Shockwave Therapy
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also referred to as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (EWST) or Radial Shockwave Therapy, is an exciting new tool that we use to help in the recovery of a variety of conditions. It uses a pneumatic or electromagnetic “motor” to create waves of force (shockwaves) that pass through a handheld applicator into damaged tendons – creating a big boost to your body’s ability to heal the area.
We’re excited to be the first Physio clinic to offer Shockwave Therapy in Newcastle – part of our ongoing committment to providing the best possible care to keep you healthy!
Who Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Shockwave Therapy can help anyone with a painful condition that has gradually built up over time without a sudden injury or impact(see list of conditions below). It is particularly useful in longstanding conditions that haven’t responded to physio, injections, massage or other health treatments. We find this treatment useful for a wide range of people – from runners and sportspeople who do a lot of training, “aging” bodies that are starting to ache with wear and tear, and people who do repetitive tasks in their workplace or day to day life.
Why Do We Use Shockwave Therapy?
A lot of evidence has been done recently showing that Shockwave Therapy has a positive effect on a range of conditions, especially some of the more “tricky” conditions that can often hang around for a long time. At Fix It Physiotherapy, we like to be at the front of game when it comes to innovation and new techniques, which is why we are the first Physio clinic in Newcastle to utilise the benefits of Shockwave Therapy.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
At this stage, research has shown a positive effect for pain relief in the short and long term for the following conditions:
- Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Spurs (Foot or heel pain)
- Achilles Tendinopathy/Tendinitis (Pain at the back of the heel)
- Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder
- Patellar Tendinitis (Pain below the kneecap)
- Lateral Epicondylalgia (Tennis Elbow)
- Lateral Hip Pain (Often referred to as Bursitis)
There may also be positive effects in the healing of fractures that have been slow to heal and we feel that more conditions will be added to this list in the coming years.
What Can I Expect From A Shockwave Treatment?
Treatment lasts about 5 minutes. We apply a gel to the area we are treating and apply light-moderate pressure through the applicator. It’s common to experience some mild discomfort from the shockwaves but we are able to change settings on the machine so that it will be tolerable for you. You will usually notice the area treated goes pink as blood flow increases to the area. Most of the time, you will feel immediate relief from the treatment.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
The average number of sessions required for satisfactory results is around 3-5 sessions, which are spaced 7-10 days apart. This will change depending on the person and the type of injury but is a good average.
Is Shockwave Therapy The Same As TENS?
No – the term “Shock” is not referring to an electric shock! The shockwave created is a physical wave of force that is created by the machine – think of it as a tiny jackhammer that sends pulses into your body. These pulses then cause the body to activate a healing response. There is no electricity passing through the machine into your body.
Does Shockwave Therapy Replace Others Forms of Therapy?
A lot of these types of injuries still need to be managed by a physio and Shockwave Therapy is generally just one piece of the puzzle. We usually use shockwave within a consultation, with the rest of the session usually including hands-on techniques and advice on how to manage the balance of doing just the right amount of exercise to strengthen the area without flaring your pain up.
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Our Locations
Wallsend:
1/73-75 Cowper St
Wallsend NSW 2287
Redhead:
1/101 Cowlishaw St
Redhead NSW 2290
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Wallsend: (02) 4023 2797
Redhead: (02) 4047 4060
Fax: (02) 4023 7375
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About Us
Fix It Physiotherapy was established in 2015 with a vision to providing a quality physio service by people who care. We are here to make a difference and prioritise the wellbeing of our local community first and foremost.
Our original clinic in Wallsend has helped over 15000 people and now employs 7 Physios and 2 Dietitians. In 2022 we opened a second clinic in Redhead with the aim to reach more people.