Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a safe, non-invasive procedure. ESWT uses high-pressure acoustic shockwaves that travel through the skin to break down targeted tissue and stimulate tissue repair. This form of treatment was initially developed to treat kidney stones but is now widely used around the world for the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions.
Shockwave therapy kick starts the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This is believed to occur due to increased blood flow and the metabolic activity around the site of discomfort to accelerate the healing process resulting in:
Shockwave therapy is frequently effective in the treatment of many chronic musculoskeletal conditions including:
After a simple examination to localise the region of discomfort, shockwaves are applied via a handpiece or applicator held against the skin. A contact gel is applied to the area, then a handheld probe is applied to the skin. The probe delivers the acoustic waves in a controlled and focused manner for typically 2-10 minutes per injured area.
The initial phase of treatment can be uncomfortable or sometimes painful. This, however, indicates correct targeting of the area of concern. This is usually followed by numbness or heaviness in the area and the latter phase of the treatment feels more comfortable.
Most patients experience pain reduction and a greater range of movement immediately after the procedure. This improves over 24-48 hours.
Many patients get pain relief over the next 7-10 days. The number of treatments required depends on the area of injury, degree of injury and individual response to treatment.
This varies but usually, patients require 3-4 treatment episodes, performed a week apart.
You may feel some soreness which may intensify on the night of treatment. Simple analgesia and icing may be required to control this pain. There may also be some minor bruising in the treatment area.
You should rest from aggravating activities for 2-3 days after treatment as your doctor will discuss. Usually, this treatment is performed in collaboration with your associated allied health practitioner (e.g. physiotherapist, podiatrist, osteopath).
Most treatment and post-treatment side effects are limited to mild bruising, swelling, pain, numbness or tingling in the treated area, or discomfort. It is important to note that local bruising is uncommon and often minor for most treatments.
Please inform your doctor if you have one of the following contraindications as this form of treatment may not be appropriate for you:
We are proud to use the Dolorclast Radial Shockwave Machine. DolorClast was the inventor of radial shockwave therapy and since inventing the technology have continually strived to improve the quality of their machines. The majority of research quoted and carried out on radial shockwave therapy has been conducted using DolorClast machines.
There is a cost per treatment session that is non-rebatable, plus there is an attendance/consultation fee from the doctor, which attracts a Medicare rebate. This will be discussed prior to the treatment being performed.
The human body is complex and different people respond differently to therapy. We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of treatment. We can only keep up-to-date with the latest quality scientific research and make this available and discuss this with you to make your decision.
For more information about our Shockwave Therapy treatment or any of our other services please contact our team on 03 9561 5155 or email us at info@sportsradiology.com.au
Download a Patient Information Brochure:
Patient Fact Sheet on Shock Wave Therapy
Download a comprehensive Review Article on Shock wave Therapy:
Therapeutic Uses of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Dr Berman is a dual specialist – Musculoskeletal Radiologist and Vein Specialist (Phlebologist)
Please click on Specialist Vein Care to see dedicated website.