The Avid Runner

The Struggle Begins

Our beloved patient who we will refer to as Patient x, an avid runner, had his sights set on the upcoming City 2 Surf Marathon. His training regimen intensified with every passing day, week, month. Patient x pushed himself harder, logging more kilometres each week and increasing the frequency of days he was running as well. But with every stride, a familiar discomfort crept in—heel pain and shin splints. His dream of conquering the City 2 Surf was starting to look grim.

The Turning Point

Desperate for relief, Patient x sought help at the Haberfield Foot Clinic. Mr Sage Bacolod, a seasoned podiatrist of 7 years, welcomed him into his clinic. Patient x recounted his journey—the early morning runs, the adrenaline-fueled weight-training sessions, and the relentless pursuit of pain free movement.

Sage listened attentively, his eyes narrowing as he examined Patient x’s worn-out running shoes, postural alignment, biomechanical tendencies during his walking pattern, his double limb and single limb squat, his foot postural alignment – referring to the foot posture index, joint range of motion of the hips, knees and ankles and lastly muscle strength testing using a hand-held goniometer. Sage knew the signs—the telltale wear patterns, the strained ligaments. Patient x’s feet were paying the price for his unwavering dedication.

Shockwave Therapy Unleashed

“Patient x,” Sage said, “we have a game-changer that is new to the clinic shockwave therapy.”

Patient x raised an eyebrow. “Shockwaves? Like electricity?”

“Not quite’’ Sage replied. ‘‘These are gentle audio waves of energy that stimulate healing. We’ll target your heel and shin pain directly.”

Patient x hesitated a little and replied “Is it safe?”

“Absolutely,” Sage assured him. “Non-invasive, no side effects. You’ll be back to training for the City 2 Surf in no time. Although, you might feel a little pressure’’.

The Treatment

Patient x settled into the treatment chair. Sage proceeded to palpate areas of tightness and marked areas of pain which patient x had emphasised. Sage adjusted the shockwave device, positioning it over his heel and shin. Patient X clenched his fists, ready for whatever came next.

The first pulse hit—a subtle vibration, like a distant drumbeat. Patient x’s eyes widened in sudden suprise at both the sound and mild pressure felt on the surface of marked areas.

Sage illustrated to Patient x ‘‘These audio waves are focused into your body starting a proinflammatory reponse which is needed for repair and healing.”

Immediate Relief

As the session progressed, Patient x felt less pressure and mild warmth spreading through foot and shins at the marked sites. Patient x described it as an intense deep tissue massage at the beginning which eased as the session progressed. Sage monitored his reactions, and advised Patient x that because this was his first time trying shockwave therapy the level of intensity was set at a reasonable and tolerable level.

bar: 2.0

Hz: 15

Shocks: 2500

When Patient x stepped off the chair, he noticed something instant —the pain was fading. His heel no longer screamed with each step, and the shin splints almost disappeared. It was like a curtain lifting, breathing new life into Patient x’s legs.

‘‘I advise between 3-5 sessions as a minimum for best results based on evidence-based practice’’ Sage explained. ‘‘The first session may provide instant relief but may not be permanent’’.

‘‘Shockwave Therapy is a great adjunct with other interventions such as correct footwear, custom orthotic therapy and strength and conditioning exercises’’ Sage highlighted.

The not-yet Finish Line

Patient x has been rebooked for further follow up sessions using shockwave therapy and left the clinic empowered with a new exercise program which involved both strengthening and stretching the lower limbs and advise on avoiding the incorrect running shoe.