Footsure Podiatry - Sunshine Coast Podiatrist Maroochydore Podiatrists

Footsure Podiatry - Sunshine Coast Podiatrist Maroochydore Podiatrists

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Shockwave Therapy Sunshine Coast

Radial Pressure Wave (RPW)/ Shockwave Therapy

We are always looking for the latest and most effective treatment options to help our patients recover from injuries faster and get back to doing what they want to achieve their goals.

RPW or Shockwave is a new treatment technology we have available at Footsure Podiatry.

It is a non-invasive, fast treatment option for a number of conditions with minimal side effects.

Evidence in multiple studies has shown RPW or shockwave therapy achieves results for a number of conditions as a result of;

  • Reduced inflammation
  • Stimulating Increased healing
  • Reduced pain following treatment
  • Faster recovery from injury and pain

Who can it help?

Shockwave therapy is beneficial for patients with painful soft tissue (muscle, tendons and ligaments), joint and bone conditions. The therapy can help those with sports or overuse injuries that have not been responding to other treatments.
Shockwave research studies show it is an effective treatment option for a number of conditions we see regularly at Footsure Podiatry, including:

  • Achilles Tendinopathy
  • Plantar fasciitis and fasciopathy
  • Medial tibial stress syndrome
  • ITB syndrome
  • Shin Splints
  • Heel pain
  • Bursitis
  • Arch Pain
  • Plantar Fibroma

How does Shockwave Therapy work?

Shockwave therapy applies low energy acoustic or sound waves to the tissue for a short amount of time.

Shockwave therapy is delivered directly onto the skin at the painful area by a small handpiece. The sound waves are ‘radial’ in shape and behaviour. They can easily penetrate the skin, and once through, they radiate as a shockwave throughout the affected muscle, joint or tendon.

Shockwave therapy is a very targeted therapy, only treating the areas that are injured or damaged.

The sound waves stimulate blood flow to the area and also causes a small amount of localised inflammation.

In the days after treatment, the body will work to naturally heal this inflammation, and in doing so, stimulates the repair and regeneration of cells.
Damaged or injured tissues then begin to repair and cause the associated pain to reduce.
If you have scar tissue in the area, that’s contributing to your pain, shockwave therapy will also help to break down this thick, fibrous tissue. Scar tissue causes immobility in the surrounding tissues as unlike normal tissues, it isn’t very elastic. Breaking it down using sound waves helps to improve mobility and discomfort.

Who is Shockwave Therapy for?

Shockwave should be considered for treatment of chronic conditions (> 3 months) that have not responded to conservative treatments, such as shoes, orthotics and exercises. Possible side effects include discomfort around the area of injury, and bruising, but this is rare.

Shockwave Therapy is not recommended if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Have any blood clotting disorders (e.g. DVT)
  • Have a pacemaker
  • Are under 18 years old
  • Have received a steroid injection within 6 weeks
  • Have an infection or skin abrasion at the treatment site.
  • You have metal pins or plates in the area that needs treatment

Treatment process

The Shockwave Therapy procedure is performed here in our office using the latest technology.
Shockwaves are transmitted via a handpiece held against the skin to the affected area using ultrasound gel.
The treatment lasts for approximately 5 minutes.

The start of treatment may be painful as we are targeting the injured area but, as treatment continues, the discomfort reduces and then most patients report some numbness and heaviness around the area.

Post-treatment – some patients report immediate improvement, while others report of discomfort a couple of days following treatment and notice improvement within 10 days of the first treatment.

4 weekly treatments is usually advised and required, depending on the condition.

Is Shockwave therapy painful?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment, but you might feel a little pain or discomfort in the treatment area during the procedure.

Each session will only last a few minutes, so the vast majority of patients are able to tolerate the levels of discomfort caused by shockwave therapy.

Footsure Podiatry are the leading experts in Shockwave Therapy on the Sunshine Coast.

If you’d like to book an appointment please click here to book online or call us directly on (07) 5443 6761.