This condition significantly reduces patients’ quality of life because of the severe pain accompanying many everyday activities. It can make walking or standing for longer periods considerably more difficult. Current treatment for heel spurs includes physical therapy (ultrasound, laser therapy, cryotherapy, electrotherapy), kinesiotherapy, pharmacotherapy, steroid injections and special shoe insoles. However, it turns out that in some cases this treatment is very laborious and prolonged, which is a problem for the patient. For the therapist, it becomes an incentive to seek and implement new solutions.
One of the newest methods of treating heel spurs is the use of radial shockwave therapy. The stimulus is introduced into the patient’s body using a treatment head, which is directed to encompass the entire area affected by pain or the source of pain located elsewhere. The procedure uses the force of compressed air. The kinetic energy accumulated in the head generating the waves is transformed into acoustic energy when it comes into contact with the transmitter. These impulses are transferred to the target tissue using a protective attachment and gel. The shockwave reaches the source of pain, gradually reducing it.
How the shockwave therapy procedure is performed
A coupling gel is applied to the area designated for therapy. Appropriate treatment parameters are then selected, taking the condition and the patient’s sensitivity into account. A shockwave is introduced into the tissues using a special treatment head. The wave penetrates to a depth of 2–6 cm, depending on the type of transmitter used. The application takes approximately 5–10 minutes. Approximately 3–5 treatments are performed at intervals of several to several dozen days.
Effects of shockwave therapy
A strong analgesic effect is observed in most people undergoing therapy. Positive effects, associated with pain reduction or its complete disappearance, are felt after the first or second treatment. This reduces the amount of pain medication taken. Patients with heel spurs report significant relief when getting moving in the morning, followed by progressively fewer problems bearing weight on the foot. The effects are clear and visible after each treatment, providing patients with considerable relief and physiotherapists with great satisfaction. Patients experience a clear improvement after this type of therapy and, most importantly, the effect lasts over time.
Other indications for shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is used to treat conditions resistant to more traditional forms of treatment. It is highly effective in treating chronic enthesopathies, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, jumper’s knee, hallux conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome and periarticular calcifications. It effectively reduces and eliminates pain in the spine and peripheral joints (knee, hip and shoulder). It is also used in aesthetic medicine, producing excellent results in the fight against cellulite, and in sports medicine, restoring athletes’ full fitness.
Benefits of shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is an effective, safe and non-invasive method. The analgesic effect is immediate. It is an alternative to other treatment methods, particularly when physical therapy and pharmacotherapy have produced no results. The therapeutic effects achieved with its help are surprising, especially in the treatment of chronic pain, and the long-term effects of the therapy are highly pronounced. It is a considerably faster and less burdensome method for the patient because the procedure is shorter and far fewer treatments are required. The therapy therefore does not require daily visits for treatment. Shockwaves are used not only for local treatment but also to produce a reflex effect. Based on the theory of holistic manual medicine, shockwaves are applied to trigger points, maximally painful areas, sensitive skin folds and so on. This makes the procedures more specific and significantly increases their effectiveness.
Shockwave therapy is available in Bolesławiec at NZOZ Provita
Shockwave treatments are performed at NZOZ Provita by well-trained and dedicated physiotherapists. Shockwave therapy is carried out using the prestigious Masterpuls device manufactured by the Swiss company Storz Medical, guaranteeing the highest quality and effectiveness of the service. We invite you.
mgr Alicja Suduł
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