Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy at Manly Cove Podiatry is one of the most effective treatments we offer for chronic and treatment-resistant musculoskeletal conditions. It is particularly well established for heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy and shin splints that have not responded to other conservative treatment.
If you have been managing a condition for months without lasting improvement, shockwave therapy is worth considering.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses high-energy acoustic waves delivered to the affected area through a handheld device. These waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response in tissue that has become chronically irritated or has stopped responding to conventional treatment.
At a tissue level, shockwave therapy increases blood circulation, breaks down calcific deposits and scar tissue, and triggers a cellular repair response. In chronic tendinopathies, this essentially restarts a healing process that has stalled.
It is a non-invasive procedure with no injections, no surgery and no downtime. Most people return to normal daily activities immediately after each session.
At Manly Cove Podiatry we use the Chattanooga Intelect RPW 2, a clinical-grade shockwave system used by sports medicine and allied health professionals. It delivers radial pressure waves to the treatment area with precision and consistency.
What Conditions Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave therapy is most effective for conditions involving chronic tendon or soft tissue pathology, particularly where the tissue has been under prolonged stress and normal healing has not occurred.
Conditions we treat with shockwave therapy at our Manly clinic include:
Plantar fasciitis — particularly chronic cases that have not responded to orthotics, stretching or other conservative treatment
Achilles insertional tendinopathy — pain and degeneration at the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone
Midportion Achilles tendinopathy — chronic thickening and pain in the body of the Achilles tendon
Shin splints — for persistent cases that have not resolved with load management alone
Heel pain — including presentations where the underlying cause has not been fully resolved through other means
Peroneal and tibialis posterior tendinopathy — where conservative treatment has been exhausted
What to Expect From Shockwave Therapy
Before starting shockwave therapy, we carry out a thorough assessment to confirm it is the right treatment for your condition. Not every chronic presentation is best suited to shockwave, and we want to make sure it is likely to be effective before recommending it.
Each session takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A handheld applicator is placed over the treatment area and acoustic waves are delivered in pulses. Most people describe the sensation as a firm, repetitive pressure that can be intense over the most affected area.
Most people experience some soreness in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours after each session. This is a normal part of the healing response and generally settles quickly.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Most conditions are treated over three to six sessions, typically spaced one week apart. The number of sessions required depends on the condition being treated, how long it has been present and how the tissue responds to treatment.
Some people notice meaningful improvement after the first two or three sessions. Others see the full benefit after completing the course. We review progress throughout and adjust the plan based on how you are responding.
Shockwave Therapy at Our Manly Clinic
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is most effective when the diagnosis is correct and the treatment is properly targeted. We assess each patient thoroughly before recommending it, and we are straightforward about whether it is likely to help in your specific situation.
If you have been dealing with a persistent lower limb condition and are based in Manly, Seaforth, Freshwater, Fairlight or anywhere across the Northern Beaches, our clinic on the East Esplanade in Manly is easy to reach.
When Should You Consider Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is typically considered when a condition has been present for three months or more and has not responded adequately to other conservative treatment. It may be the right next step if any of the following apply.
- Imaging has shown tendon degeneration or thickening
- You have had heel pain, Achilles pain or shin splints for more than three months
- Conservative treatments have helped but not fully resolved the problem
- The pain keeps returning despite doing the right things
- You want to avoid surgery or cortisone injections
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful, particularly over the most affected area. The intensity can be adjusted during treatment. Any post-treatment soreness typically settles within 48 hours.
Some people notice improvement after the first two or three sessions. For others the full benefit becomes clear after completing the course. We will give you an honest expectation at your assessment based on your specific condition and how long it has been present.
In most cases yes, with some modification. We will give you specific guidance based on your condition and how you are responding to treatment. High-impact activity in the 48 hours immediately following a session is generally best avoided.
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is contraindicated in patients under 18 due to open growth plates, and is generally not recommended over areas of active infection, open wounds or bone fractures, or where circulation is severely compromised. Pregnancy is also a contraindication, as is certain blood disorders or anticoagulant medication. We assess suitability thoroughly before starting treatment.
Coverage varies depending on your health fund and level of cover. We recommend checking directly with your provider before your appointment. We can provide all the relevant treatment details you need to make that enquiry.
Cortisone injections reduce inflammation quickly but do not address the underlying tissue pathology. Shockwave therapy works differently by stimulating tissue repair rather than suppressing inflammation. For chronic tendinopathies in particular, shockwave tends to produce more durable outcomes over time.
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Learn MoreContact Your Local Podiatrist in Manly
If so, it is recommended that you make an appointment to see our
caring Northern Beaches podiatrists. Use our easy online appointment or give us a call on (02) 8966 9552 and speak to our friendly team.
Take care of your feet and they will take care of you.