Shock Wave Therapy is not electric stimulation. There is no "shock." ESWT is FDA approved medical equipment operated by a medical professional. ESWT provides "focused energy-directed impulses" (mechanotransduction) to injured tissues and chronic conditions to guide the healing process to start faster and give better outcomes sooner. ESWT is used every 5 days until the condition has resolved (usually 3-6 treatments.)
Our Chattanooga F-SW is FDA approved for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis within 3-6 treatments, considered the fastest possible treatment of PF while allowing for normal daily activities the same day as treatment with no down-time.
ESWT functions by identifying damaged and disorganized body tissue and stimulating the natural healing process by: (1) providing a physical positive-negative charged intracellular disruption, (2) causing a physiochemical response to modify cellular biochemistry (adapting ATP energy), (3) improving the chemical environment to support tissue healing (cell signaling), (4) promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessels) and anti-inflammation. Each treatment cycle takes about 4-6 days depending on the complexity of the condition and health of the patient. ESWT is not a "one and done" therapy. ESWT is not used to simply eliminate pain, it is used to heal the problem.
The technician will explain the treatment process which includes real-time threshold feedback from the patient during the therapy. The technician is able to adjust the energy transmission to adapt to the patient's comfort. This technique is designed to locate the damaged area, and also treat it. There is no guesswork involved. The patient can resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
ESWT is FDA approved, and is the Gold-Standard treatment of Plantar Fasciitis within 3-6 treatments, considered the fastest possible treatment of PF while allowing for normal daily activities the same day as treatment with no down-time.
ESWT also treats collagen-based injuries such as strains and sprains of: ligaments, tendons, meniscus, joint capsules, labrums, enthesis, fascia, and muscle-tendinous junctions. Certain patients will be candidates for treating:
ESWT requires an exam to determine candidacy. ESWT requires co-therapy (joint manipulation, myofascial release, PIR/ PNF, sports tape, cold laser, infrared heat, EMS) along with the treatment. ESWT is not performed alone in our office. Multiple treatments are required to achieve results (minimum 3) 5-7 days apart. Patients must adhere to home-based instructions and required follow-up treatments. Insurance does not reimburse for ESWT CPT code 1010T.