Pain due to plantar fasciitis is one of the most common complaints related to the foot. It can impair movement and mobility, making it unbearable to walk or even stand for long periods of time. Plantar fasciitis can cause an imbalance in your gait and, if left untreated, can result in knee pain, hip pain, back pain, heel spurs, and instability in other areas of your body. At Shephard Health we offer several treatment modalities to address plantar fasciitis including custom orthotics, cold laser therapy, Graston Technique, and ART® (Active Release Technique), but this article will explore the benefits of Shockwave Therapy to treat plantar fasciitis.

The Benefits Of Shockwave Therapy In The Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the connective tissue on the sole of the foot. This tissue creates the arch of the foot by connecting the heel bone to the toes. The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are pain and stiffness in the heel and/or the arch of the foot. This pain can be dull, sharp, or burning, and is most commonly felt after periods of inactivity, after exercise, while climbing stairs, or after walking or standing for extended periods. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by:

Improper, ill-fitting footwear with inadequate arch support
Repetitive stress such as from long distance running or ballet
Abnormalities in the mechanics of the foot such as flat feet or high arches
Excessive stress caused by obesity
Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
Age

What Is Shockwave Therapy?
ESWT, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses non-electrical, high-energy, sound waves to target musculoskeletal tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones. These sound waves produce a rapid increase in blood flow and work to break down fibrous scar tissue. The body responds by increasing metabolic activity around the treatment site to stimulate inflammatory healing and tissue repair. There are few to no side-effects associated with shockwave therapy other than some possible, minor discomfort at the treatment site for a couple of days post-treatment.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Treat Plantar Fasciitis?
After applying a coupling gel, your chiropractor will use a hand-held probe to direct the high frequency shockwaves at the plantar fascia to break down built up scar tissue, increase circulation, and initiate tissue regeneration at the site. The hand piece is moved in a circular motion over the target area for a duration of 5-15 minutes. Treatments are typically one week apart. This non-invasive, effective treatment will mobilize the body’s ability to heal itself and restore mobility and ease of movement in just a few sessions.

Treat Your Plantar Fasciitis With Shockwave Therapy at Shephard Health

Do not let the pain of plantar fasciitis hold you back from enjoying life and the activities you love. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, effective treatment to reduce heel pain, restore the normal function of your foot, and facilitate healthy movement. If you are suffering with plantar fasciitis or any associated impairments such as hip and back pain or tight Achilles tendons, contact Dr. Shephard and the team at Shephard Health for a complimentary consultation now.

Dr. Shephard is one of Calgary’s Top 3 Rated Chiropractors. He and the team at Shephard Health use a variety of treatment modalities to relieve pain, restore movement and mobility, and achieve overall health and wellness at our NW Calgary clinic in Kensington. The Shephard Health team has over 20 years of experience in services ranging from Chiropractic Care and Spinal Decompression Therapy to Active Release Technique and treatment of foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis. We offer a no-obligation, complimentary consultation to assure you that we are the right team to help you achieve your goals for complete wellness and pain-free living. Call us at 1-403-543-7499 to book your appointment.

FAQ

Q: What other treatments for plantar fasciitis are available?
A: Shephard Health offers several effective treatments for the pain and underlying causes of plantar fasciitis including:

Active Release Technique
Shockwave Therapy
Cold Laser Therapy
Graston Technique
Custom Foot Orthotics
Physical Rehabilitation
Kinesio Taping
Biomechanical Analysis

Contact us for a complimentary consultation and we can customize a treatment plan to address the pain and causes of your plantar fasciitis and get you up on your feet and living your best life.

Q: Are there any side effects associated with shockwave therapy?
A: There are virtually no side effects associated with shockwave therapy, but some patients do experience some minor discomfort similar to a post-workout ache for a couple of days after treatment. This can be relieved with ice and rest.

Q: Is shockwave therapy covered by my insurance?
A: Shephard Health does offer direct billing to most extended health plans. Shockwave Therapy may be covered by extended insurance available through some policies or through a discretionary health spending account where available. We recommend contacting your extended insurance company to confirm the details of your policy. Please note that we do not bill secondary insurance companies on your behalf, but we would be happy to assist you with your individual insurance forms.