Shockwave therapy

At The Podiatry Practice in Brisbane we offer shockwave therapy to assist in the treatment of chronic and stubborn musculoskeletal injuries.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a relatively recent medical technology which can be used to successfully treat many common soft tissue injuries. The technology has its roots in the field of lithotripsy – where large extra coroporeal shockwave therapy units (usually in large hospitals) typically treat conditions such as kidney stones, by firing sound waves through the skin and soft tissue to the target site. More recently, more compact radial shockwave therapy (also called radial pressure wave therapy) machines have become available to private clinics to provide a more affordable community based solution for soft tissue injuries.

Shockwave therapy works by improving blood flow and promoting the natural healing process of injured tissues. 

The research base behind the use of shockwave therapy for ligament, tendon and fascia problems has grown tremendously over recent years, and our clinic was impressed by what we read and saw in this emerging field. Our clinic has invested in the European made Gymna ShockMaster 500 radial shockwave therapy unit, and have been extremely pleased with the results in treating conditions such as chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

What is shockwave therapy used for?

At The Podiatry Practice, we will typically use shockwave therapy for more chronic conditions that have been present for more than a couple of months.

The common problems we will use shockwave therapy for include;

  • Plantar fasciitis / fasciosis (heel spur syndrome)
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Tendinopathies
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Severs disease

Is shockwave therapy painful?

Generally no. Radial shockwave therapy may produce some slight discomfort during treatment, but each treatment usually last only 2-3 minutes. If you find it too uncomfortable, our podiatrists can reduce the intensity of the treatment to a comfortable level.

Call us on 3391 3900 to find out if shockwave therapy is right for you.