Living in Montana means having endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From hiking the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area to skiing at Snowbowl, there’s always a reason to lace up your shoes and hit the trail. But when chronic foot pain strikes, enjoying these and other activities can feel impossible.
If you’ve tried traditional treatments without success, shockwave therapy could be just the solution to your podiatric pain. This innovative, non-invasive treatment stimulates your body’s natural healing processes to provide lasting relief from painful foot and ankle conditions. At Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic in Missoula, we’re proud to be the region’s leading provider of this advanced treatment option.
Discover how our expert, Dr. Gregg Neibauer, uses shockwave therapy to help patients get back on their feet and back to their favorite activities.
Understanding How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT), uses specialized high-energy acoustic pressure waves to trigger your body’s natural healing response. These waves penetrate deep into damaged tissue, increasing blood flow and stimulating cell regeneration. A typical treatment is quick and relatively painless, lasting just 15 to 20 minutes, with most patients reporting only mild discomfort during their session. The treatment continues to work—and your body continues to heal—long after you leave our office. Many patients notice improvement after just a few treatments, though the full benefits often develop over several weeks, thanks to the activated tissue repair and regeneration processes.
Addressing Common Foot Conditions With EPAT
EPAT or shockwave therapy effectively treats wide-ranging foot and ankle conditions that can cause pain or limit your ability to stay active. At our Missoula podiatry practice, we use this treatment to address:
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Plantar fasciitis. Caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue that runs the length of the foot, connecting the heel bone and toes—this painful heel condition responds well to shockwave therapy. Many patients report experiencing significant relief after just a few brief sessions.
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Achilles tendonitis. The acoustic waves used in shockwave therapy help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles and heel bones. Shockwave therapy speeds healing, helping patients recover and return to activities faster.
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Stress fractures. When repetitive stress leads to incomplete, surface-level bone fractures, shockwave therapy can stimulate healing and shorten the recovery process.
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Calcific tendonitis. This condition causes calcium deposits to form in the tendons in the foot. Shockwave therapy breaks down these painful deposits while promoting natural tissue healing.
Exploring the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Podiatric Pain
Compared to traditional podiatric treatments or surgeries, shockwave therapy offers several unique including:
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Non-invasive approach. Shockwave treatment requires no incisions or injections, resulting in minimal risk and no painful or ugly scarring.
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Quick recovery. Most patients can return to normal activities within 24 hours of their treatment session.
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Drug-free pain relief. This revolutionary therapy harnesses the power of your body’s natural healing responses, providing pain relief without the need for pain medication.
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Long-lasting results. While some pain relief options are only temporary fixes, shockwave therapy addresses the root cause of your foot pain to provide sustainable results.
Getting Started With Shockwave Therapy at Our Missoula Clinic
As one of the only shockwave therapy providers in the state, Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic offers trusted expertise in this innovative treatment. Dr. Neibauer has extensive experience using shockwave therapy to help patients recover from a broad range of foot and ankle conditions.
We understand that every patient’s situation is unique, so we create personalized treatment plans that consider your lifestyle, activity level, and recovery goals. Our commitment to providing advanced care under the Big Sky means you don’t have to travel to larger cities like Seattle or Denver to access cutting-edge podiatric treatments. Give your feet the exceptional care they deserve--right here in Missoula. We’re Montana’s top choice for top-notch foot care.