Who Is a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?

Chronic foot and ankle pain can take a real toll on your daily life, especially when it lingers despite rest, physical therapy, and other conservative treatments. For those who want to know how to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and more, shockwave therapy may be the answer. 

Ideal candidates for shockwave therapy want to address tendon or soft tissue injuries, are in good general health, and have no conditions that may affect the recovery process. 

At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO, our team helps patients find lasting relief through personalized, nonsurgical care. Call today to schedule a consultation. 

Is shockwave therapy right for you? 

Shockwave therapy is a great fit for people dealing with chronic foot and ankle conditions that have not responded well to other treatments. It is commonly recommended for plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinopathy, and other tendon or soft tissue injuries that cause pain and limit motion. Patients seeking a nonsurgical alternative or wanting to avoid more aggressive interventions are often strong candidates. 

That said, shockwave therapy is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally not recommended for pregnant women or for patients with certain blood disorders or nerve damage in the treatment area. During a consultation at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine, our team will review your health history and evaluate your condition to determine whether this form of tissue repair is the right approach for you. 

How does shockwave therapy work? 

So, how does shockwave therapy work? This advanced treatment uses a handheld device to deliver acoustic sound waves directly into the damaged tissue. So, if you want to know how to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, break down scar tissue, and stimulate tissue repair, shockwave therapy is a great way to help accomplish this goal. By encouraging your natural healing response, shockwave therapy addresses the cause of chronic pain rather than masking it. 

Sessions are performed in-office and typically take around 30 minutes to complete. Most describe the sensation as mild tingling, and there is no anesthesia required. 

What recovery and results look like 

One of the best advantages of shockwave therapy at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine is that there is no real recovery period. Most return to their normal activities almost immediately after each session. Some mild soreness or swelling is normal and typically resolves quickly on its own. Over the course of your treatment plan, you can expect gradual improvements in pain levels, range of motion, and overall function as the tissue repair process takes hold and inflammation continues to decrease. 

Because results develop over time, patience is an important part of the process. Our team at Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO, will monitor your progress throughout your treatment plan and adjust the approach as needed to ensure you get the most out of each session. 

Reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and more  

You do not have to live with chronic foot and ankle pain. If you have questions such as, "Does shockwave therapy work for my condition?" or "How does this therapy help improve blood circulation?", our team is here with answers. 

At Colorado Foot + Ankle Sports Medicine in Parker, CO, we are committed to helping patients who want to know how to reduce inflammation and get back to doing the activities they love. Call today to learn more and schedule your consultation.