Using Shockwave for Plantar Fasciitis
By Kyle Lee O.T. Reg. (Ont.)
Therapists have long seen a common issue in Adults- Plantar heel pain which prevents many from performing activities of daily living tasks. The reported prevalence ranging from 3.6% to 20.9 percent with a higher incidence rate in women. The most common of all plantar heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis which can affect approx. 10% of adults in their lifetime.
The Plantar Fascia is a thick fibrous band that connects from the calcaneus (what most refer to as the heel bone) to the heads of the metatarsals ( what many call the “Ball of your foot”). This acts as a supporting and protective mechanism for the foot. Pain and inflammation along the anterior, inferior and medial border of the heel may indicate one has plantar fasciitis. Diagnostic ultrasound using a system like the Alpinion MINISONO would give a more accurate indication alongside provocative tests.
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) in treating plantar fasciitis has been used for over 20 years now. Storz medical the leader in the technology adapted shockwave which was used to treat kidney stones in a non-surgical manner by disintegrating the calcified stones.
The mechanism in treating Plantar Fasciitis from studies have shown that it can destroy sensory, unmyelinated nerve fibres, and stimulate neovascularization and collagen synthesis in degenerative tissue. (Hsu RW, Hsu WH, Tai CL, et al. Effect of shock-wave therapy on patellar tendinopathy in a rabbit model. J Orthop Res 2004;22:221–7. ]Pubmed] [Google Scholar])
Remington Medical are the leaders in Shockwave technology in Canada, with both pulsed acoustic wave therapy (Radial Shockwave) or Focus shockwave therapy. Remington Medical has been representing STORZ medical for over 12 years in Canada.
The product line includes the new portable and affordable Masterpuls ONE for the clinic starting off with shockwave. It can be leased for under $200 a month. All the way to our Duolith SD1 combined Focus and Radial shockwave device. This allows complementary treatment using both technologies to ensure the best outcomes. Call us today to discuss your Shockwave needs.
