SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

 
 

This is the newest treatment to become available at Bodyfocus and is useful for the treatment of a number of chronic soft tissue conditions

 
 
 
 
 

Dolorclast Radial Shockwave therapy involves the delivery of high-energy sound waves. They are transmitted via a handpiece seen in the photo above. This induces increased blood flow and metabolic activity around the site of pain accelerating the healing process.

Benefits and advantages

  • Non-invasive

  • Decreases pain

  • Improves function

  • Can be used with other treatments apart from cortisone

  • No down-time from sport or work is necessary

  • Effects can be rapid

  • Minimal side effects

RSWT (Radial ShockWave Therapy) has been around since the mid 1980s in Europe. Shockwaves were developed in a medical environment originally to treat kidney stones. Shock waves were later used for treating soft tissue injuries in the 1990s.

At Bodyfocus we invested in the state-of-the-art Swiss Dolorclast technology in 2019. This technology continues to be some of the most advanced in the industry.

Treatment is conducted by one of our certified Osteopaths and usually lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.

How Does it Work?

Shockwave Therapy involves the delivery of high intensity sound waves through a special handpiece.

What are the benefits ?

  1. Provides pain relief (often immediate)

  2. Promotes tissue regeneration and repair (in the longer term)

The treatment initiates an inflammation-like process. The body responds by increasing the blood circulation and metabolism at the treatment area which in turn accelerates the body’s own healing processes. This increase in the blood flow within the affected area, stimulates cell regeneration and healing, and decreases local factors which can cause pain. The shockwaves break down injured tissue and calcifications.

What Conditions is it Used For ?

RSWT is a well-researched, effective treatment for conditions that are chronic (>12 weeks) and have been otherwise “unresponsive” to rest, medication and treatment.

These include:

  • Plantar Fasciitis and heel spurs

  • Achilles tendinopathy and thickening

  • Tennis and Golfer’s elbow

  • Patella tendonitis (jumper’s knee)

  • Calcific tendonitis of the Rotator Cuff in the shoulder.

  • Lateral hip pain (greater trochanteric bursitis)

  • Gluteal tendinopathy

  • Hamstring tendinopathy

  • Hallux limitus associated with painful bunions, though it will not cure the structural defect of bunions.

Does it Hurt ?

The initial phase of treatment may cause some deep pain however this indicates correct targeting of the problem area and the latter phase of treatment feels less painful. Most patients are able to tolerate this discomfort.

How Many Sessions Does it Take?

The number of treatments varies depending on the indication and tissue response. The effect of the treatment is cumulative, so you will typically need more than 1 or between 3 to 5 at weekly intervals. Very often though, you will experieince relief right after the first treatment. To maximise the healing time it is critical that you follow your management advice and participate in tendon specific exercises.

RSWT can be used in conjuction with Osteopathic treatment which will ensure proper body mechanics are addressed and the area can function normally.

Pricing for ShockWave

We are committed to using this technology to care for as many patients as we can and only on those who would benefit from its healing properties. This is the reason that we offer RSWT within your standard Osteopathic consultation. The cost of each session is an extra $50.

What are the Contraindications for this Treatment ?

Contraindications or precautions to be aware of:

  • If you have a cardiac pacemaker please tell us prior to treatment as shockwave therapy may interfere with this

  • Cortisone injections should not be administered within 6 weeks prior to shockwave treatment

  • Please tell us if you are on Warfarin or other blood thinning therapy, as shockwave therapy can cause some local bruising and bleeding in the treated tissues

  • Children (open growth plates)

  • Pregnancy

  • Acute Injuries

  • If you have been diagnosed with cancer you should notify your clinician as RSWT treatment would not be appropriate.

Are all Shockwave Therapies Treatments the Same ?

Bodyfocus has invested in world leading technology from Swiss DolorClast. They are leading the way in research, innovation and professional education programs to ensure we as practitioners are more effective.

What is the Success Rate ?

Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in a multitude of clinical studies.

After 2-3 sessions, over 80% of patients report a significant reduction in pain.

  • 90% improvement for plantar fasciitis (Journal of Orthopedic Research, 2005)

  • 91% improvement for calcfic tendinitis (Journal of American Medical Association 2003)

  • 77% improvement for tennis elbow (Journal of Orthopedics, 2005)



For further research on this new technique and updates on current information click the link below or book an appointment with us