What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Shockwave Therapy is an FDA cleared technology proven to increase the rate of healing for soft tissue tendinopathy. It is an advanced, non-invasive and highly effective treatment method that enhances blood circulation and accelerates the healing process causing damaged tissue to gradually regenerate.
Podiatric care comes in many forms, including shockwave therapy. This unique therapeutic option provides the high-quality support that patients need to keep their feet strong and healthy. At Coastal Podiatry in Pismo Beach, CA, Dr. Richard Norman is here to offer the advanced techniques that you need, including hands-on help with podiatric shockwave treatment.
What is This Treatment?
Shockwave care is an FDA-approved treatment that helps increase soft tissue healing rates. This treatment method works by focusing vibration waves on your feet to improve blood circulation throughout the foot and help damaged tissues regenerate more quickly. It has become one of the most popular podiatry options on the market and is well worth considering.
While shockwave therapy is used for more than podiatric care, it helps many foot doctors improve blood flow and maximize their patients' recovery. Dr. Norman has been using it for many years and believes it provides the high-quality support that his patients need with minimal side effects and maximum benefits.
How Can It Help Me?
Shockwave treatment can help with a variety of foot-related health issues. It's particularly effective for any condition that affects your soft tissues and weakens them considerably. Just a few health conditions that it can help mitigate include:
- Plantar fasciitis, a common condition in which the bottom of the foot’s connective tissue is inflamed
- Achilles tendinitis, tightness in the tendon connecting the calf to the heel
- Neuromas, thickening of nerves in the ball of the foot
By working with us at Coastal Podiatry, you can get the shockwave therapy in Pismo Beach, California, that makes the most sense for your needs. Dr. Norman will work you through this care, provide hands-on support, and ensure you walk away stronger and healthier.
How Does This Therapy Work?
Shockwave treatment uses a unique machine that looks something like an ultrasound device. However, it has an applicator Dr. Norman will use to carefully focus shockwaves on your feet. Depending on your needs, you'll get these treatments at least once a week for up to 4-5 treatments.
Each application takes 4-5 minutes and rarely has side effects. However, some people may have minor soreness for a day or two or experience some skin bruising. Typically, physical therapy helps with this process and typically occurs two to three times per week during your care period.
Get the Help You Deserve
At Coastal Podiatry, Dr. Norman can provide shockwave therapy in Pismo Beach, California, that residents need for comfortable recoveries. We'll work hard to ensure you're correctly diagnosed and provide the hands-on care that makes the most sense. As importantly, we'll work through long-term care as much as necessary. Call us at 805-773-3668 to learn more.
What do studies show?
There have been extensive studies done on Radial Shockwave Therapy over the past 20 years. These studies show an average 80-85% success rate.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phys...
https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms.2...
How is RSWT performed?
The system is a machine with an applicator that looks like an ultrasound.
It is administered once a week for a series of 4 to 5 treatments.
Each treatment takes approximately 5 minutes depending
on the size and number of areas treated.
All treatments are performed by experienced professionals.
The Doctor applies the applicator to the area and administers the ballistic waves by moving over the affected area in a very slow, circular motion. During the treatment, there may be some minor discomfort. Painful areas are helpful in isolating the truly injured areas.
Why consider Radial Shockwave Therapy?
RSWT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods, including surgery, without the risks, complications, and lengthy recovery periods. There are no incisions and no risk of infection, or scar tissue, like with surgery.
There is no need for anesthesia to be administered during the treatment, as opposed to high-energy shockwave therapy. Patients treated with RSWT may be active immediately and resume their normal routine the same day. Many patients find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain. Some patients will feel results gradually after each treatment.
Why RSWT instead of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is 2 to 3 times a week, for 6 weeks and you are at the facility for no less than an hour.
More importantly, there is usually a co-pay required for every visit which could be $40 or more. Over a
six week period or 15 visits, this can add up to $600 in out of pocket co-pays. The RSWT treatments
are only once a week, for 5 minutes each. This is a highly effective modality which is faster and more
effective than Physical therapy, and the cost of the RSWT treatments are usually LESS than the total of
your PT co-pays. If you want fast results in less time, and would like to save money, the RSWT
treatment is a better choice.
What are the possible side effects?
There have been very few side effects reported. In rare cases, skin bruising may occur. Patients may also feel soreness in the area for a day or two afterward, similar to a strenuous workout.
Will I be in pain afterward?
A day or two after the treatment you may feel a slight discomfort like a bruise, but that is normal and is a sign the treatment is working.
Is it covered by my Insurance?
No. RSWT is not covered by insurance plans but it is very affordable. The cost is $400 for the treatments. An office visit or evaluation and management will be billed to your insurance for the initial visit to assess your condition. This will be in addition to the $400 fee. If you are not using insurance for this initial visit, you will be charged $100.