If you’re struggling with chronic pain or a stubborn injury and wondering if extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can help, you’re in the right place.
Radial ESWT is a noninvasive treatment that uses shock waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility in musculoskeletal conditions like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis — and it’s available at the Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, New York City, locations of Manhattan Podiatry Associates.
Read on as our board-certified team shares five benefits of ESWT for tendon injuries.
When you’re injured, your body relies on blood flow and cell regeneration to repair damaged tissue. Your blood is rich with oxygen and healing factors, all of which your body needs to heal from an injury.
ESWT jumpstarts this process by increasing your circulation and stimulating your body's natural healing response. The result? Faster recovery times so you can return to your normal activities sooner.
Instead of relying on painkillers, ESWT helps manage your discomfort by blocking pain signals and triggering the release of pain-relieving biochemicals like endorphins. It also reduces inflammation and stimulates tissue repair, which promotes long-term healing rather than just temporarily masking your pain.
In some cases, ESWT may help break down pain-causing calcium deposits associated with heel spurs.
If you want to avoid the risks and recovery time of surgery, ESWT provides a great alternative. The treatment is noninvasive, which means no incisions, anesthesia, or lengthy recovery period. You can often resume your daily routine right after your session.
It’s no secret that plantar fasciitis and tendon injuries can limit your range of motion — it’s hard to walk when your foot hurts! ESWT can help restore your mobility and improve your range of motion because it:
The bottom line? As stiffness and inflammation decrease, you can walk, run, or exercise with greater ease.
ESWT isn’t just for one type of injury—it’s used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Not only is ESWT versatile, but according to a meta-analysis, EWST is a safe, effective option for many people—especially if other treatments haven’t worked.
During an ESWT session, your Manhattan Podiatry Associates podiatrist applies a gel to the treatment area and uses a handheld device to deliver shock waves to the affected tissue. The gel helps the soundwaves travel more efficiently — similar to how gel is used for ultrasounds.
You may feel mild discomfort or a tapping sensation, but the procedure is generally well tolerated and lasts about 15-20 minutes. With ESWT, you can accelerate healing, regain mobility, and get back to your active lifestyle without surgery or medication.
Ready to find relief? Call our location of your choice or click here to schedule an appointment with our team today and explore how ESWT can help you feel your best.
