Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Sydney

That stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first steps in the morning. The ache that returns after you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis – and you’re not alone. Research shows that around one in ten people will develop this frustrating condition during their lifetime¹.

At The Foot Hub, we see many patients struggling with plantar fasciitis, and we understand how it can impact your daily life. Whether it’s affecting your morning routine, limiting your exercise, or making you uncomfortable at work, heel pain isn’t something you should have to “just live with.”

When Should You Seek Treatment?

While occasional foot pain can be common, there are certain signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional help. You should consider booking an assessment if:

• Your heel pain persists for more than a few weeks
• The pain is severe or getting worse
• You’re having difficulty with normal daily activities
• Your pain is affecting your sleep or work
• You’re finding yourself avoiding activities you enjoy
• Over-the-counter treatments haven’t provided relief
• You notice changes in how you walk to avoid the pain

Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, so don’t wait until the pain becomes severe to seek treatment. Many patients tell us they wish they’d come in sooner rather than continuing to struggle with daily discomfort.

Traditional treatments like rest and stretching can help, but for many people, these approaches alone aren’t enough to provide lasting relief. That’s where shockwave therapy comes in as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. At The Foot Hub, we use the advanced Gymna ShockMaster300 to deliver precise, targeted treatment to the affected area.

Recent research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has shown that shockwave therapy can be particularly effective when combined with other evidence-based treatments². The acoustic waves work in several ways to help your heel pain:

• They stimulate blood flow to the area, bringing oxygen and nutrients needed for healing
• They encourage the production of collagen, which helps repair damaged tissue
• They help address pain through multiple physiological pathways
• They can break down any calcium deposits that may have formed in the tissue

Our Comprehensive Approach

While shockwave therapy is an excellent treatment option, we’ve found that the best results come from a multi-faceted approach. That’s why we’ve developed a structured 6-week treatment program that combines several evidence-based therapies³.

Each week, you’ll receive both shockwave therapy and a professional massage treatment. The massage therapy helps break down adhesions in the plantar fascia and surrounding tissues, while also improving blood flow and reducing tension in connected muscle groups. We’ll also guide you through specific stretches and exercises that you can do at home to maintain your progress between sessions.

Most importantly, we monitor your progress carefully and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Every person’s experience with plantar fasciitis is unique, and your treatment should reflect that.

The Treatment Journey: What to Expect

Your first visit to The Foot Hub will involve a thorough assessment of your condition. We’ll discuss your symptoms, examine your foot mechanics, and develop a personalized treatment plan. If shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition, we’ll explain exactly how it works and answer any questions you might have.

During the actual treatment sessions, here’s what you can expect:

1. Preparation: We’ll position you comfortably on the treatment table and identify the specific areas to target.
2. Shockwave Treatment: Using our Gymna ShockMaster300, we’ll deliver precisely controlled acoustic waves to the affected area. While you might feel some pressure, most patients find the treatment very manageable.
3. Massage Therapy: Following the shockwave treatment, we’ll perform targeted massage to complement the therapy’s effects and address any related muscle tension.
4. Progress Review: Each session includes time to discuss your progress and adjust your home care routine as needed.

The entire appointment typically takes about 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into your schedule. Many patients notice some improvement even after their first session, though the full benefits develop over the course of treatment.

Supporting Your Recovery Journey

At The Foot Hub, we believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need for successful recovery. Throughout your treatment program, we’ll provide:

• Educational Resources: Clear information about your condition and treatment
• Exercise Guidance: Detailed instructions for your home stretching program
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Practical tips for managing your symptoms
• Activity Modifications: Advice on maintaining fitness while protecting your feet
• Footwear Guidance: Recommendations for appropriate shoe choices
• Progress Tracking: Regular assessments to monitor your improvement

We’ll also address any factors that might be contributing to your plantar fasciitis, such as work requirements, exercise habits, or biomechanical issues. This comprehensive approach helps ensure the best possible outcome from your treatment.

Research shows that patients who understand their condition and actively participate in their treatment plan typically achieve better results⁴. That’s why we take the time to explain each aspect of your care and answer any questions you have along the way.

Taking the First Step

If plantar fasciitis is affecting your quality of life, we invite you to book an assessment at our Alexandria clinic. Our team of experienced podiatrists will examine your feet, discuss your symptoms, and determine if our shockwave therapy program could help you.

Our 6-week treatment package includes everything you need to address your heel pain: weekly shockwave therapy sessions, professional massage treatments, a customized stretching program, and even compression socks for ongoing support. We also offer the option to add custom orthotics at a special package rate if they would benefit your condition.

Don’t let heel pain hold you back from the activities you enjoy. Contact The Foot Hub today at 02 8096 4763 or book your appointment online. Let’s work together to get you back on your feet, comfortably.

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References

1. Rhim HC, et al. A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews on the Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. Life (Basel). 2021;11(12):1287.
2. Morrissey D, et al. Management of plantar heel pain: a best practice guide. Br J Sports Med. 2021;55(19):1106-1118.
3. Li X, et al. Comparative effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave, ultrasound, low-level laser therapy. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(43):e12819.
4. Siriphorn A, et al. Calf stretching and plantar fascia-specific stretching for plantar fasciitis. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020;24(4):222-232.