Shockwave Therapy @ The Shand Practice Aberdeen for plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy
WHAT IS EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY (ECSWT)?
ECSWT is a procedure where shockwaves are passed through the skin to the injured part of the foot using a special device. Extracorporeal means outside of the body.The shockwaves are mechanical and not electrical; they are audible,low energy sound waves which work by increasing blood flow to the injured area and altering the nerves which supply the painful site. This accelerates the body’s healing process and results in a reduction/elimination of pain. You will usually require a course of 3-5 treatments, one week apart.
ECSWT is offered as a treatment modality to patients who have suffered with heel pain (plantar fasciitis) or achilles tendinitis for greater than 6 months and have not had success with other conservative measures. It is not offered, nor recommended in the early (acute) stage of the healing process. It is a minimally invasive treatment that is carried out here at the clinic and only takes 5-10 mins per session.
What are the risks/side effects of ECSWT?
You may experience some discomfort during the treatment but it should be tolerable. Following the treatment, you may experience redness, bruising, swelling or numbness to the area. These side effects should resolve in a mateer of days following the procedure. There is a small risk of tendon rupture or ligament rupture but this is very unlikely in our experience. The national institute for health and care excellence (NICE) have deemed this procedure to be safe for use on chronic heel and achilles conditions.`Although every patient reponds differently to the treatment, recent studies have shown a 70% improvement in symptoms after 3 sessions.
Contraindications
You must not have ESWT if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin) or antiplatelets (such as aspirin)
- Are under 18 years of age
- Have a blood clotting disorder
- Have been diagnosed with bone cancer
- Have a pacemaker
- Have an infection or tendon/ligament rupture of your foot
- Have a foot fracture
- Have had a steroid injection into your foot in the last 12 weeks.
Preparing for ECSWT
You will need to ensure that you are available for 3 weeks in a row, please check with reception to ensure 3 weeks of treatments in succession is possible.
You should refrain from taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication (i.e ibuprofen) for 2 weeks before your treatment and during your treatment sessions.
Please wear loose comfortable clothing as you will be lying on your front during the procedure.
Who will carry out the treatment?
The treatment will be carried out by one of our podiatrist all of whom have received training in operation of the unit and the treatment itself.
Post operative advice.
We recommend that you curtail your weightbearing activities for a period of 48 hrs following the treatment. In particular, avoid high impact sporting activities.
If you are experiencing pain you can take an over the counter pain killer such as paracetamol.
Our Staff
MEET OUR TEAM
Scott Shand BSc Pod
Director and head Podiatrist
Scott specialises in the treatment of foot and ankle pathologies using a combination of manual therapy, shockwave and laser therapy and custom designed and fabricated orthotics. Scott is Director and chief Designer at Epione Orthotics.
Reception
Pamela and Sandra are our front of house team. They are always on hand to answer your questions and queries in a friendly and professional manner.
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
Absolutely top-notch service. A friendlier place you will not find! Everyone is so pleasant, patient, they really listen to you and address your concerns like the true professionals they are. They are knowledgeable and the results were fantastic. Highly recommend The Shand Practice.
GEORGE
“Central location with on street parking outside. Great service and flexible appointments. I have been to the practice for various injuries and pains such as ‘shin splints’ and plantar plate issues. Treatment included; massage, acupuncture, review on how I was running (treadmill) and I was also given exercises to do at home and lots information and tips to stop the problem reoccurring. I would like to thank Scott as it never has! A family run business who care about their clients and the results.”
LAUREN