Shockwave
Therapy
Acoustic-wave technology that triggers your body’s own repair cascade — eliminating heel pain, Achilles tendinitis, and chronic foot conditions without injections or surgery.
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What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses calibrated acoustic pressure waves delivered through the skin to the injured tissue. The waves break up calcific deposits, increase blood flow, and — most critically — trigger the body’s own healing cascade by stimulating cellular repair, collagen synthesis, and new blood vessel formation.
Unlike cortisone, which suppresses inflammation temporarily, shockwave therapy addresses the underlying tissue pathology. The result is lasting repair rather than temporary relief.
- FDA-cleared acoustic-wave technology
- Breaks up calcific deposits & bone spurs
- Stimulates collagen synthesis & neovascularization
- 80% long-term success rate vs. ~50% for cortisone
- No incisions, no anesthesia, no downtime
- Safe for patients who have failed PT, orthotics & injections
Conditions We Treat
Shockwave therapy is effective for soft-tissue injuries and chronic pathology that haven’t responded to conservative treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis — Our Primary Indication
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, affecting millions of people. Classic symptoms include sharp burning pain on the bottom of the heel, worst with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting, that gradually improves as tissue warms up. When conservative measures (stretching, orthotics, PT) fail, shockwave therapy is our first-choice intervention before any surgical discussion.
How It Works
Evaluation & Imaging
Dr. Katz reviews your full medical history, conducts a biomechanical exam, and orders any necessary imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) to confirm diagnosis and candidacy.
Positioning & Prep
You lie comfortably on the treatment table. A coupling gel is applied to the skin over the treatment area to maximize acoustic wave transmission into the tissue.
Shockwave Delivery
The ESWT handpiece is positioned over the target site and calibrated acoustic pulses are delivered — approximately 2,000 per session. The treatment runs 20–25 minutes.
Same-Day Return
No cast, no crutches, no downtime. Most patients walk out and return to normal activity the same day. Mild soreness in the treated area is common for 24–48 hours.
Are You a Candidate?
Shockwave therapy is ideal when conservative treatments have fallen short but surgery still feels like a last resort.
Good candidates typically have:
- ✓Heel pain lasting 3+ months
- ✓Plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis diagnosis
- ✓Tried stretching, PT, or orthotics without lasting relief
- ✓Heel spurs confirmed on imaging
- ✓Calcific deposits in the Achilles or plantar fascia
- ✓Recurrent ankle or joint pain from sports activity
- ✓Desire to avoid cortisone or surgical intervention
Shockwave is not recommended for:
- ✕Active infection at the treatment site
- ✕Blood clotting disorders or anticoagulant therapy
- ✕Pregnancy
- ✕Pacemaker or implanted electronic devices
- ✕Open wound or skin disease at the site
- ✕Malignancy in the treatment area
Shockwave Therapy FAQ
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Most patients need 3–5 sessions spaced 1–2 weeks apart. Chronic conditions that have been present for years may benefit from additional sessions. Dr. Katz will give you a personalized treatment plan at your consultation.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients tolerate treatment well with only mild discomfort. The sensation is often described as a tapping or vibrating pressure. If needed, a local anesthetic can be applied beforehand.
How soon will I feel results?
Many patients notice improvement within 1–3 weeks of their first session. Shockwave works by triggering your body's own healing cascade — the cellular repair process continues for weeks after treatment, so results compound over time.
What's the success rate compared to cortisone injections?
Clinical studies show ESWT achieves approximately 80% long-term success for plantar fasciitis versus around 50% for cortisone. Unlike cortisone, shockwave stimulates tissue regeneration rather than suppressing inflammation — and carries no risk of plantar fascia rupture.
Is shockwave therapy FDA cleared?
Yes. The devices used at Katz Regenerative Foot & Ankle are FDA-cleared for musculoskeletal conditions including plantar fasciitis and chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
What if conservative treatments have already failed?
Shockwave therapy is specifically indicated for patients who have tried and not responded to conservative measures (stretching, orthotics, NSAIDs, physical therapy, cortisone). It is our preferred next step before any surgical discussion.
Often combined with shockwave
Related Treatments
Ready to end your heel pain without surgery?
Book a shockwave therapy consultation. Dr. Katz will review your imaging, confirm your diagnosis, and give you an honest assessment of whether ESWT is right for you.