Shockwave Therapy Ballarat
Reduce lower limb pain and speed up recovery with this cutting-edge technology.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
This treatment is non-invasive, simple, and effective. It involves a handheld probe being positioned over and moved around areas of the body that are experiencing pain. It can be used to effectively reduce pain, as well as to accelerate the healing process, stimulate tissue regeneration, induce increased blood flow, and break down scar tissue.
Originally used for the treatment of kidney stones, shock wave therapy has found applications in podiatry, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and orthopedics over the years.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shock wave therapy is conducted as part of a treatment plan by our qualified podiatrists. The plan will also include advice on how to manage your condition, as well as rehabilitation to strengthen the area.
High-energy radial soundwaves are transmitted from a probe to the affected area via a conducting gel. Each treatment lasts around three to 10 minutes and sees 2000 to 3000 shockwaves pulsed into the area. It is generally not painful – many people describe it as feeling like a strong, rhythmic vibration.
The therapy is said to:
- Reduce pain by targeting specific areas within the underlying tissues.
- Reset the chronic inflammation cycle, which pushes non-healing tissue into the reparative stage.
- Promote the formation of new blood vessels.
- Stimulate collagen production, which aids with repairing muscle, tendon, and soft tissue.
- Break down calcium build-ups in chronically injured tissues.
- Release trigger points in the muscle (a primary cause of pain and tightness).
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shock wave therapy is generally best suited for chronic conditions (pain present for six weeks or longer) that affect tendons and muscles. It is often used to treat:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Heel spurs
- Osteoarthritis
- Heel pain
- Painful trigger points
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Osgood Schlatters Disease
Wondering whether radial shockwave therapy could provide pain relief?
Visit us at Ballarat Podiatrist today!
What Are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
Shock wave therapy has become a popular way of treating foot pain and related conditions for a variety of reasons:
- It’s non-invasive and doesn’t penetrate the skin.
- It doesn’t require anesthesia or strong medications.
- In some cases, it can eliminate the need for surgery.
- It only takes 10 to 20 minutes for each session.
- It only requires three to four sessions on average.
- It stimulates the body’s ability to repair itself using its own natural processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Shockwave Therapy
Yes, it’s considered safe – especially when compared with alternatives like surgery (as it doesn’t break the skin, there is no risk of infection) – and is both FDA and TGA approved. Your podiatrist will always assess your suitability for shockwave therapy before recommending it as part of your treatment plan.
While most people will need three to four sessions on average, others will need more. The number of sessions needed will depend on the type of injury or condition, its location, and how long you’ve had it for. Sessions are timed about a week apart for maximum effectiveness.
There may be some localised discomfort at the time of treatment (comparable to the pain felt when you push on a bruise) and some mild tenderness afterward, but this will pass quickly. Many patients report pain relief from their condition in the first 12 hours.
You may experience some side effects after treatment, such as redness, swelling, pain, hematoma (bruising), or petechia. Most side effects will disappear within one to two days, whereas others may last up to 10 days. Speak with your practitioner if you are concerned.
This treatment is not recommended for people who are pregnant, have acute inflammation, have had corticosteroid injections in the last six weeks, are on high-dose anticoagulant therapy, have cancer, or are fitted with a pacemaker. Your practitioner will be able to advise alternative treatment options.
Why Choose Ballarat Podiatrist ?
Patient First Care
No two patients are the same, so why would any two treatment plans? At Ballarat Podiatrist , we’re committed to putting our patients in control of their care and working with them to create a tailored plan.
Highly Skilled Team
You’re in good hands when you book with Ballarat Podiatrist . Our experienced team is highly skilled in their chosen areas and is committed to staying on top of the latest industry trends.
Local Care
With two clinics in the Ballarat area, rest assured that the Ballarat Podiatrist team is well-equipped to handle your care. As Ballarat locals ourselves, we’re proud to serve the area we love so much.
What to Expect in a Shockwave Therapy Session
If it has been determined that you would benefit from shock wave therapy, you will attend an appointment in our clinic. Your podiatrist will follow a similar routine with each session, beginning with a discussion about your current progress and how other treatments you’re using are going.
The actual shockwave process is as follows:
- Your podiatrist will use palpation (a physical examination using their hands) to locate the exact area to be treated.
- They will apply ultrasound gel to the area, which will help transfer the acoustic waves smoothly and efficiently.
- They will place the head of the probe onto the area and push down lightly, before pressing start and beginning the treatment.
Each session will last between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated and your specific condition. During this time, around 2500 to 3000 shocks will be applied to the area.
Give Pain the Boot
with Shockwave Therapy
If you’re struggling with an injury or condition that is leaving your lower limbs in pain, shock wave therapy might be just the solution you’ve been searching for. Our experienced podiatrists would be more than happy to discuss your specific condition and determine whether this treatment is right for you.
