Shockwave Therapy Northcote
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment option that may reduce pain and encourage the tissue repair process.
Your podiatrist will deliver shockwave therapy using a handheld device that aims to target the affected area with sound waves. These waves create a gentle, localised inflammatory response, which is thought to stimulate the body’s natural healing process in an effort to speed up recovery.
Here at The Ankle, Foot and Orthotics Centre, we use the Swiss Dolorclast Machine when performing shockwave therapy. It’s FDA-approved and is considered one of the best units available.
Research Into Shockwave Therapy
Multiple clinical studies support the use of shockwave therapy for treating persistent foot and ankle pain, particularly in conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and shin splints.
While not a first-line treatment for every condition, shockwave therapy is often recommended when other approaches haven’t worked, offering a non-invasive path to recovery with growing clinical support.
A 2018 review published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that radial shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in people with plantar heel pain after just a few sessions.
A separate systematic review concluded that shockwave therapy is effective for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, especially when combined with exercise therapy.
Research also shows that shockwave therapy may be beneficial for chronic muscle conditions, such as trigger points and fibromas, by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing pain.
Conditions We Address with Shockwave Therapy
Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spurs/Plantar Fasciiosis
These are all common conditions that may cause pain in the heel. Shockwave therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for these conditions.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Often presenting as pain at the back of the heel that is caused by damage to the Achilles tendon, both acute and chronic cases may benefit from shockwave therapy.
Shin Splints
Also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints are usually the result of overuse or repetitive stress. ESWT may be used in an effort to accelerate the healing process.
Trigger Point Release
Trigger points are tight, painful knots in the muscle. Shockwave therapy may be used to break down tissue and release these knots, potentially providing pain relief.
Mortons Neuroma
This is a thickening of the nerve sheath that supplies sensation to the area between the toes. Shockwave therapy may be used in an effort to relieve pain and accelerate healing.
Plantar Fibroma
These benign lumps develop within the plantar fascia, causing discomfort or pain. Shockwave therapy may help break down the growth and stimulate healing.
The Shockwave Therapy Process
Step 1
Your podiatrist will apply some gel to the area they’ll be working on, then they will place the handheld device over the top. When the device is turned on, it will send high-energy acoustic waves deep into the soft tissues beneath.
Step 2
This aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing process by increasing blood flow and stimulating the production of stem cells for an optimal healing environment.
Step 3
The treatment itself takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and most patients will have up to five weekly sessions (although some cases may require additional treatments).
Step 4
While you can return to your daily activities immediately after treatment, we recommend that you reduce activity for 24 hours to aid in the self-healing process.
Your Shockwave Therapy Questions Answered
What are the potential benefits of shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy may offer a range of benefits for those experiencing tendon and muscle-related issues. These include:
- Stimulating blood flow to reduce pain
- Resetting the inflammation cycle
- Stimulating collagen production for cell repair
- Promoting the formation of new blood vessels
- Breaking down calcium build-ups in chronically injured tissues
- Releasing trigger points
Will my pain go away immediately after shockwave therapy?
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
How much does shockwave therapy cost?
Why Choose Foot, Ankle and Orthotics Centre?
Advanced Treatment Options
We are committed to offering a wide range of advanced treatment options to aid in the management of our patients’ conditions. We’re always on the lookout for new and improved technology.
Thorough Care Plans
We take pride in offering tailored care plans that address our patients’ specific concerns. We offer longer initial appointments that may help us get to the bottom of your issue.
Centralised Clinic
Our handy clinic location in Northcote allows patients in surrounding areas to access our services easily. We have ample parking and are close to the No. 11 tram and Croxton Train Station for your convenience.
Shockwave Therapy may be Your Next Step
If foot or ankle pain is holding you back, and nothing seems to work, shockwave therapy may be the next step.
At the Ankle, Foot and Orthotics Centre, our experienced podiatrists use this evidence-backed treatment to help patients overcome persistent tendon and muscle pain. We’ll start with a thorough assessment of your feet, ankles and lower legs to understand what’s really causing the issue, then tailor a plan that’s right for you.
If you’re wondering whether shockwave therapy could help, we’re here to talk through your options and help you move forward with confidence.