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Shockwave Therapy Melbourne
Eastside Physio + Co provides shockwave therapy at our Surrey Hills clinic in Melbourne for people across the eastern suburbs with stubborn tendon and heel pain. The treatment sends acoustic waves into injured tissue to ease pain and restart stalled healing. If rest or earlier treatment has not shifted your symptoms, it may be worth considering. Book online, or call us to talk it through first.
WHAT IT IS
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers high-energy acoustic waves through the skin into injured tissue. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is the umbrella term, meaning the waves are generated outside the body.
There are two delivery types. Radial shockwave spreads the energy across a broader area, while focused shockwave concentrates it at depth. At our clinic we deliver treatment with a therapeutic shockwave device. The technology was originally developed to break down kidney stones, then adapted for musculoskeletal conditions.
HOW IT WORKS
How does shockwave therapy work?
The acoustic waves stimulate the injured tissue and increase blood flow to the area. This prompts collagen production and the formation of new blood vessels, which can restart repair in tendons and other soft tissue where healing has stalled.
The waves also reduce sensitivity in trigger points around the treated area, so pain often eases before tissue healing is complete. Chronic tendon injuries respond slowly, and shockwave is used alongside the loading and exercise your physiotherapist prescribes. Read more about how we treat tendon injuries.
What does shockwave therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy is used for chronic tendon and heel conditions that have not settled with rest or initial treatment. We use it for tendinopathy in the foot, elbow, shoulder and hip, so it is not limited to foot problems.
Lower limb
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Plantar fasciitis and heel pain, including chronic plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur pain
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Shin splints
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Gluteal and hamstring tendinopathy
Upper limb and trunk
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Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow
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Rotator cuff and shoulder tendinopathy
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Bursitis
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Sports-related tendon injuries
We recommend shockwave only where assessment shows it fits your diagnosis.
What to expect at your shockwave therapy appointment
Your first visit is a standard physiotherapy assessment. If shockwave fits your diagnosis, we can usually start in the same appointment.
01
Assessment
We ask what activities you are hoping to get back to, examine the area and confirm the diagnosis.
02
Treatment
Your physiotherapist applies gel to the skin and moves the shockwave device over the area. The shockwave itself takes around 5 to 10 minutes.
03
Comfort
Intensity is adjustable, and we set it at a level you can comfortably tolerate. Tell your physiotherapist if it becomes painful.
04
Your course
Most people need 3 to 6 sessions, spaced 3 to 10 days apart. Your physiotherapist sets the number based on your condition and how you respond.
No referral is needed to book.
Who should not have shockwave therapy
Some conditions mean shockwave therapy isn't suitable, while others simply require treatment to be delayed. Tell us if any of these apply to you.
You have had a cortisone injection in the area recently. We wait at least 12 weeks before treating.
You are pregnant.
You have a current cancer diagnosis or a tumour in the area being treated.
You take blood thinners, or you have a bleeding or coagulation disorder.
There is a pacemaker in place.
For some clients, other options such as MLS laser therapy may be suitable, and your physiotherapist will advise.
Shockwave therapy cost and rebates
Shockwave therapy at our Melbourne clinic is delivered inside a standard physiotherapy consultation, and fees are confirmed when you book. Call the clinic on (03) 9836 1333 if you want the cost before you commit to a course.
Private health rebates apply the same way as they do for a regular physiotherapy appointment, depending on your level of extras cover. Medicare works differently, and we've explained how it applies in the FAQs below.
Book shockwave therapy in Melbourne's eastern suburbs
Booking is easy and no referral is needed. Choose a time online, or call the clinic to talk through whether shockwave suits your injury before you commit to a course.
Shockwave therapy is one component of your overall rehabilitation plan. You get an assessment and a physiotherapy plan with exercise rehab, and shockwave is added where it helps. Shockwave stimulates repair, and the exercise plan builds the tendon's tolerance between sessions. Meet our team, or contact us with a question first.
Clinic information
Eastside Physio + Co has been treating clients in Melbourne's eastern suburbs since 2017, with more than 6,300 clients through the door. Our team of physiotherapists sees people from Camberwell, Box Hill, Canterbury, Blackburn, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Doncaster, Burwood, Ashburton, Ashwood and Auburn.
Address: 427 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Phone: (03) 9836 1333
Email: info@esphysio.com.au
Referral: none needed to book shockwave therapy.
Private health: claim on the spot via HICAPS. We accept all major insurers, including Medibank, Bupa, HCF and NIB. Your rebate depends on your level of extras cover.
WorkCover, TAC and NDIS: all accepted. Let reception know when you book.
Parking: there are three onsite parking bays at the front of the building and two at the rear. Additional street parking is available on Canterbury Road and the adjoining streets.