Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) in Las Vegas

Break through stubborn pain with advanced shockwave therapy. Our board-certified podiatric surgeons use FDA-cleared ESWT technology to treat chronic conditions that haven’t responded to traditional therapies.

Condition Overview

Understanding Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)

Shockwave technology has been cleared by the FDA for treating certain musculoskeletal conditions. Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is a non-invasive form of this therapy that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues.

RSWT works by delivering controlled acoustic energy pulses directly to injured tissue. These pressure waves create microtrauma that triggers your body’s natural healing response—increasing blood flow, breaking down scar tissue and calcifications, stimulating new blood vessel formation, releasing growth factors, and regenerating damaged tendons and ligaments. The result is accelerated healing and lasting pain relief for conditions that have resisted other treatments.

At The Foot Docs in Las Vegas, we specialize in radial shockwave therapy for chronic foot and ankle conditions. This treatment is particularly effective for patients who have tried physical therapy, medications, injections, and orthotics without adequate relief. Our board-certified surgeons use advanced radial shockwave technology to help patients avoid surgery and finally resolve stubborn pain that has limited their activities for months or even years. RSWT offers new hope for healing when other treatments have failed.

Symptoms and Signs

Conditions That Respond to Shockwave Therapy

RSWT may be ideal for you if you’re experiencing

Chronic Heel Pain

  • Plantar fasciitis lasting more than 3-6 months
  • Persistent heel pain not responding to conservative treatment
  • Morning heel pain and stiffness
  • Pain that limits walking or exercise

Achilles Problems

  • Chronic Achilles tendonitis or tendinopathy
  • Pain and stiffness in the back of ankle
  • Thickening of the Achilles tendon
  • Limited improvement with rest and therapy

Other Chronic Conditions

  • Chronic ankle pain or instability
  • Persistent tendon inflammation (peroneal, posterior tibial)
  • Bone spurs causing ongoing discomfort
  • Calcifications in tendons or soft tissue
  • Scar tissue limiting mobility
  • Failed previous treatments (PT, injections, orthotics)
  • Want to avoid surgery but need more aggressive treatment

Treatment Options

Advanced Shockwave Therapy in Las Vegas

Our RSWT protocol combines cutting-edge technology with personalized treatment plans.

How RSWT Works

  • Acoustic Wave Technology
  • High-energy sound waves deliver therapeutic effects at the cellular level:
  • Breaks down calcifications and scar tissue blocking healing
  • Increases blood flow by up to 300% to injured areas
  • Stimulates neovascularization (new blood vessel growth)
  • Releases growth factors that promote tissue regeneration
  • Activates stem cells in damaged tissue
  • Reduces substance P (pain neurotransmitter)
  • Triggers inflammatory cascade that ultimately leads to healing
  • This biological response transforms chronic, non-healing tissue into healthy, functional tissue.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you have questions before your visit. Find quick, helpful information about our services, appointment scheduling, insurance, and what to expect from your treatment.

How effective is shockwave therapy?

Clinical studies show that Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is highly effective, with reported success rates of 70–90% for chronic plantar fasciitis, 60–80% for Achilles tendonitis, and similarly strong outcomes for other chronic tendon and soft-tissue conditions. Success depends on proper patient selection, the correct treatment protocol, and following recommended post-treatment guidelines.

RSWT is most effective for patients with long-lasting conditions (3–6+ months) that have not improved with conservative treatments such as stretching, physical therapy, medications, injections, or orthotics. Many patients who were previously considering surgery experience significant improvement with RSWT—allowing them to avoid invasive procedures while achieving lasting pain relief and functional recovery.

Most patients experience some discomfort during treatment, but it’s generally tolerable. The sensation is described as strong tapping or pulsing pressure at the treatment site. Discomfort level varies by individual pain tolerance and treatment area—bony areas like heels tend to be more sensitive. We adjust intensity based on your comfort level. The brief discomfort during treatment is worthwhile considering the long-term pain relief achieved. Many patients find it less uncomfortable than they anticipated, and each session becomes easier as tissue heals.

Most conditions require 3-5 treatment sessions spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Plantar fasciitis typically responds well to 3-4 sessions, Achilles tendonitis may need 4-5 sessions, and very chronic or severe conditions might require up to 6 sessions. We evaluate your response after each treatment and adjust the protocol accordingly. Some patients notice significant improvement after just one session, while others require the full series for optimal results. The cumulative effect of multiple treatments provides the best long-term outcomes.

RSWT results are typically long-lasting because the treatment addresses the underlying tissue damage rather than just masking symptoms. Most patients maintain improvement for years after completing treatment. Unlike cortisone injections that provide temporary relief, shockwave therapy actually regenerates tissue and eliminates the source of pain. However, results depend on maintaining proper biomechanics, footwear, and activity modification as recommended. Some patients benefit from occasional maintenance treatments if symptoms begin to return, but most achieve lasting resolution.

Minimal downtime is required. You can walk immediately after treatment and return to desk work the same day. We recommend avoiding high-impact activities, intense exercise, or prolonged standing for 48 hours after each session to allow healing processes to activate without interference. Some patients experience temporary increased soreness for 1-3 days after treatment as tissue responds to therapy—this is normal and typically resolves quickly. Most people continue with normal daily activities between treatments while avoiding activities that aggravate the original condition.

For many chronic conditions, yes. RSWT has become a preferred alternative to surgery for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and similar conditions. It offers comparable success rates to surgical intervention without the risks, recovery time, or complications associated with surgery. However, RSWT cannot correct all problems—severe structural deformities, complete tendon ruptures, or certain other conditions still require surgical correction. During your consultation, we’ll determine if RSWT is appropriate for your specific condition or if surgery is necessary. Most patients try RSWT first before considering surgery.

Insurance coverage for RSWT varies significantly by provider and plan. Some insurance companies cover shockwave therapy for specific conditions like plantar fasciitis when conservative treatments have failed and proper documentation is provided. However, many plans still classify RSWT as investigational despite extensive clinical evidence and FDA clearance. We verify your benefits before treatment and provide cost estimates upfront. Many patients choose to pay out-of-pocket given the high success rates and potential to avoid more expensive surgery and recovery costs.

RSWT is not recommended for: pregnant women, patients with blood clotting disorders or taking blood thinners, infections at the treatment site, tumors in the treatment area, and certain neurological conditions. Patients with pacemakers require evaluation before treatment. RSWT also isn’t appropriate for acute injuries—it’s designed for chronic conditions present for at least 3-6 months. During your consultation, we review your medical history to ensure RSWT is safe and appropriate for you. Most patients with chronic foot and ankle pain are excellent candidates.

While both use acoustic energy, they’re very different. Therapeutic ultrasound uses low-intensity continuous sound waves that create gentle warming effects—it’s passive and provides temporary symptom relief. Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic pulses that create mechanical stress and trigger biological healing responses—it’s active and produces lasting tissue regeneration. RSWT penetrates much deeper, delivers significantly more energy, and stimulates actual healing rather than just reducing symptoms temporarily. Think of ultrasound as massage and shockwave as triggering your body to repair itself.

Ready for Relief?

If foot or ankle pain is holding you back, our board-certified Las Vegas podiatrists are here to provide the expert solution you need.

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