Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy uses compressed air to accelerate a projectile within the shockwave machine, which then hits the applicator and produces kinetic energy. This creates a physical sound wave producing the “shock” in shockwave therapy (no, there's no electric shock).

Shockwave therapy produces an inflammatory response which increases metabolic activity around the site of injury. This stimulates and accelerates the body's healing process (remodels dysfunctional collagenous tissues, such as tendinopathies, trigger points, muscle strains, etc.), and can also be used to break down scar tissue/ calcifications. Shockwave also works to reduce pain by inhibiting the neurotransmitters that deliver the pain messages to the brain.

"Shockwave is a great treatment option for clients who have had a chronic condition that doesn’t seem to be responding to our usual treatment plans. It is a great first port of call before opting for invasive procedures like injections or surgical procedures. This is why I chose to invest in the technology for our clinic."

Mirae Oldmeadow
(osteopath and business owner)

What does a shockwave therapy appointment involve?

Shockwave therapy works best when used in conjunction with our usual osteopathic techniques and a tailored exercise program so where appropriate we endeavour to do this for every client.

Each appointment will be tailored to what our client in front of us needs but will usually include a combination of the shockwave therapy itself, hands-on manual therapy and a demonstration and practice of the take-home exercises you will be given to help with your recovery.

How does Shockwave Therapy work?

Shockwave Therapy uses targeted sound waves that travel through the skin to the affected tissues. Within the machine, compressed air is used to accelerate a projectile within the applicator to produces kinetic energy. This creates a physical sound wave which creates controlled microtrauma that encourages the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

This process helps:

Stimulate blood circulation and tissue metabolism
Accelerate cell regeneration and collagen production
Break down adhesions and calcifications in soft tissue
Reduce pain and inflammation by desensitising nerve endings
Promote long-term healing rather than just masking symptoms

Most clients notice improvement within the first 1-2 sessions and significant benefit within 3–5 sessions, depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Conditions Shockwave Therapy May Help

Shockwave Therapy is commonly used to treat:

Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Achilles tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Shoulder tendinopathy or rotator cuff injuries
Gluteal tendinopathy and hip pain
Shin splints
Chronic muscle tension and trigger points
Calcific tendinitis in the shoulder
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Adhesive Capsulitis/Frozen Shoulder
Subacromial impingement/pain in the shoulder
“Shin Splints”
Low Back Pain
Osteoarthritis
Oschgood-Schlatter disease
Stress fractures
Chronic myofascial trigger points
Bone marrow oedema
Chronic pain from old or repetitive strain injuries

This would be a big list if we listed every indication for Shockwave Therapy. Ask your osteopath if there is another condition you would like to know if Shockwave therapy may help with.

If you’ve tried rest, exercise therapy or hands-on treatment with limited success, Shockwave Therapy can be an effective next step in your recovery plan.

More FAQs

How Long Does Treatment Last and How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Approximately 2000 shocks are administered per treatment area (the duration of which is approximately 4-5 minutes). Every client and condition are different so some patients may need more shocks or a longer duration but this will depend on the severity of the injury and chronicity (how long the condition or injury has existed). Normally three to five treatments are necessary at intervals as determined by your osteopath. Shockwave therapy has been shown to have a 80-90% success rate in clinical trials when treating appropriate injuries.

Does Shockwave Treatment Hurt?

The short answer here is yes, shockwave treatment does hurt and is uncomfortable. This is one of the mechanisms it uses to reduce your pain levels. Your osteopath will always keep the pain level within your tolerable limits and can stop at any time if you need. Honestly though its not something people have needed to stop us doing as we build the intensity slowly and keep it as comfortable as possible. Shockwave is a non-invasive procedure and doesn't require any anaesthesia. You will likely experience some tenderness and discomfort but it is a relatively short treatment that lasts under 5 minutes and is used in conjunction with our usual osteopathy treatment tools. Your Osteopath is able to adjust the machine to decrease the amount of pressure you feel to suit your tolerance level.

Some discomfort may be experienced 24-72 hours after treatment and you may also experience some bruising and swelling. However most people notice an immediate change in their presenting pain or condition.

How many Shockwave Therapy appointments will I need?

For most presentations 3-5 shockwave therapy sessions is required for resolution of your complaint. Every body and every condition is different and your osteopath will discuss your treatment plan with you but we do find that the majority of clients will fit within the 3-5 sessions and will have these spaced around 5-7 days apart.

What Is The Cost?

A shockwave treatment will cost you an additional $60 on top of your usual osteopathic consult fee for each session of shockwave therapy. For most clients this will be $180-$300 for the shockwave component of your treatment. When compared with other medical interventions such as injections, specialists or surgeries, this is often a more cost effective option overall.

Unsure if shockwave therapy is right for you?

Reach out to the clinic today or go ahead and book a shockwave appointment with one of our osteopaths. Your osteopath will discuss your complaint with you and if we don’t deem you as an appropriate candidate for shockwave therapy your appointment will be changed to a standard osteopathy appointment and your fee will be reduced by the $60 shockwave amount. If shockwave is not right for you, it doesn’t mean general osteopathy won't be!

Do you have another question for us?

Reach out to us at the clinic now!

Ready to book your shockwave therapy appointment?

You can do so by calling our clinic on 0387900136 or booking online.

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