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Shockwave Therapy
It’s time to wave goodbye to tendon pain caused by injury and chronic conditions
An Introduction to Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy was originally used in urology for the treatment of kidney stones, but has since found other uses in physiotherapy, sports medicine, and even orthopaedics.
It’s a non-invasive treatment that involves the delivery of high velocity acoustic waves to injured soft tissue, with the aim of reducing pain and promoting healing.
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How Long Does It Last?
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Research suggests pain relief for up to 16 months for epicondylitis (tennis & golfers elbow), plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, achilles and patellar tendonitis.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave Therapy involves a pneumatically-powered transmitter being placed onto the patient’s skin (above the area to be treated). Compressed air is used to accelerate a projectile inside the transmitter; the resulting impact creates an acoustic wave, which spreads out from the transmitter into the patient’s tissue as an ultrasonic pulse.
Each session sends 2,000 to 4,000 pulsed shockwaves into the affected area. The whole process takes between 3 and 10 minutes to complete. The waves assist your recovery by accelerating tissue repair, pain relief, cell growth, and increased mobility.
Is Shockwave Therapy an
Alternative to Surgery and Steroid Injections?
Yes, Shockwave Therapy is a frequently used first line of treatment before considering injections and surgery.
Steroid injections have been a common treatment for a number of conditions in the past, however their use has decreased over the years as we have learned more about the negative impacts on tendon tissue in the long run. Shockwave Therapy has not been shown to have the same detrimental effect on tendon health.
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Surgery is not required for the vast majority of tendon injuries. Shockwave Therapy is a great tool in managing these injuries as it removes the risk of infection and complications whilst still showing promising outcomes. There is also little to no downtime experienced by the patient and the cost is significantly reduced when compared to surgical intervention.
BENEFITS OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY:​
Drug free pain relief
Treats chronic conditions
Non-invasive treatment
Only 3-6 treatments required
Reduce recovery time
Short treatment time
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from a shockwave treatment?
The number of treatments required varies based on condition and response to treatment. As treatment effects are cumulative, you will typically require a minimum of 3 treatments. Your treatments will need to occur within 3-10 days apart for intended therapeutic effect.
Does Shockwave therapy hurt?
As the process involves stimulating growth factors in the area, patients often report discomfort or mild pain during the treatment. As the treatment itself only lasts for around 5-10 minutes, any discomfort is often short-lived and tolerable. The intensity of treatment is adjustable and your practitioner will always make sure you are comfortable throughout the session. After the treatment, you may experience some short-lived soreness, which is usually tolerable and should not limit you in any way.
Are there any restrictions after the treatment?
With certain conditions, your practitioner may advise you to avoid aggravating activities in the first 48 hours to assist with the healing process. This will always be outlined prior to commencing your treatment.
What are some contraindications of Shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy may not be for you if: You have recently had a cortisone injection in your affected area (within the last 12 weeks) You are on blood thinners You have a bleeding or coagulation disorder You are pregnant You have a pacemaker You have been diagnosed with cancer or have a tumour If any of the above apply to you, it is important to first discuss this with a trained practitioner before commencing Shockwave treatment.
Can I claim the treatment on my private health insurance?
Yes, you can claim the treatment on your private health insurance the same way you would for a regular physiotherapy appointment. Please contact your insurer for more information.
SOME COMMON INJURIES WE TREAT WITH SHOCKWAVE THERAPY:​
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Achilles tendonitis
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Tib Post pain
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Peroneal tendonitis
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Plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain)
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Chronic pain
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Patella tendonitis
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Rotator cuff injury
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Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
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Shin splints
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Bursitis
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Gluteal + Hamstring tendonitis
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Medial epicondylitis (Golfers elbow)
What Does a Shockwave Therapy Treatment Involve?
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Locating the area to be treated
Your physiotherapist will use palpitations to gently locate the tendon or joint area requiring treatment.
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Applying the gel
Your physiotherapist will apply the necessary amount of gel to the area. This will transfer the acoustic waves.
Applying the therapy
To deliver the acoustic waves, the transmitter is held lightly against the skin. The treatment should only take 5 to 10 minutes.
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Seek Physio Care with Eastside Physio + Co
The experienced team at Eastside Physio + Co tailor Shockwave Therapy sessions based on your history, current condition, degree of pain, and a range of other variables.
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For more information about Shockwave therapy and how it may be used to treat your pain or injury, please get in touch with our helpful team today and book an assessment.