Both shockwave therapy (ESWT) and Class 4 laser therapy (high-power laser therapy, HPLT) are non-invasive treatments for plantar fasciitis, but they work differently and have distinct advantages.
Comparison of Shockwave Therapy vs. Class 4 Laser for Plantar Fasciitis
| Feature | Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) | Class 4 Laser Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate healing and break down scar tissue. | Uses high-intensity laser energy to reduce inflammation and promote cellular repair. |
| Pain Relief | Can provide significant long-term relief, but initial sessions may be uncomfortable. | Provides immediate pain relief with a warming effect, often soothing. |
| Healing Process | Promotes tissue regeneration, increases blood flow, and stimulates repair. | Reduces inflammation, increases ATP production, and accelerates healing. |
| Number of Sessions | Typically 5-10 sessions, spaced over weeks. | Requires 6-12 sessions, often multiple times per week. |
| Side Effects | Temporary discomfort, mild swelling, or bruising in treated area. | Minimal, but some may feel warmth or mild irritation. |
| Effectiveness | Well-supported by studies for chronic plantar fasciitis, especially for those not responding to conventional treatments. | Effective for pain reduction and inflammation, with some evidence supporting long-term relief. |
| Best For | Chronic, treatment-resistant plantar fasciitis with scar tissue or calcification. | Acute or chronic inflammation, especially for those sensitive to shockwave discomfort. |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Shockwave Therapy if you have chronic, stubborn plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
- Choose Class 4 Laser Therapy if you want immediate pain relief and a gentler approach.
- Combination Therapy: Some clinics use both treatments together for enhanced results.
In an office like ours, where we have everything under the sun to enhance the healing process and reduce pain as fast as possible, it's imperative to understand the when and why of using equipment. It's funny how sometimes patients will want the kitchen sink thrown at their pain or injury, whereas some think only 1 modality is the only one to help them. Neither are good.
We have these tools but use our clinical expertise to help determine which is better and why we would use it in the first place. Having an understanding of the physiology is also very important.
A combination of using the shockwave or laser with quality manual therapy and physiotherapy exercises can absolutely help even the most stubborn plantar fasciitis pain. If you're looking for a different approach to your foot pain and platnar fasciitis pain, now is the time to schedule your appointment at strengthchiro.com!
