Ankle Pain Archives - Physical Therapy Specialties

Discover EMTT: A Non-Invasive Therapy That Supports Cellular Healing and Mobility

A New Era of Recovery: What EMTT Can Do for Your Healing Journey

It’s no secret—joint stiffness, muscle aches, and slow healing can make you feel like you’re falling behind in life. When it hurts to get up in the morning or you hesitate before walking up a flight of stairs, it’s easy to wonder if you’re ever going to feel like yourself again.

Here at Physical Therapy Specialties in Pleasanton, we believe your body has the power to heal—and sometimes, it just needs the right kind of support to do so.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce a brand-new technology that helps your body recharge and recover, naturally.

Say hello to EMTT: Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy.

Let’s explore how it works, who it’s for, and why it might be just what your recovery has been missing.

What Is EMTT?

EMTT stands for Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free technology that uses pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate healing at the cellular level.

Think of it like this: if your cells are a team of tired workers trying to rebuild a broken structure, EMTT gives them the energy and tools they need to do their jobs better and faster.

Unlike more surface-level treatments, EMTT penetrates deeper layers of muscle and joint tissue, targeting the areas where healing has stalled. These magnetic pulses activate your cells, encouraging them to repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and regenerate function.

This is not just symptom relief. This is real, restorative progress.

How EMTT Works

When you come in for EMTT, here’s what happens:

You’ll be comfortably positioned, fully clothed, with the EMTT applicator placed near the area of concern.
The device emits high-frequency magnetic pulses, which travel into your tissue and stimulate cell metabolism.
These pulses help increase microcirculation, reduce swelling, and reawaken the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Each session lasts around 15–20 minutes, and most patients feel completely at ease during and after the session. There’s no downtime, and you can return to your normal activities the same day.

And here’s something even better: EMTT is often combined with other therapies like Shockwave or physical therapy to amplify results.

Who Is EMTT For?

EMTT is ideal for individuals who feel “stuck” in their recovery. You may have tried exercises, rest, medications, or even injections—and while some of those helped temporarily, they didn’t lead to lasting change.

This gentle therapy offers something different. It’s especially suited for:

Adults with osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, or spine
Individuals recovering from tendon or ligament injuries
People with degenerative joint conditions or chronic inflammation
Anyone trying to avoid surgery or cut down on pain medications
Patients whose progress has plateaued during rehab

Whether you’re an older adult hoping to stay active, a parent managing daily tasks, or simply someone who wants to move through life without restriction—EMTT may be what your body’s been asking for.

Conditions EMTT Can Support

EMTT is versatile and has been clinically studied for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. At Physical Therapy Specialties, we’re particularly excited about its potential to support the following:

🦵 Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis

Many of our patients live with stiffness or joint grinding that limits movement. EMTT can support cartilage health and reduce inflammatory responses.

💥 Tendinopathies and Chronic Overuse

Conditions like Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, or patellar tendinopathy respond well to EMTT by improving tendon regeneration.

🧠 Post-Surgical Recovery

If you’ve had surgery and are healing slowly, EMTT can help stimulate repair and reduce post-operative stiffness or discomfort.

🔁 Degenerative Conditions

Conditions like lumbar spine degeneration, shoulder arthritis, or cervical spine issues can benefit from the circulation and cellular boost EMTT provides.

Why People Are Talking About EMTT

This isn’t just another therapy—it’s a smart, science-backed solution for people who want to stay ahead of their health.

Here’s what patients love:

✅ It’s Non-Invasive – No needles. No scalpels. Just healing energy.
✅ Comfortable Treatments – Most people feel a light tapping or pulsing during sessions—nothing painful.
✅ No Downtime – Go about your day immediately after.
✅ Long-Term Results – EMTT is designed to promote true tissue repair, not just cover up symptoms.

And because it works at a cellular level, many patients notice improvements in strength, flexibility, and overall joint support over time.

What Makes EMTT Different?

You’ve probably heard of magnetic therapies before. So what sets EMTT apart?

Higher Energy Output: EMTT delivers over 100 times the magnetic field strength of traditional PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapies.
Depth of Penetration: The magnetic pulses travel deep into the body, reaching tissues that manual therapy or surface-level treatments can’t.
Cellular Focus: It doesn’t just reduce inflammation—it helps recharge your cells to function more efficiently.

Put simply, EMTT is a game-changer in the world of regenerative therapies.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During your sessions, you’ll relax while the magnetic applicator does its work. Most patients describe a gentle tapping or pulsing sensation, but there’s no pain.

Some people notice subtle improvements after the first visit—like smoother movement or less tension—but results usually build gradually over multiple sessions.

You might be surprised at what your body can do when it’s given the right tools to heal.

Is EMTT Safe?

Yes. EMTT has been adopted widely across orthopedic and rehabilitation settings. It has no known serious side effects, and it’s safe when administered by trained professionals.

Of course, not every therapy is right for every person. That’s why we take the time to evaluate your condition, goals, and medical history before recommending treatment.

Coming Soon to Pleasanton

We’re proud to be one of the first clinics in the area offering this cutting-edge treatment.

Our staff has completed extensive training, and we’re now welcoming patients who are interested in trying EMTT. Whether you’re dealing with persistent joint stiffness, slow surgical recovery, or an old injury that won’t quit—we’d love to help you explore whether EMTT is right for you.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

At Physical Therapy Specialties, we believe healing should be natural, personalized, and empowering. EMTT reflects that philosophy beautifully.

If you’re ready to move with more confidence, improve your body’s ability to heal, and get back to doing the things you love—EMTT may be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

We invite you to schedule a FREE Discovery Visit to learn more. Let’s chat about your goals, answer your questions, and explore your options together.

📞 Call us at (925) 417-8005
🌐 Schedule your FREE Discovery Visit here

Shockwave Therapy: The Natural Way to Restore Movement and Reduce Discomfort

Shockwave Therapy: The Support Your Healing Journey Needs

When you’re dealing with chronic irritation in a tendon, a lingering injury that just won’t heal, or stiffness that keeps you from moving the way you used to—it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck. Maybe you’ve tried stretches, rest, medication, or even other forms of therapy. But what happens when progress slows, or pain keeps returning?

That’s where Shockwave Therapy steps in.

At Physical Therapy Specialties in Pleasanton, we’re always exploring the best ways to support natural, non-invasive healing—and Shockwave Therapy is one of the most exciting tools we now have to offer.

Let’s take a deep dive into what it is, how it works, and whether it could be the right choice for your recovery.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as Radial or Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-surgical treatment that delivers acoustic (sound) waves into injured tissue. These waves carry energy that helps break up tight areas, scar tissue, or calcifications while stimulating your body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Think of it like a wake-up call to dormant cells or tissues that need a boost!

This therapy has been widely studied and used across the world in rehabilitation clinics, orthopedic settings, and even sports medicine facilities. It’s FDA-cleared and safe when delivered by trained professionals.

How Does It Work?

Here’s what’s going on beneath the surface during a Shockwave Therapy session:

Stimulation of Cellular Activity: The mechanical pulses activate cellular metabolism, encouraging healing and tissue regeneration.
Increased Blood Flow: Shockwaves increase circulation in the treated area, which is critical for repairing damaged tissues.
Disruption of Scar Tissue: Chronic pain often stems from built-up scar tissue. Shockwave breaks it down gently.
Pain Reduction: The energy pulses can help desensitize irritated nerves and reset pain receptors.

The treatment is typically quick—lasting only 10 to 20 minutes—and most people require a short series of sessions (often 4 to 6) for optimal results.

Who Can Benefit From Shockwave Therapy?

This therapy is incredibly versatile, and we’ve seen great results across a wide range of concerns.

Shockwave Therapy is particularly beneficial for:

🔹 Tendon & Ligament Injuries

Achilles tendinopathy
Patellar tendinitis (“jumper’s knee”)
Plantar fasciitis
Tennis or golfer’s elbow
Rotator cuff injuries These common problems often result from overuse or repetitive strain. Shockwave provides targeted support that traditional rehab can sometimes miss.

🔹 Calcific Conditions

Shockwave Therapy is highly effective at breaking down calcium deposits, such as those found in calcific shoulder tendinitis. It can restore range of motion and function without surgical intervention.

🔹 Chronic Muscle Tightness or Trigger Points

People suffering from muscle knots, fascial tightness, or “frozen” areas of the body often find shockwave therapy helps them move more freely again.

🔹 Stress Fractures & Bone Healing

Although used more selectively, focused shockwaves may stimulate bone healing in certain stress-related injuries.

🔹 Athletes Seeking Faster Recovery

Weekend warriors and professionals alike use shockwave as part of recovery protocols to return to training faster.

🔹 Older Adults Managing Joint Stiffness

As we age, movement becomes harder. This gentle therapy supports joint mobility and helps reduce tissue degeneration by encouraging circulation and tissue repair.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?

Most people describe it as a pulsing or tapping sensation. It’s not painful, though areas that are highly sensitive or inflamed may feel more pressure.

The beauty of Shockwave is its ability to stimulate without straining. There’s no downtime afterward—so you can walk out of your appointment and go about your day, feeling a little more hopeful (and often, a little looser).

Key Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

Let’s summarize the powerful advantages of this modality:

✅ Non-Invasive and Drug-Free

No injections, no surgery, and no medications needed. This is a completely natural approach that works with your body.

✅ Accelerated Tissue Repair

By boosting circulation and metabolism at the site of injury, your body can heal faster than with rest alone.

✅ Breakdown of Chronic Scar Tissue

If you’ve had a nagging issue that never fully resolved, scar tissue may be the culprit. Shockwave Therapy helps clear it out gently.

✅ Improved Mobility

When stiffness melts away and tissue quality improves, you move with more ease and confidence.

✅ Backed by Research

Multiple studies support Shockwave Therapy’s effectiveness in reducing symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries and improving long-term outcomes.

Is It Safe?

Yes. Shockwave Therapy is FDA-cleared for the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions. It’s non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and has minimal side effects (usually just slight redness or tenderness afterward).

At Physical Therapy Specialties, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our team is fully trained and certified to deliver this therapy in a way that’s personalized for your condition and goals.

Who Shouldn’t Use Shockwave Therapy?

While Shockwave is suitable for many, it’s not appropriate for individuals with:

Active infections or wounds in the treatment area
Blood clotting disorders or on blood thinners
Cancer near the treatment site
Pregnancy (when treating certain areas)

Before any therapy begins, we perform an evaluation to ensure you’re a good candidate.

Your Recovery Could Start Here

If you’re ready to stop just managing your condition and start changing the way your body feels and heals—Shockwave Therapy might be the next step.

Every person’s path to recovery is different. That’s why we offer a FREE Discovery Visit to help you explore if Shockwave Therapy (or another of our many services, like water therapy or EMTT) is right for you.

There’s no pressure, no obligation—just expert guidance, compassionate care, and a personalized plan.

Let’s Talk

We invite you to take that first step. If you’re curious, hopeful, or just plain tired of not feeling your best—call us. Let’s find the treatment that finally fits you.

📞 Call us at (925) 417-8005
🌐 Schedule your FREE Discovery Visit here

3 Stretches to Reduce Ankle Pain When Walking For Pain-Free Holidays

Imagine this: You’re a runner feeling the rhythm of your stride, or perhaps you’re spending long hours standing, cooking a Thanksgiving feast.

Maybe you’re eagerly hiking the Pleasanton Ridge or simply chasing after your family during the bustling holiday season.

In these moments, your feet and ankles bear the brunt of your activities, often silently succumbing to pain and discomfort.

In this blog, you will discover 3 stretches to reduce ankle pain when walking or running for pain-free holidays.

The Unseen Struggle of Ankle Pain When Walking

Ankle and foot pain isn’t just a physical hurdle; it’s an emotional challenge that affects every facet of your life. For many, this pain is a chronic companion, like the persistent throb of bunions.

Ankle pain, on the other hand, can strike unexpectedly, disrupting your daily flow. Nurses and retail workers, constantly on their feet, know this all too well. Plantar fasciitis, a common and persistent pain in the heel and foot arch, is particularly prevalent among those who spend their days walking and standing.

This pain isn’t just about the discomfort during the activity; it extends to your life beyond. The emotional toll – the inability to work comfortably, the overwhelming fatigue after a day’s shift, the yearning to simply put your feet up and rest – is substantial.

It robs you of the energy to exercise, to engage in hobbies, and even to enjoy time with loved ones.

Three Stretches to Alleviate Ankle Pain When Walking

1 – Toe Towel Curl:

Place a towel flat on the ground and sit in a chair with your feet flat over it. Using just your toes, scrunch the towel towards you, then push it away.

This exercise strengthens the muscles in your feet, alleviating the strain of prolonged standing.

2 – Heel Raises:

Stand behind a chair for support. Slowly raise your heels, standing on your toes, then gently lower back down.

This simple move helps in strengthening your calf muscles, offering better support to your ankles.

3 – Ankle Circles:

Lift one foot off the ground and rotate your ankle slowly in a circular motion.

This improves flexibility and blood circulation, reducing the stiffness associated with ankle pain.

The Magic of Custom Orthotics

As an added bonus, consider custom orthotics, especially if you’re experiencing ankle pain when walking. Tailored to your foot’s specific needs, they can dramatically improve your comfort during long hours on your feet.

Custom orthotics provide the support and cushioning your feet crave, allowing for healthier movement patterns. Learn more about how custom orthotics can transform your walking experience HERE.

Your Next Step: Free Foot and Ankle Assessment

If you’re struggling with persistent foot or ankle pain, let us help you take the first step towards healing.

At Physical Therapy Specialties, we’re offering a Free Foot and Ankle Assessment with a complimentary foot scan on our state-of-the-art foot scanner.

Speak to our experts, who have over 30 years of experience in treating such pains, and begin your journey to a pain-free life.

Book your assessment HERE or give us a call at (925) 417-8005.

Not Ready to Visit the Clinic?

We understand that taking the first step can be daunting. If you’re not quite ready to come into the clinic, feel free to reach out to us HERE or call at (925) 417-8005. We’re more than happy to discuss your concerns and explain why so many have trusted us for over three decades.

Remember, whether it’s ankle pain when walking or other foot-related issues, there’s always a way to regain the joy of pain-free movement. Explore our Home Exercises for more tips and tricks to keep your feet happy.

At Physical Therapy Specialties, we’re not just treating pain; we’re restoring the joy of movement, one step at a time.

Free Expert Advice To Improve Your Foot and Ankle Pain

Read Our Blog – The Most Common Mistakes That Lead To Ankle Pain When Walking

The Most Common Mistakes That Lead To Ankle Pain When Walking

Are you currently struggling to go about your daily activities without experiencing ankle pain?

Living in California has its perks, from the beaches to the sunshine, but not being able to walk correctly can make your day to day extremely difficult.

Not only are you missing out on the physical activity but everything that comes with it, including socializing with friends and family. In the clinic, we have discovered this is the number 1 thing patients miss when suffering from ankle pain. Playing sports with friends or going for a walk with family.

Resting may seem like the best option, but it isn’t a long-term solution for ankle pain. You will find your ankle pain returns no matter how long you rest and is often worse than your previous flare-up. It also drives a deeper wedge between you and socializing, isolating you further in an already difficult period in your life.

It’s time to start looking for a long-term solution.

In this blog post, you will discover the most common mistakes that lead to ankle pain when walking so that you can start taking the necessary steps to alleviate your pain and live your life to the fullest.

Mistake 1 – Wearing The Wrong Shoes

The shoes you wear play a significant role in the health of your ankles.

Wearing shoes that do not provide sufficient support, or shoes that are too tight or loose, can put unnecessary stress on your ankle joints, leading to pain.

Make sure your shoes fit well and provide the support you need.

Mistake 2 – Overuse Of High Heels

High heels look great, but they can cause serious damage to your ankles.

When walking in high heels, your feet are at an unnatural angle and put excess pressure on your ankles, leading to pain and discomfort.

Mistake 3 – Over-Exercising

Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body, but over-exercising or doing too much too quickly can put excessive stress on your ankles.

When starting a new exercise routine, ease into it gradually and properly stretch before and after every workout.

Mistake 4 – Weak Ankles

Weak ankles are more prone to injuries, leading to ankle pain when walking.

Incorporating ankle circles, ankle rotations, and heel raises into your daily routine can help strengthen your ankle muscles, reducing the likelihood of pain.

Mistake 5 – Poor Posture

Walking with poor posture puts excessive pressure on our ankles leading to pain.

Make sure to stand tall, engage your core, and keep your shoulders relaxed while walking.

Mistake 6 – Ignoring Pain

One of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring ankle pain, thinking that it will go away with time.

Ignoring pain is never a good idea, as it can lead to more severe injuries.

If you’re experiencing ankle pain when walking, seek advice from a physical therapist who can diagnose the root cause of your pain and provide appropriate treatment options.

Don’t Let Ankle Pain Slow You Down!

Recognize any of the common mistakes we’ve discussed in this blog post?

Maybe you’ve already made some changes but are still seeking a more permanent solution to reduce your ankle pain while walking.

Physical Therapy Specialties is here to help!

We believe in treating not just the symptoms, but identifying and addressing the root cause of your pain. Our team of highly skilled physical therapists is dedicated to providing you with the most effective treatment strategies that are tailored to your unique needs.

To help you on your journey toward a pain-free life, we’re offering a Free Foot Pain Assessment. This assessment is not only your first step toward recovery, but it is also the fastest and most effective way to treat your foot and ankle pain. By speaking to an expert, you’ll receive a custom treatment plan designed specifically for you.

Don’t let ankle pain hold you back any longer, stop missing out due to a problem that can be fixed. Click the button below to schedule your Free Foot Pain Assessment and take the first step towards a pain-free life!

Schedule My Free Foot Pain Assessment Now

Is It Too Painful For You To Travel?

If you’re in too much pain to visit us or would prefer to stay at home, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

Our team can provide professional advice right from the comfort of your home, ensuring that you receive the care you need no matter where you are.

If you have questions about physical therapy or just looking to learn more about our team feel free to contact us at (925) 417-8005 or fill in our simple web form.

Additional Free Tips That Can Help Elevate Your Ankle Pain

Check Out Our Website – Home Exercises For Reducing Your Pain

Check Out Our Website – Our Running & Walking Analysis