Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: A Modern Solution for Heel Pain

Are you struggling with stubborn heel pain that won’t go away? You might be dealing with plantar fasciitis — and shockwave therapy could be the non-invasive solution you’ve been waiting for.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that supports the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed. This condition typically causes sharp pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy — also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) — is a non-surgical treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These waves increase blood flow to the affected area, break up scar tissue, and help reduce inflammation and pain.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Help Plantar Fasciitis?

For patients with plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy can:

• Reduce pain by desensitizing the nerves in the heel.

• Stimulate tissue regeneration to encourage faster healing.

• Break down calcified tissue or adhesions that may contribute to chronic pain.

• Avoid the need for injections or surgery in many cases.

Studies show that shockwave therapy can significantly improve symptoms, especially in cases where traditional treatments (such as orthotics, stretching, or rest) have failed.

What to Expect During Treatment

A typical shockwave session lasts about 5–15 minutes. During the procedure, a handheld device is applied to the heel to deliver a series of high-energy sound waves. Most patients describe the sensation as mildly uncomfortable, but tolerable — and no anesthesia is needed.

Shockwave therapy is usually performed once a week for 3–5 weeks, depending on the severity of your symptoms and how you respond to treatment.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?

Yes. Shockwave therapy is Health Canada-approved and has a strong safety record when performed by trained professionals. Most patients experience little to no downtime, and side effects are minimal — usually just temporary soreness or redness in the treated area.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

Shockwave therapy is ideal for patients who:

• Have had heel pain for more than 2 weeks

• Have tried other treatments without lasting relief

• Want to avoid injections or surgery

At Collective Footcare & Orthotics, our experienced Chiropodists can evaluate whether shockwave is appropriate for your case. We’ll perform a full assessment and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Ready to step away from heel pain?

Book a consultation today to find out if shockwave therapy is right for you. Relief from plantar fasciitis could be just a few treatments away.

📍 Available at our Hamilton and Port Dover clinics

📞 Call us or book online!