm the treatment area.
  2. Preparation: You’ll be asked to remove your shoes and socks. Don’t worry—we’ll ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
  3. Positioning: You’ll lie on a treatment table with your affected foot, which is easily accessible to the chiropractor.
  4. Application of Conductive Gel: We use a special ultrasound gel on the treatment area. This isn’t just for comfort—it helps the shockwaves penetrate more effectively into the plantar fascia.
  5. Shockwave Application: Our chiropractor will use a handheld device to deliver shockwaves to your plantar fascia. During this part, you might feel a tapping sensation or a dull ache. Don’t be alarmed—this means the therapy is working!
  6. Duration: The actual shockwave application usually takes about 5-10 minutes. The session, including preparation and post-treatment instructions, typically lasts 20-30 minutes.
  7. Intensity Adjustment: We start at a lower intensity and gradually increase it to a therapeutic level. You’re always in control—let us know if you need the intensity adjusted.
  8. Post-Treatment Care: We’ll clean off the gel after the shockwave therapy and give you some post-treatment instructions. These might include gentle stretches or recommendations for at-home care.

After the Treatment

Some folks experience some swelling or redness in the treated area. But don’t panic! This is a good sign. It means your body responds to the treatment and kickstarts that healing process.

This soreness usually doesn’t last more than 24 hours. And for most people, it won’t stop you from going about your day as usual.

When Will You See the Results?

Many patients notice a significant improvement in their pain about 6 to 8 weeks after treatment. 

And the good news? 

This improvement often continues for months, even years, after your last session!

Remember, everyone’s different. Your journey might be quicker or longer. The key is to stick with it and keep in touch with your healthcare provider about your progress.

Discover Lasting Relief from Plantar Fasciitis at Bergen Chiropractic!

relief from plantar fasciitis

If you’re tired of battling the persistent pain of plantar fasciitis, Bergen Chiropractic is here to help you find lasting relief. By targeting the root causes of your discomfort, we alleviate your symptoms and promote long-term healing.

Our experienced team understands that every patient is unique, so we tailor our treatment plans to meet your specific needs. 

The chiropractic team at Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center adheres to the highest medical standards to provide superior chiropractic care. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere.

Access our contact form or call us at (201) 357-6539 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic care for meniscus tear rehabilitation!

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