Shockwave Treatment

New technology to treat foot pain is now available in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Numerous FDA approved studies have concluded that shockwave treatments using the Storz Masterpuls show success rates of  84% for heel pain.  We have the latest generation Storz Masterpuls shockwave unit, made in Switzerland.

 

What is extracorporeal radial shockwave therapy? 

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive modern and highly effective treatment method: high-energy sound waves are introduced into the painful areas of the body.  The shockwave is a physical sound wave “shock”, not an electric one.

Shockwave technology accelerates the healing process in the body by stimulating the metabolism and enhancing blood circulation to regenerate damaged tissue. Strong energy pulses are applied to the affected area. These pulses occur for short periods of time, creating micro-cavitation bubbles that expand and burst. The force created by these bubbles penetrates tissue and stimulates cells in the body that are responsible for bone and connective tissue healing.

What Conditions can Shockwave treat?

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bunions and Hammertoes
• Arthritis & Fibromyalgia
• Overuse injuries & Bursitis
• Metatarsalgia
• Shin Splints
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Stress Fractures

 

What are the benefits of SHOCKWAVE therapy?

• 84% Success Rate (as per clinical studies)
• Non-invasive
• No anesthesia required
• No risk of infection
• No scarring
• No downtime
• Over 80% patient satisfaction
• Affordable treatments
• Faster, easier healing

 

How does it work?

1) Treatment produces an inflammatory response. The body responds by increasing metabolic activity around the site of pain. This stimulates and accelerates the healing process (promotes the remodeling of dysfunctional collagenous tissues, such as tendinopathies, trigger points, muscle strains, etc.).

2) Shockwaves may break down scar tissue and/or calcification

3) Transmission of pain can be diminished through neurological mechanisms (inhibition of nociceptors)

 

How long does the treatment last?

Approximately 2000 shocks are administered per treatment area. Some patients and/or conditions require more shocks and duration, depending on severity and chronicity (how long the condition or injury has existed).  This is a relatively quick therapy which lasts a few minutes.  

  

How many treatments will I need?

Normally four to five treatments are necessary at weekly intervals; there is a small possibility that 2 or more additional treatments may be necessary if your condition is very chronic. Should you not respond in this time, your case will be reviewed with the foot specialist to determine if a change in treatment protocols is necessary. Success rates with shockwave have been about 80% in the scientific literature depending on the condition.

 

Does the treatment hurt?

It is a short treatment that may be somewhat uncomfortable. However, most people are able to easily tolerate it. However, if you cannot tolerate it, adjustments on the machine can decrease the pressure you feel.

 

Will it hurt after the treatment?

There may or may not be immediate pain, but some discomfort may be experienced 2-4 hours after the treatment. In some cases it can last up to 48 hours and in very rare cases, the pain lasted up to 5 days. Some bruising and swelling can occur.

 

What should I do if I am in pain after the treatment?

The shockwave will trigger an inflammatory response, which is the body’s natural process of healing. For this reason, do not use anti-inflammatory medications. Do not use ice. The pain should subside within 24 hours. Use Tylenol if necessary, provided you have no trouble with this medication.  Use of heat packs and gentle stretching is recommended.

 

What if it feels good after the treatment?

Normal activites after shockwave are fine, however avoid high impact activities for 72 hours following the treatment.

 

Is Shockwave Therapy covered by my insurance?

If you have insurance you will want to ask your provider about the requirements of your coverage.

 

What if it doesn’t work for me?

The long-term benefits of this treatment may take up to 3-4 months. If after this time there has not been any marked improvement, you should see your foot specialist for further treatment options. About 10% of patients are non-responders to shockwave therapy, thus results cannot be guaranteed. 

 

Contra-indications include:

■ Pregnancy

■ Tumour diseases, carcinoma, cancer patients: past or present

 

Precautions include:

■Coagulation disorders, thrombosis, heart, circulatory patients or those with pacemakers

■ Use of bloodthinners may cause more bruising

■ Polyneuropathy

■ Infection in the target area

■ Use of Anti-inflammatory medication (eg. Advil (Ibuprofen), Naproxen, Meloxicam) up to 1 week before first treatment

■ Cortisone therapy up to 6 weeks before first treatment

 

Side effects include: (These side effects generally abate after 5 to 10 days.)

Treatment with Shockwave technology has virtually no side effects. In some cases, patients may experience minor discomfort  or bruising for a few days. Patients can return to work after treatments and in most all cases there is no down time

• Call us today for a consultation to see if Shockwave therapy is right for you!