Focal Shock Wave Therapy for Foot and Tendon Pain

Precision Shock Wave Therapy for Chronic Foot and Tendon Pain

At PodSquared Podiatry, we offer evidence-informed treatment options for persistent foot and lower limb pain. Focal Shock Wave Therapy is an advanced form of shock wave treatment designed to deliver highly concentrated energy directly to the injured tissue. It may be considered for some ongoing tendon and soft tissue conditions, including some that have not settled with other care.

What is Focal Shock Wave Therapy?

Focal Shock Wave Therapy  is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic shock waves to target a specific area of damaged tissue. Unlike radial shock wave therapy, which disperses energy over a broader surface area, focal shock wave therapy concentrates the energy at a selected depth within the tissue.

This allows for more precise treatment of deeper or chronic injuries. It is thought to work by stimulating a healing response in the treated tissue.

How Does Focal Shock Wave Therapy Work?

During treatment, a handheld device delivers focused shock waves through the skin to the affected area. These waves are thought to create a stimulus in the tissue that may:

• Increase circulation to the injured tissue
• Promote collagen production
• Stimulate tendon and soft tissue repair
• Help reduce pain
• Act on some areas of tendon calcification

The treatment is performed without surgery, injections, or anaesthesia.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Focal Shock Wave Therapy may be recommended for:

• Chronic plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Heel spurs
• Insertional Achilles pain
• Tibialis posterior tendinopathy
• Peroneal tendinopathy
• Persistent tendon injuries
• Calcific tendon conditions

Focal vs Radial Shock Wave Therapy

Focal Shock Wave Therapy	Radial Shock Wave Therapy
Targets a precise depth within tissue	Energy spreads over a broader area
Higher concentration of energy	Lower concentration of energy
Often used for deeper or longer-standing tendon problems	Often used for more superficial or widespread problems
More targeted treatment	More general treatment area
Often used for stubborn, long-standing conditions	Often used as an initial shock wave option

Our podiatrists will determine which type of shock wave therapy is most appropriate for your condition.

What to Expect During Focal Shock Wave Therapy

What to Expect During Treatment

1. 1. Assessment: Your podiatrist will examine the painful area and confirm that focal shock wave therapy is suitable for you.
2. 2. Preparation: A contact gel is applied to the skin to help transmit the shock waves.
3. 3. Treatment: The focused applicator is positioned over the target area and the shock waves are delivered for approximately 10–20 minutes.
4. 4. Aftercare: You may experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours. Most patients can continue normal daily activities with some modification to high-impact exercise.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

A course is commonly 3–5 treatments, usually spaced one week apart. The number of sessions will depend on:

• The condition being treated
• How long symptoms have been present
• The severity of tissue degeneration
• Your response to treatment

Benefits of Focal Shock Wave Therapy

• Non-invasive
• No injections or surgery
• Minimal downtime
• Targets a specific depth in the tissue
• Used alongside exercise and other care
• May be an option when other treatments haven't helped

Why Choose PodSquared Podiatry?

• Podiatrists trained in shock wave therapy
• Personalised treatment plans
• A thorough assessment before treatment
• Access to both radial and focal shock wave technology
• Evidence-based management of chronic foot and tendon pain

Book Your Focal Shock Wave Therapy Consultation

If you're struggling with persistent heel pain, Achilles pain, or a chronic tendon injury, talk to us about whether Focal Shock Wave Therapy is suitable for you.

Contact PodSquared Podiatry at 8363 4588 or Book Online for your Focal Shock Wave Therapy consultation.

We look forward to seeing you.