We at Erina Podiatry Central Coast have recently trialled the Swiss Dolorclast Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) machine for the treatment of heel pain and Achilles tendinopathy. Preliminary results have been very pleasing, and we have decided to permanently add radial shockwave therapy to our arsenal of adjunct podiatry therapies particularly focusing on various types of heel pain and tendinopathies.
What is Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?
Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) works by using compressed air to create a shockwave that is delivered to the target tissue through the skin. This shockwave or acoustic wave interacts with the target tissue, leading to a cascade of benefits including improved metabolic activity, neovascularisation/improved circulation, tendon remodelling with calcification break up and reabsorption, a reduction in neurogenic inflammation and often there is an immediate analgesic effect with the reduction in the concentration of the neurotransmitter substance P.
What does Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) treat?
Extracorporeal radial shockwave therapy is a clinically proven adjunct podiatry therapy especially in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis and tendinopathies. 80% of studies using our state-of-the-art unit – the Swiss Dolorclast resulted in better ESWT clinical outcomes than the control group.
What to expect during Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) treatment?
Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is non-invasive, requires no aesthetic and is fast and effective. 3 consecutive weekly shockwave treatments are the minimum and recommended podiatry treatment protocol however more may be required in chronic pathologies. A ESWT treatment session takes approximately 15 minutes where the practitioner applies the shock waves based on the patient biofeedback.
Initially a podiatry assessment consultation is required to properly diagnose the patient’s condition and rule out a contraindication prior to the application of Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT).
Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is best applied along with other conservative podiatry therapies which would be discussed at the time of consultation.
