ESWT in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has become widely preferred in Turkey and worldwide in recent years for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases due to its non-invasive nature, ease of application, and low risk of complications, as it does not require surgical intervention. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the energy level used in ESWT applications, the frequency of application, and especially the ideal number of sessions. Different centers apply varying protocols in clinical practice, which can lead to heterogeneity in treatment outcomes. Scientifically determining the effect of variation in the number of ESWT sessions on clinical outcomes is important for establishing standard treatment protocols. Therefore, the aim of our study is to contribute to the existing literature by investigating the effect of variation in the number of ESWT sessions on clinical parameters such as pain, functional status, and quality of life in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, and to develop more effective and evidence-based treatment approaches in patient management.