Shockwave Therapy

Before commencing Shockwave Therapy, read this comprehensive guide first

In the 90s and early 2000s, there had been a slew of electrotherapies that were costly and provided temporary relief but didn’t address the root causes of underlying problems or past injuries. Would this new extracorporeal shockwave treatment be another fleeting trend?

Research emerged demonstrating the effectiveness of shockwave treatment for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. As podiatrists, we encounter these issues regularly.

After initial hesitation, we saw the evidence to support shockwave and had fellow colleagues embracing it, our mind was changed and we invested in a state-of-the art shockwave machine.

It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but it took our own experience and the endorsement of our peers before we fully embraced shockwave therapy in Melbourne.

So, what lessons can you draw from our delayed acceptance of shockwave therapy?

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What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.

Research has shown that shockwave therapy can provide significant relief for chronic tendon and fascia-related injuries, which have persisted for more than six weeks. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis can see positive outcomes when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan.

Shockwave therapy operates through six distinct mechanisms, each playing a role at different stages of treatment. Some mechanisms take effect early on, while others require a higher level of impact (greater pressure of shockwaves delivered) to become effective.

The benefits of shockwave can be felt immediately and treatment cycles range from 3-6 sessions.

Is Shockwave suitable for everyone?

Acute foot injuries, for instance, are unlikely to benefit from shockwave therapy because it primarily stimulates the healing of older injuries. There’s also the issue of “sham shockwaves”.

Sham shockwaves are not authentic shockwaves but rather gentle massages. To trigger the healing response within your tendons or fascia, you need to reach approximately 4.0 bars of pressure on your shockwave unit, which measures intensity. Anything below 4 bars may offer some comfort, but it won’t induce the cavitation within the tissue necessary for healing. At best, low-intensity sham shockwave therapy may feel soothing and numbing, and at worst, it’s a wasted investment.

Despite this, suppliers continue to market shockwave units that can’t even reach 4 bars of pressure.

Shockwave also isn’t suitable for you if you are pregnant, have bone cancer, or haemophilia.

If shockwave isn’t likely to help you we won’t waste your valuable time. We’ll work out your diagnosis and what you can do to treat it. You’ll have your personalised treatment plan to achieve your goals.

Who can benefit from Shockwave Therapy?

So, let’s identify who can benefit from shockwave therapy. If you:

Have been battling plantar fasciitis for more than six weeks.
Are hindered by Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinopathy.
Recognise that your tendon or fascia injuries have persisted for more than six weeks.

Then there’s a good chance that shockwave therapy could be a valuable option for your injury.