At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our team of specialized podiatrists combine several decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to help you triumph over foot and ankle pain. From sports injuries to chronic conditions, we provide comprehensive care with same-day appointments available at our Gilbert and Chandler locations.
One of the advanced treatments we rely on is Radial Pulse Wave Therapy (RPWT), a revolutionary regenerative approach that provides faster, more effective healing. Here's how it works.
What Is Radial Pulse Wave Therapy?
RPWT is an FDA-cleared technology proven to increase the rate of healing for soft tissue tendinopathy. The Enpuls system is an advanced, noninvasive, and highly effective treatment method that enhances blood circulation and accelerates the healing process, causing damaged tissue to regenerate gradually.
There are many different conditions that can be treated with RPWT. Our podiatrists often recommend it for:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Wound care
How Does RPWT Work?
When you experience chronic pain, your body no longer recognizes that there's an injury in that specific area. As a result, it shuts down the healing process and you don't feel relief. The ballistic sound waves of the Enpuls penetrate deep through soft tissues, causing a microtrauma or new inflammatory condition in the treated area. Once this occurs, it 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 an array of new microscopic blood vessels in the soft tissue.
Extensive studies on Radial Pulse Wave Therapy have been conducted over the past 20 years. These studies show a success rate between 72% and 80%.
What to Expect With the RPWT Procedure
The Enpuls system is a machine with an applicator that looks like an ultrasound. A member of our staff applies the applicator to the area and administers the sound waves by moving over the affected area in a slow, circular motion. During the treatment, there may be some minor discomfort—this is usually an indication of truly injured areas.
All treatments are performed by our experienced professionals at Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers after a thorough examination. A typical treatment protocol includes RPWT administered once a week for a series of 4–5 treatments. Each treatment takes approximately 5 minutes depending on the size and number of areas treated.
Very few side effects have been reported. In rare cases, skin bruising may occur. Patients may also feel soreness in the area for a day or two afterward, similar to what you might notice after a strenuous workout, but that's an indication treatment is working.
Why Consider Radial Pulse Wave Therapy?
RPWT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods, including surgery, but without the risks, complications, and lengthy recovery periods. There are no incisions and no risk of infection, or scar tissue, like with surgery. There's also no need for anesthesia to be administered during the treatment, as opposed to high-energy pulse wave therapy.
Patients treated with RPWT may be active immediately and resume their normal routine the same day. Many patients find a significant and immediate reduction in their pain, while others feel results gradually after each treatment.
Why Might We Recommend RPWT Instead of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is usually 2–3 times a week for up to 6 weeks, and you're at a facility for no less than an hour. There's also usually a co-pay required for every visit, which could be $40 or more. Over 6 weeks, or 15 visits, this can add up to $600 or more in out-of-pocket co-pays.
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, RPWT treatments are only once a week, for 5 minutes each. This highly effective modality is faster and often more effective than PT. While RPWT isn't covered by insurance, the cost of the RPWT treatments is usually less than the total of your PT co-pays. If you want more effective results in less time and would like to save money, it's likely that RPWT treatment is a better choice.