“Shockwave therapy has been proven as an effective, safe and non-invasive treatment option for tendon and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system in a multitude of high-quality randomised clinical trials.” – British Medical Bulletin Journal
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
PAIN REDUCTION
An instant reduction in pain is achieved immediately after the session due to decreased concentration of the pain neurotransmitter called “Substance-P”.
TENDON & SOFT TISSUE REPAIR
Shockwave therapy is able to restart the recovery process in painful, degenerative tendons that are in a failed state of healing.
NEW BLOOD VESSEL FORMATION
Nitric Oxide (NO) is released which promotes the formation of new blood vessels and improved blood supply.
What Can Shockwave Therapy Be Used To Treat?
If the condition ends in “itis” “osis” or “opathy” shockwave therapy is the ideal treatment method.
It has been successfully used to treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as:
Rotator cuff tears & tendinopathy
Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendons
Medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (lateral hip pain)
Patellar tendinopathy (jumpers knee)
Osgood Schlatter disease
Medial Tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
Achilles tendonitis
Plantar fasciitis
Low back pain
Myofascial pain & trigger points
Click Here to see the full list of conditions approved for treatment by the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment.
How does it work?
There are no electric shocks involved.
An air compressor accelerates a metal projectile inside the applicator head at a rate of 1-20 times per second. The kinetic energy of the projectile is converted into a high-energy acoustic pressure wave when it comes into contact with the applicator head.
The shockwave/pressure wave exerts a mechanical stimulus on the tissue being treated resulting in chemical changes taking place within the cell. The most important effects as a result of the chemicals changes that take place within the tendon. There is increased new blood vessel formation, reduced pain levels as well as increased collagen synthesis and repair of the injured tendon or tissue.
Click Here to read our blog post that goes into detail about the biological response within the tissues after a course of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a Chattanooga RPW 2 machine. It is a radial pressure wave device that shares all the internals and applicator head with the Stortz medical devices.
It is the same technology as used by the Swiss Dolarclast machines.
There will be mild discomfort during the procedure. To get the best results, we need to deliver as much energy as you can tolerate without exceeding a self-rated 7/10 on the pain scale.
An optimum shockwave treatment protocol is 1 session per week for a minimum of 3 weeks and up to a maximum of 6 weeks. Randomised clinical trials have found there to be an 89% success rate when following these guidelines.
Shockwave therapy is considered to be a safe and non-invasive therapy. However, some minor side effects that have been reported such as increased local discomfort, swelling, redness of the skin.
Yes, it can be. Your GP will need to refer you to our clinic with a valid Medicare chronic disease management (CDM) / team care referral.
The Medicare rebate paid back to you will be $55.10 per session.
If your private health fund offers you rebates for chiropractic treatment then yes it will cover part of the cost per session.
