Focused Shockwave Therapy
At Comfort Orthotics & Podiatry Clinic, we are proud to offer advanced Focused Shockwave Therapy for the treatment of chronic foot, heel, tendon, muscle, and lower limb pain. This non-invasive technology helps stimulate the body’s natural healing response and may help patients recover faster, reduce pain, and avoid more invasive treatment options.
Our new system allows us to provide Focused Shockwave Therapy, an advanced form of shockwave treatment that can target deeper structures with greater precision than traditional radial shockwave systems.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. These sound waves trigger a biological response in the body that may help:
- Increase blood circulation
- Stimulate tissue repair
- Encourage collagen production
- Break down scar tissue and calcifications
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- Decrease pain sensitivity
Shockwave therapy is commonly used for stubborn injuries and chronic pain conditions that have not improved with rest, stretching, orthotics, or other conservative treatments.
Conditions Shockwave Therapy May Help Treat
Shockwave therapy is commonly used for a variety of foot and lower limb conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis / heel pain
- Achilles tendonitis
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Chronic ankle pain
- Heel spurs
- Morton’s neuroma
- Metatarsalgia
- Tendon injuries
- Muscle trigger points
- Scar tissue and chronic soft tissue injuries
Treatment suitability varies depending on the condition, severity, and patient history.
Focused Shockwave vs. Radial Shockwave
Not all shockwave therapy systems are the same.
Many clinics use radial shockwave therapy, which disperses energy outward over a broad, shallow area. Focused shockwave therapy uses concentrated acoustic waves that can penetrate deeper tissues with greater precision.
Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy
- Greater Depth Penetration – Focused shockwave can target tissues much deeper beneath the skin, making it especially useful for chronic tendon and ligament conditions.
- More Precise Treatment – The energy is concentrated at a specific depth and location rather than spreading broadly through superficial tissue. This allows for more accurate treatment of localized injuries.
- Effective for Chronic Conditions – Focused shockwave is commonly used for chronic tendinopathies, calcifications, stubborn heel pain, and deeper musculoskeletal injuries.
- Comfortable Treatment Experience – Because the energy can be directed deeper into the tissue rather than concentrated at the skin surface, many patients find focused shockwave more tolerable than radial systems.
- Non-Invasive – No injections, no incisions, and no downtime. Most patients are able to continue their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.
What should I Expect During Treatment?
Your podiatrist will assess your condition and determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for you.
A treatment session typically involves:
- Assessment of the affected area
- Application of ultrasound gel
- Delivery of shockwave pulses using a handheld applicator
- Post-treatment recommendations
Most treatments take approximately 10–20 minutes.
The number of sessions required varies depending on the condition and how long it has been present, but many patients undergo a series of treatments over several weeks.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients describe the treatment as uncomfortable rather than painful. The intensity can be adjusted based on your comfort level and the condition being treated.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the condition and severity of the injury. Many chronic conditions are treated over a series of approximately 2-4 sessions.
Is there downtime after treatment?
There is usually little to no downtime. Most patients can return to regular daily activities immediately after treatment, although strenuous activity may sometimes need to be temporarily modified.
How quickly will I notice results?
Some patients notice improvement after the first treatment, while others experience gradual improvement over several weeks as the healing response develops.
What is the difference between focused and radial shockwave?
Radial shockwave disperses energy over a wider and more superficial area, while focused shockwave concentrates energy deeper into tissues with greater precision. Focused shockwave is often preferred for deeper or more chronic conditions.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and plan. Our team can help provide documentation for reimbursement where applicable.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Shockwave therapy is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment when performed by trained healthcare professionals. Your podiatrist will review your medical history to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
Who should not receive shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate for certain individuals, including:
- Patients who are pregnant
- Individuals with certain circulation or bleeding disorders
- Patients with active infections or open wounds in the treatment area
- Areas with certain nerve or vascular conditions
- Patients with certain implanted medical devices
Your podiatrist will review all contraindications and precautions prior to treatment.
Take the Next Step
Book a consultation today to find out if shockwave therapy is right for you.