Shockwave, or Radial Pressure Wave Therapy, works to reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate revascularisation, and stimulate metabolic activity. This means you get out of pain faster, and recover quicker, from a number of acute and chronic injuries. It has shown efficacy in both muscle and bone injury recovery.
Shockwave has a range of benefits, including being non-invasive, non-surgical, not requiring any additional medication or anaesthesia, and having very few complications or adverse effects.
At South Burnett Podiatry we employ the Swiss Dolorclast ESWT, the industry leader for Shockwave Therapy. It emits a series of energetic shockwaves applied to an area that needs treatment. Shockwave is a purely mechanical acoustic wave - not electric - and is delivered to the injured tissue via a hand-held probe.
It is used to treat:
- Heel pain
- Knee pain
- Leg pain
- Foot pain
- Arthritis
- Trigger points
- Scar tissue adherence
To get started with shockwave, you must first have a consultation with one of our podiatrists so we can assess the extent of your injury or problem, ensure that shockwave can be beneficial for you, and confirm your eligibility for the treatment. We can then get you started straight away!
Are there any contraindications for Shockwave?
- If you have had a cortisone injection in the last 11 weeks
- If you have a cardiac pacemaker
- If you are pregnant
- If you have been diagnosed with cancer
- If you are on warfarin or other anticoagulant therapy
- Children with open growth plates
How does Shockwave work?
Shockwave activates the body’s self healing process to reduce pain by:
- Increasing metabolic activity through improved blood circulation and formation of new blood vessels
- Nurtures and accelerates the body’s own healing processes
- Breaks down injured tissue and calcifications
- Stimulates nerves to help decrease sensitivity
- Provides an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Each treatment lasts 10 -30 mins and depending on the condition being treated most people will require approximately three to four treatments based one week apart. It is important to know that the body’s natural healing processes may continue for up to 6 weeks after.
Is Shockwave treatment painful?
Shockwave treatment generally doesn’t cause any significant pain and there is NO anesthetic needed. Your podiatrist will monitor your pain during treatment and adjust accordingly. Normally you will experience a reduced level of pain immediately after treatment.