Shockwave therapy

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-surgical treatment of painful conditions used in orthopaedics, physio, and sports medicine.

What conditions can shockwave therapy be beneficial for?

• Tendon injuries such as Achilles tendinopathy, gluteal (trochanteric bursitis) and patellar tendinopathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
• Tennis elbow
• Injuries that have not responded to other treatments

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy uses a machine which fires an acoustic ‘pulse’ into damaged tissue through a special handpiece with the aim of reducing pain and stimulating a healing response.

What makes shockwave therapy different?

Shockwave therapy provides fast pain relief, accelerates healing, and restores mobility. Being a non-surgical therapy, patients can often avoid painkillers or steroid injections for their injury—which can reduce recovery time. Shockwave therapy is ideal for speeding up the recovery of acute or chronic pain.

What else do you need to know about shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy works best when combined with other treatment modalities, such as strengthening exercises and soft tissue massage.

Is a referral required?

No referral is required for a shockwave therapy consultation.

Can I claim this service as an extra on my health insurance policy?

A shockwave therapy session with your physio or sports doctor may be claimed on private health insurance depending on your level of cover, please check with your private health insurance provider.