Non-Surgical Treatments

Physical Modalities

Suburban Foot & Ankle utilizes advanced physical modalities — including TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy — to accelerate healing and manage pain without surgery or medication. These evidence-based therapies are available at our Elmhurst and Bloomingdale offices.

Benefits

Non-invasive pain relief with no medication side effects
TENS units interrupt pain signals and stimulate endorphin release
Therapeutic ultrasound promotes tissue repair at the cellular level
Shock wave therapy breaks down scar tissue and stimulates regeneration
Can be used alongside other treatments for enhanced outcomes
Many modalities can be continued at home with portable devices

What to Expect

Your podiatrist determines which modality best addresses your condition. In-office treatments are typically brief sessions lasting 15–30 minutes. Electrodes, ultrasound probes, or shock wave applicators are applied to the treatment area. You may feel a gentle tingling, warmth, or tapping sensation. A series of sessions is usually recommended for optimal results.

Treatment Options

Ice/Heat Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy
Electrical Stimulation (TENS)
Low-Level Laser Therapy e-strict
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) e-strict
Iontophoresis e-strict
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) e-strict

When Is This Treatment Recommended?

Physical modalities are indicated for chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, neuropathic pain, post-surgical inflammation, and soft tissue injuries that have not fully responded to rest and medication.