Does Shockwave Therapy work for Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain in Harpenden and Hertfordshire?

Watch the video above 'Does Shockwave Therapy work for Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain in Harpenden and Hertfordshire?

If you're struggling with heel pain or Plantar Fasciits then I'm going to guide you all the common FAQ so you'll feel you have the knowledge to make a great decision for yourself.

I personally know the frustration of Plantar Fasciitis (I had it myself) many years ago and it really curtailed playing tennis but also just being able to walk comfortably. I've spent the last 15 years helping others in Harpenden, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire area get back to their favourite sports and improving quality of life.

The good news is that Shockwave therapy treatment has now massively accelerate healing. Learn more about Shockwave therapy for Plantar Fasciitis/heel pain

Plantar Fasciitis: The Basics:

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults. It affects thousands of people across Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire each year - especially those who spend long hours on their feet, run regularly, or wear unsupportive footwear. Yes that's nurses, teachers, active jobs and people that love to walk!

The pain typically can feel sharpest first thing in the morning or after sitting, and it often lingers, becoming a frustrating barrier to work, exercise, and daily life. It can be especially painful after sitting for a while as the inflammation has built up. It can get easier once you get going.

Best treatment option to speed up healing:

The treatment that’s been shown to help people recover without surgery or injections is Shockwave therapy.

To help you understand whether it’s right for you, we’ve answered the three most common patient questions with videos and expert advice included.

Learn more about Shockwave therapy for Plantar Fasciitis/heel pain

Section 1: Does Shockwave Therapy Work for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain?

Shockwave therapy - sound wave therapy, is widely recognised as a highly effective treatment for plantar fasciitis with 90% success rate.

Why? It works by sending targeted sound waves into the heel, which:

Stimulate blood circulation
Encourage tissue repair
Reduce pain signals sent to the brain

I like to say it 'Shockwave - 'supercharges the tissues' - stimulating the body to heal really fast.

At the clinic, we see many patients whose heel pain has not improved with stretching, rest, or footwear changes. I recommend you do these first and if its not better after 4 weeks then it's time to get looked at as Shockwave therapy is likely to be your best option.

For these individuals, Shockwave therapy often provides meaningful relief often after just a few sessions. Learn more about Shockwave therapy for Plantar Fasciitis/heel pain

The best part? It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and doesn’t require you to stop your normal activities. Many patients in Harpenden and Bedfordshire choose it because it helps them avoid steroid injections or surgery.

Section 2: How Long Does It Take to Recover from Plantar Fasciitis with Treatment?

Click on the picture to see my video 'How Long Does It Take to Recover from Plantar Fasciitis with Treatment'?

Most patients start to notice improvements within 4-6 sessions of shockwave therapy. Some people feel better sooner, while others may need a little longer depending on the factors below:

How long you've had plantar fasciitis - you can still get better if its years!
You level of daily activity (e.g., standing jobs, running, sports)
Footwear choices and foot mechanics (we will look at that)
Health - the better your general health, the faster the body recovers.

It's important to have a comprehensive consultation to understand the history of your injury, examine your foot and gait properly so that you have a clear plan of action and treatment tailored to you.

I include this in your assessment and have developed a Heel Pain programme so that treatment is tailored to you and your condition and to maximise your recovery back to work, activities and sports.

You may benefit from additional modalities to speed up your recovery but I'll clearly explain in the assessment.

Additional modalities that can help Plantar Fasciitis:

Orthotics (custom insoles to reduce strain on the fascia)
Back to Sports/Work exercise programmes (specific stretches and strengthening exercises)
Manual therapy

Exercise Therapy (Do's/Don'ts)

Do's: It's important you are doing the exercises properly and that they are gradually increased to strengthen your foot so you can start to do more.

Don'ts Following a generic exercise video and not knowing if you're doing it correct can be ineffective.

Our Heel programme - I'll discuss Back to Work/Sports Progressive Exercise Programme This combination is particularly helpful if you want to get back to work or sport quickly.

Section 3: What Is the Best Non-Surgical Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?

Click on the Picture to see my video video on 'What is the best non-surgical treatment for plantar fasciitis in Harpenden and Bedfordshire'?

The good news is that most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated without injections or surgery.

Shockwave therapy is often considered the best non-surgical option, but other treatments also play an important role, such as:

Custom orthotics to support the foot and correct imbalances More information on orthotics and gaitscan
Back to Work/sports exercises to stretch and strengthen the calf and plantar fascia (specific to you and we'll show how to build up)
Manual therapy to relieve tension and improve mobility in all the connected tissue
Lifestyle and footwear advice to reduce daily stress on the foot

It's important to tailor each treatment plan to the patient. While shockwave is often the cornerstone, we find combining with other strategies can ensure lasting results.

Custom orthotics - may be recommended for plantar fasciitis treatment

What's my best next step?

If you’re suffering from persistent heel pain or plantar fasciitis and you are living in the Harpenden, Hertfordshire, or Bedfordshire area and you're interested in our Heel Programme: