Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort, particularly in the heel. For those struggling with this condition, finding an effective plantar fasciitis treatment option is crucial.
One option that has gained popularity in recent years is acoustic wave therapy (AWT). In this blog, we’ll explore plantar fasciitis, what AWT entails, how many sessions of AWT you might need, and its success rate in treating plantar fasciitis.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is, quite literally, a pain in the arch. This common foot ailment can cause intense discomfort at the bottom of the foot, near the heel. It’s often characterized by a stabbing pain that tends to be most severe with the first few steps after awakening or when you get up after prolonged sitting.
Traditional plantar fasciitis therapies generally involve different forms of physical therapy, orthotics, or steroid injections. However, sometimes these methods don’t yield the desired relief, leading individuals to explore more advanced therapies like AWT.
What is Acoustic Wave Therapy?
Acoustic wave therapy, also known as shockwave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment technique that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the body. The therapy involves the use of a handheld device that delivers sound waves into the affected area.
These waves are intended to promote the body’s natural healing processes and relieve pain.
How Does AWT Help with Plantar Fasciitis?
During AWT, a provider non-invasively applies penetrating sound waves to the inflamed area of your foot via a handheld device. This process creates microtrauma in the affected area, which initiates a healing response within the body.
Here’s how the body responds to AWT for plantar fasciitis:
- Creation of New Blood Vessels: The therapy stimulates the body to create new blood vessels, enhancing the blood flow to the inflamed area. Increased blood supply brings more nutrients to the site, aiding in the healing process.
- Hyperstimulation of Nerve Endings: The energy waves hyper stimulate nerve endings, leading to an immediate reduction in plantar fasciitis pain.
- Breakdown of Calcifications: AWT helps in breaking down calcifications that may have formed in the plantar fascia, further contributing to the healing process.
- Increased Cell Permeability: The therapy enhances cell permeability, which allows for increased healing at the cellular level.
The noninvasive nature of AWT makes it a preferred treatment option for individuals who may be hesitant to take medication or undergo surgical treatments. It has the potential to significantly reduce the pain and other symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis.
Number of Sessions Required
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how many AWT sessions are necessary for plantar fasciitis. Typically, a single session lasts 15 to 20 minutes, and most patients will require 3 to 5 sessions spread over several weeks.
Various factors can influence the number of sessions of AWT a patient might need. These include:
- Chronicity of Plantar Fasciitis: Long-standing cases of plantar fasciitis may require more sessions than a more recent diagnosis.
- Overall Health: General health and lifestyle choices can influence how rapidly someone’s body can heal from any therapy, including AWT.
- Commitment to Post-Treatment Care: Engaging in recommended activities and avoiding aggravating factors can speed up recovery and potentially reduce required sessions.
Success Rate of Acoustic Wave Therapy
Acoustic wave therapy (AWT) has been increasingly recognized as an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. The reported success rates of this therapy vary, with symptom relief observed in approximately 44% to 80% of individuals who undergo this treatment.
According to a 2021 study, AWT is generally considered effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Another small study conducted in 2020 associated shock wave therapy with a rapid decrease in pain.
Interestingly, a recent case-series study has also indicated that combining shock wave therapy with other treatments might prove more effective than shock wave therapy alone. For instance, pairing physical therapy and shock wave treatment could promote long-term, sustainable healing.
It’s worth noting here that while acoustic wave therapy has shown promising results in relieving plantar fasciitis symptoms, its effectiveness can vary among individuals.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Billings, MT
Are you tired of constant heel pain interfering with your daily activities? Do you want a non-invasive, effective solution for your plantar fasciitis? At Concierge Health & Wellness, we are dedicated to providing advanced therapeutic solutions tailored to your unique needs.
We use advanced technology, such as Piezo Wave 2 Acoustic Shock Wave, to provide you lasting relief from plantar fasciitis pain and put you on the path of health and wellness.
To schedule an appointment with us, call us at (406) 707-6082 or use our secure online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!