Shockwave Therapy
What can Radial Shockwave Therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy is a multidisciplinary device used in orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, urology and veterinary medicine. It can treat a variety of conditions, some of which are:
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Pain
Achilles Tendinopathy
Heel Spurs
Delayed Non-unions (Bone Healing)
What is Radial Extracorpeal Shockwave Therapy?
Radial Extracorpreal Shockwave Therapy is a non-surgical method providing fast pain relief and mobility restoration. A pneumatic generator delivers high intensity ultrasound waves through the skin into the injured tissue leading to faster and long-term healing and regeneration of the tissue.
Acoustic waves generated by the shockwave trigger are transmitted through the surface of the skin radially, triggering the tissue to respond with increased metabolic activity around the area of the pain, stimulating healing. It is an ideal therapy to speed up recovery and cure various indications causing acute or chronic pain, with no need for painkillers.
How does Radial Shockwave Therapy Work?
Radial Shockwave promotes healing by producing an analgesic effect in the treatment area. Substance P is a neurotransmitter that mediates pain information through C-fibers. This neuropeptide is typically associated with intense, persistent and chronic pain, sending pain messages to the central nervous system. By lowering the concentration of Substance P, the stimulation of afferent nociceptive fibers are reduced causing a reduction in pain. Acoustic waves generated by Shockwave therapy lower the Substance P concentration and trigger pain relief.
Shockwave Therapy also promotes faster healing of tendon and bone by improving blood supply through the formation of new blood vessels, improving blood supply and oxygenation of the treated area. Study: Biological Mechanism of Musculoskeletal Shockwaves
Treatments
Radial Shockwave Therapy is recommended when other conservative treatments have been impartially effective. Radial Shockwave Therapy works best when combined with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. We do expect patients to carry out specific strengthening exercises.
Assuming you are a candidate*, you will require 3-5 visits with each session lasting between 5-15 minutes in duration, with visits scheduled approximately 5-14 days apart. Your Podiatrist will locate the painful area by palpation, contact gel is applied here, and an applicator held against the skin, and shockwaves applied.
Patients usually display some immediate relief from shockwave, with full benefits realised 6-8 weeks post final treatments.
*Shockwave Therapy should not be considered if you have inflammatory circulatory conditions, pain disorders, tumours, pregnancy or anticoagulant medications.
FAQ
+ Can Shockwave Therapy help me?
Shockwave Therapy has proven to be a cost effective treatment for many conditions. We provide Radial Shockwave Therapy for patients suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis heel pain and Achilles Tendinopathy.
+ Does the Treatment hurt?
Shockwave Therapy purposefully creates an inflammatory response in injured soft tissue, so you may also experience mild discomfort following treatment. Additonally, the intensity can be adjusted during the session. After the treatment patients usually walk around the treatment room pain free.
+ How many Treatments do I need?
The number of treatments depends on the indication and tissue response but normally range between 3-5 sessions for patients with Plantar Fasciitis or Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis. However, having one treatment only still helps due to the increase in blood flow.
+ Is Shockwave Therapy covered by Private Health Insurance?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is claimable under the item under F014, F145 or F147. Please contact your private health insurance company to discuss your rebate.
Find Us
South Melbourne
ProPodiatry Clinic South Melbourne
Level 1/111 Cecil St
South Melbourne VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 9284 3400
Brunswick
ProPodiatry Clinic Brunswick
30 Sydney Rd
Brunswick VIC 3056
Phone: (03) 8388 5200