State-of-the-Art Shockwave Therapy
At Jakupi Podiatry, your trusted podiatrist in Doncaster, we offer shockwave therapy as a non-invasive, drug-free treatment to relieve pain, stimulate healing, and restore function in the foot and ankle.
Whether you’re struggling with chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendinopathy, this evidence-based treatment uses sound waves to promote the healing of injured tissue and enhance blood flow.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT) is a safe, non-surgical procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate repair of damaged tissue. These shock waves are applied to the treatment site, often the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, or heel, using a handheld device.
The mechanical pressure increases blood flow, promotes the release of growth factors, and stimulates the body’s natural healing process. It’s commonly used as a conservative treatment for chronic foot and ankle conditions when other treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications haven’t provided full relief.
Conditions Treated With Shockwave Therapy
Jakupi Podiatry uses shockwave therapy to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Shin splints
- Heel pain
- Tendon injuries
- Chronic inflammation
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Non-invasive: No surgery, no injections, no downtime
Fast relief: Most patients notice improvement after just a few sessions
Stimulates healing: Triggers the regeneration of injured tendons, ligaments, and surrounding tissue
Drug-free: No need for anti-inflammatory drugs or platelet-rich plasma injections
Long-term outcome: Encourages tissue repair, reducing need for surgery in many cases
What to Expect During Shockwave Treatment
Each shockwave therapy session takes about 15–30 minutes. A physical therapist or podiatrist uses a handheld probe to apply shock waves to the affected area. Patients may feel mild discomfort during treatment, but it’s generally well tolerated and does not require anesthesia.
Many patients feel a reduction in pain within a few hours to about three weeks following their first session. A full course of treatment may involve multiple sessions spaced one week apart. The best outcomes often result from combining shockwave therapy with strengthening exercises, footwear changes, and gait retraining.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
A common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis results from excessive strain on the plantar fascia. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis breaks down microtears and calcium deposits, increases collagen production and improves blood circulation, reducing pain and inflammation. Many patients experience relief within one to three sessions, avoiding the need for injections or surgery.
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, often due to overuse. Shockwave Achilles tendinopathy therapy triggers cell regeneration, breaks down scar tissue and enhances blood flow, promoting faster healing. Our Achilles tendinopathy shockwave therapy is ideal for athletes and active individuals, helping to restore tendon flexibility with minimal downtime.
Shockwave Therapy for Patellar Tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee, affects the patellar tendon, leading to pain and reduced function. Shockwave therapy for patellar tendinopathy can trigger collagen synthesis, repair damaged tissue and boost circulation, accelerating recovery. Most patients see improvements in pain and mobility after just a few sessions.
Shockwave Therapy for Shin Splints
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) cause shinbone pain, especially in runners and high-impact athletes. Shockwave for shin splints helps reduce muscle tightness, decrease inflammation and promote tissue repair. By improving circulation and flexibility, shockwave therapy relieves pain and helps prevent future injuries.
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More Questions?
Don’t let pain hold you back from living life to the fullest. Schedule a consultation with Jakupi Podiatry today to learn more about how shockwave therapy can help you find relief and get back to doing the things you love.
FAQs
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate increased blood flow and promote tissue healing. It breaks down scar tissue, reduces inflammation, and encourages the formation of new blood vessels.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort at the treatment site during application. The sensation may feel like rapid pulses or tapping. Discomfort typically resolves quickly after the session ends.
What conditions respond best to shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is most commonly used to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, heel pain, and chronic soft tissue injuries. It can be especially helpful for conditions that haven’t responded to anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy.
Are there any risks or complications?
Side effects are rare but may include redness, swelling, or minor skin irritation in the treated area. Shockwave therapy is not recommended for patients with certain circulatory disorders, bone infections, or who are pregnant.
How soon will I feel better?
Some patients feel immediate pain relief after treatment, while others notice steady improvement over several weeks. Most patients report a significant decrease in symptoms within 3–5 sessions.
How is shockwave therapy different from platelet-rich plasma or surgery?
Unlike platelet-rich plasma injections or surgery, shockwave therapy is non-invasive and does not require recovery time. It works by stimulating the body’s own healing without introducing medication or requiring downtime.