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Shock wave therapy has been used in sports medicine for over 12 years. There has been an
increased uptake of Shockwave Therapy in Melbourne, and it is certainly widely used among
professional athletes and sporting bodies. There is a growing body of evidence that it
provides effective treatment of tendon injuries. We are excited to be able to offer Shockwave
therapy in Melbourne.

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), or Radial Shockwave Therapy, involves delivering high-frequency shock waves to the injured tendon. These shock waves are delivered non-invasively through the skin and stimulate healing in chronic tendon injuries that have failed to heal spontaneously and have not responded to other treatments. About 60-80% of patients have a significant improvement in their tendon pain after shockwave therapy.

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy’s basic principles are high-pressured acoustic shockwaves that move through the skin’s surface to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain.

What does treatment involve?

A standard course of shock wave therapy in Melbourne involves three to four weekly treatments. You will feel some discomfort during the treatment, but this will subside quickly afterwards. You should avoid strenuous activity for 2 days post-treatment.

What can it treat?

A standard course of shock wave therapy in Melbourne involves three to four weekly treatments. You will feel some discomfort during the treatment, but this will subside quickly afterwards. You should avoid strenuous activity for 2 days post-treatment.

  • Plantar Fasciitis/heel spur (calcaneal spur)
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Gluteal tendinopathy
  • Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
  • Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
  • Patella tendinopathy
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
    Other forms of insertional tendinopathy
  • Other musculoskeletal problems:
  • Muscle strains
  • Calcified Haematomas (“corkies”)
  • Shin splints
  • Recalcitrant trigger points
  • Osgood Schlatter Disease

Shockwave Therapy in Melbourne is not a stand-alone treatment, it is important to complete a rehabilitative program, including both strength and education to ensure that tendon pain is not recurrent and/or persistent.

At Inner North Osteopathy, we pride ourselves on updating our skills and education, and being able to offer shockwave therapy in Melbourne helps us provide comprehensive treatment for tendon pain. If you have any questions as to whether shockwave therapy is for you, please feel free to call us.

How does shockwave therapy help with treatment?

Shockwave treatment, or ESWT, was originally developed to cure kidney stones (renal calculi) through an external application on the skin. It was created as an alternative to surgery for patients suffering from kidney stones. Further, it showed an improvement in chronic musculoskeletal conditions in a few patients who had their kidney stones successfully treated, leading to the use of radial shockwave for tendons and other soft tissues.

Shockwave therapy plays several roles in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, allowing for immediate improvement of symptoms and when combined with other treatment approaches, it may provide complete resolution of all symptoms.

How much does shockwave therapy in Melbourne cost?

Shockwave therapy would cost you $50 on top of normal consultation fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Osteopaths are primary healthcare providers which means that no referral is necessary. If your treatment is being covered by WorkSafe, TAC or DVA, you will require a referral to ensure that your costs are covered.

We are able to treat WorkSafe, TAC, EPC and DVA patients, however you will require a referral from your GP. For TAC and WorkSafe patients we will also require your claim number and date of injury.

We are covered by private health funds via extras cover. Exact details will vary depending on the individual fund and level of cover. We do have a Hicaps machine which enables you to claim health fund payments on the spot.

For medicare rebates you must qualify for an EPC plan. You will need to discuss this with your GP, and a referral is necessary.

Yes, please bring in any X-ray, CT or MRI scan results you may have. If you have a report for these scans, make sure you bring this along as well.

During your first consultation your osteopath will ask questions about your problem and symptoms. They may also ask questions about your medical history, any medications you are taking or other factors that may not appear to be directly related to your problem. If your medical condition changes during the course of your osteopathic treatment, you should tell your osteopath.

Your osteopath may ask about any recent X-rays, scans or test results that you may have.

Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your osteopath may ask you to undress to your underwear. It’s important that you feel comfortable, so you may want to wear loose pants or bring a pair of shorts to change into.

Next, your osteopath will conduct a full osteopathic examination and if necessary, clinical tests. This may involve diagnostic, orthopaedic or neurological tests, postural assessments and activities or exercises, which will help determine how best to manage your condition.

The examination may include passive and active movements, such as the osteopath lifting your arms or legs. As part of the examination, you may also be asked to bend over or stand in your underwear. Be sure to wear comfortable, flexible and appropriate underwear.

As osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you. For example, if you have a sore knee, your osteopath may also look at your ankle, pelvis and back.

Your osteopath may also provide education and advice to help you manage your condition between treatments. This may include giving you exercises to do at home or work.

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy, so hands-on treatment may include massage, stretching, repetitive movements, mobilisation and/or manipulation. Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort. If your injuries do require hands-on treatment of painful and tender areas, your osteopath will exercise care to make you as comfortable as possible.

Some people experience mild soreness for a day or two after treatment, similar to that felt after mild exercise. If this soreness persists or increases significantly, call your osteopath to discuss your concerns.

Your initial consultation may last up to one hour. This will enable your osteopath to take a thorough history, examine and treat you. Follow-up treatments are usually shorter. Depending on your condition, they can take 30-40 minutes.

Generally you would expect to see some changes in your symptoms after one or two visits; however, some long-term or chronic conditions may require a longer course or more frequent treatment. If you have any concerns, your osteopath will be happy to discuss these with you.

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