Plantar Fascia and Shockwave Therapy
Plantar fasciitis is a common and often debilitating condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition affects individuals of all activity levels, from athletes to office workers, making daily movements like walking and standing painful. Fortunately, advancements in non-invasive treatments offer effective relief. At Holland Landing Health Centre, we provide cutting-edge solutions, including Shockwave therapy, to help our patients recover faster and get back on their feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs due to excessive strain on the plantar fascia, leading to microtears, inflammation, and pain, particularly in the heel area. It is often associated with:
- Overuse (common in runners and people who stand for long hours)
- Poor footwear or lack of arch support
- Obesity or sudden weight gain
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
Traditional treatments for plantar fasciitis include rest, stretching, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, for those with persistent pain, Holland Landing Health Centre is proud to offer East Gwillimbury and surrounding areas including Newmarket shockwave therapy.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. It works by:
- Increasing blood circulation to the affected area
- Promoting collagen production, essential for tissue repair
- Reducing inflammation and breaking down scar tissue
- Decreasing pain by stimulating nerve endings
Research supports the effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy for plantar fasciitis. A systematic review published in The Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (2021) found that Shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Another study in The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2017) confirmed that Shockwave Therapy had long-term benefits compared to traditional treatments.
What to Expect During Treatment
Shockwave therapy sessions are typically short, lasting about 10-15 minutes per foot. Patients may feel mild discomfort during the treatment, but it is well-tolerated. Most individuals notice improvement within 3-5 sessions, with full benefits often seen after a few weeks as the tissue heals.
Why Choose Shockwave Therapy?
There are several reasons why Shockwave Therapy is an excellent choice for plantar fasciitis treatment:
- Non-invasive: No need for surgery or injections.
- Quick recovery: Most patients can continue their daily activities immediately after treatment.
- High success rate: Studies indicate a success rate of over 70% in chronic plantar fasciitis cases.
- Safe and effective: Health Canada-approved and widely used in sports medicine and rehabilitation settings.
At Holland Landing Health Centre (providing East Gwillimbury and Newmarket shockwave therapy), we are dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments for our patients. If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis and looking for an effective solution, contact us today to learn how Shockwave Therapy can help you regain mobility and comfort.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit our clinic or reach out to our team at Holland Landing Health Centre. Let us help you take the next step towards pain-free living!
References
Yin, M. C., Ye, J., Yao, M., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 16(1), 228. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-021-02373-4
Gerdesmeyer, L., Frey, C., Vester, J., Maier, M., Weil, L., Weil, L. S., ... & Lohrer, H. (2017). Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: Results of a confirmatory randomized placebo-controlled multicenter study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(11), 2100-2109. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546508324176
