Extracorporeal Shock Wave NEW

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis). "Extracorporeal" means "outside of the body." During this noninvasive procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to that currently used in nonsurgical treatment of kidney stones.

Radial Pulse Shockwave Therapy is an FDA cleared technology proven to increase the rate of healing for soft tissue injuries and for the relief of painful conditions fo the foot and ankle.  It is the most advanced non-invasive and highly effective treatment that enhanses blood circulation, accelerates the healing process causing damaged tissue to gradually regenerate and heal.  

What conditions can be treated with RSWT? 

  • Plantar Fascitis
  • Achilles Tendontis
  • Insertional Achilles Pain                                                                            
  • Chronic Heel Pain
  • Acute and Chronic Muscle Pain
  • Achilles Tendonosis
  • Tendonosis of the Foot and Ankle

How does RSWT work?

When you experience chronic pain, your body no longer recognizes that there is an injury to that area.  Therefore it shuts down the healing process and you feel no relief.  That ballistic sound waves the the Enpuls penetrate deep through your soft  tissue, causing a microtrauma or new inflmattory condition to the treated area.  Once this occurs, it then triggers your body's natural healing response once again.  The energy emitted also causes the cells in the soft tissue to release certain biochemicals that intensify the body"s natural healing process.  These biochemicals allow for the building of any array of new microscopic blood vessels in the soft tissue.  This treatent is highly effective for conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis , and other tendon and soft tissue disorders in the foot.

What do studies show?

There have been extensive studies don on Low Energy Shockwave Therapy over the psat 15 years.  These studies, done on different conditions of the foot and ankle, show between a 75%-84% success rate.

How is RSWT performed?

The EnPuls is a small machine with an applicator that looks like an ultrasound.  It is administered once a week for a series of 4 to 5 treatments.  Each treatment takes approximately 5 minutes depending on the size and number of areas treated.

All treatments are performed by Dr. Kolber. The doctor applies the applicator to the foot and administers the ballistic waves by moving over the affected area in a very slow, circular motion.  During the treatment, there may be some minor discomfort.  Painful areas are helpful in isolating the truly injured areas.


EnPuls being used on a heel pain patient

Why consider Radial Shockwave Therapy?

RSWT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods, including surgery,  without the risks , complications, and lengthy recovery periods.  There are no incisions and no risk of infection, or scar tissue like surgery.  There is no need for anesthesia to be administered during the treatment, as opposed to high-energy shockwave therapy.  Patients treated with RSWT may bear weight on the foot immediately and resume normal activities the same day.  Many patients find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain.  Some patients will feel results gradually after each treatment.

What are the possible side effects?

There have been very few side effects reported.  In rare cases, skin bruising may occur, and patients may feel soreness to the area for a day or two afterwards, similar to a strenous workout.