logo

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive procedure to treat tissue tears and other musculoskeletal injuries. The treatment uses pressure waves and sound waves to heal damaged tissues and reduce inflammation and pain.

Ledesma Foot and Ankle provides shockwave therapy in-office for adults and adolescents. The podiatry team uses the technology to treat foot and ankle conditions or injuries to prevent the need for more invasive treatments, including surgery.

Am I a candidate for shockwave therapy?

You might be a candidate for shockwave therapy if you have acute or chronic pain from muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries in your foot or ankle.

The Ledesma Foot and Ankle team can also use shockwave therapy to treat conditions like plantar fasciitis that cause persistent heel pain.

During your initial evaluation, your podiatrist examines your foot or ankle and may order X-rays or other imaging tests to identify the source of your pain. They might include shockwave therapy as your only treatment or combine it with other therapies for maximum pain relief.

What can I expect during shockwave therapy?

During your shockwave therapy session at Ledesma Foot and Ankle, your podiatrist holds a handheld device next to the skin of the treatment area.

The device delivers sound and pressure waves deep into your tissues to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. The shockwave energy increases blood circulation in the targeted area and also promotes healthy, new tissue growth.

Shockwave therapy sessions are fast, and while you may feel some discomfort during your initial session, most people tolerate shockwave therapy comfortably and without pain. Your podiatrist might recommend a series of therapy sessions to achieve lasting pain relief.

You can expect to go back to your usual activities right away. You might not notice a difference in your symptoms right away because it takes time for damaged tissues to heal and for new tissue to grow. Many people notice significantly reduced pain and increased mobility within a few weeks of the initial shockwave therapy session.

Call Ledesma Foot and Ankle today to schedule a shockwave therapy consultation for yourself or your child, or request an appointment online.