Shockwave
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to penetrate through the skin. It targets specific injury to tendons and muscles and their attachment to bone (eg plantar fascia). Shockwave was developed from the discovery of the ability to disrupt kidney stones with acoustic pressure waves.
Why would I need shockwave therapy?
Have you or someone you know got a longstanding chronic injury that has resisted multiple treatments? Shockwave could be your answer.
We use diagnostic ultrasound to visualise the target tissue and determine the best place to deliver the shockwave acoustic energy.
It is able to reverse a poorly healed chronic tissue and kick start the body’s acute healing processes.
Benefits of shockwave
Effectively reduces pain
Speeds up tissue repair and cell regrowth
A great alternative for anyone with an existing injury that has resisted multiple treatments.
Common conditions we can treat with shockwave
Achilles tendinopathy
Plantar fasciosis
Heel spurs
Patellar tendinopathy
Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
Shoulder rotator cuff tendinopathies, including calcific tendinopathy.
Greater trochanteric (hip) pain syndrome
How many treatments are needed?
Four to seven treatments are typically needed with shockwave, usually 1 per week to allow for the inflammatory healing cascade to work.
* Some pain relief may occur for a few days after each session with complete pain relief commonly 6 to 8 weeks after a course of treatment. When appropriate we will also suggest exercises to assist correct healing.
is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes. Shockwave has been in use for many years with no serious side effects.
My left shoulder was getting no better. We discussed shockwave treatment for it. I won’t lie it wasn’t pleasant and at points painful but not any more than I was already in. Would I do it again if needed? Yes. My left shoulder has now caught up with my right and I am now pain free. Thank you both for your compassion and determination to help me.
— Wendy Bartlett