Electrohydraulic Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Podiatric surgeon and foot & ankle specialist in austin, tx
A Non-Invasive Treatment That Helps You Heal Naturally—No Injections, No Downtime
If you’ve been living with foot or ankle pain that just won’t go away, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to settle for temporary relief or invasive procedures. At Align Foot & Ankle, Dr. Thuy Ho-Ellsworth offers Shockwave Therapy (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, ESWT)—an advanced, FDA-cleared treatment that stimulates your body’s natural healing response.
Trusted by top sports medicine teams, Shockwave Therapy is drug-free, non-surgical, and especially effective for patients who have tried stretching, orthotics, or injections without lasting improvement.
What Conditions Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Dr. Ho-Ellsworth uses Shockwave Therapy to treat:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Chronic heel pain
- Heel spurs
- Post-surgical tissue stiffness
- Scar tissue or adhesions
- Joint pain or swelling
- Muscle or tendon strain
- Slow-healing wounds
- Neuromas
- Stress fractures
- Chronic tendonitis
How It Works?
Shockwave Therapy delivers pulses of high-energy acoustic waves through a handheld applicator directly to the area of pain or inflammation. These waves penetrate deep into the tissue and trigger:
- Increased blood flow and circulation
- Stem cell activation and tissue regeneration
- Breakdown of scar tissue and calcifications
- Reduced inflammation and pain sensitivity
This process jump-starts healing—without needles, medications, or surgery.
Why Dr. Ho-Ellsworth Often Combines Shockwave with Class IV Laser Therapy?
For enhanced results, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth frequently pairs Shockwave Therapy with Remy Class IV Laser Therapy. While Shockwave stimulates deep tissue repair and regeneration, Class IV Laser boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and accelerates recovery. Together, these therapies provide a comprehensive, regenerative approach to chronic pain and soft tissue injuries—without downtime or discomfort.
What to Expect During Treatment?
- In-office procedure lasting 10–15 minutes
- No anesthesia, injections, or preparation required
- Mild pulsing or pressure may be felt during treatment
- Most patients return to normal activity immediately
- A typical plan includes several weekly sessions
- Many patients notice improvement after just one visit, with continued progress over time
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave Therapy may be right for you if you:
- Have not found relief with other conservative treatments
- Want to avoid steroid injections or surgery
- Are recovering from an injury or procedure and want to optimize healing
- Experience recurring pain from overuse, inflammation, or tissue damage
During your consultation, Dr. Ho-Ellsworth will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan. She may recommend pairing Shockwave Therapy with Class IV Laser Therapy, custom orthotics, or regenerative injections for long-term results.
Ready to finally feel better—without surgery or downtime?
Call Align Foot & Ankle at 512-882-4911 or book online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth.
FAQs
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as mild pulsing or pressure. Some areas of inflammation may feel tender, but discomfort is typically brief and well-tolerated.
How long does each treatment take?
Sessions usually last 10–15 minutes in the office, with no anesthesia or special preparation required.
How many treatments will I need?
Treatment plans vary depending on the condition and severity. Many patients notice improvement after just one or two visits, but a full plan may include several weekly sessions for lasting results.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minimal. You may experience temporary redness, soreness, or slight swelling in the treated area, but these typically resolve quickly.
When will I notice results?
Some patients feel better immediately, while others notice gradual improvement over several weeks as healing continues.
Is there any downtime?
No. Patients can usually return to normal activity right after treatment.
Is Shockwave Therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Our office team can help check your benefits and discuss affordable options if insurance does not cover the procedure.
