Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy In use

Shockwave Therapy In use

Shockwave therapy is an excellent treatment option for patients suffering from heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, shin splints and other musculoskeletal and tendon problems. The therapy can be used on a wide variety of adult patients.

The A Step Ahead Foot and Ankle Care team of doctors, all highly qualified podiatrists, have been successfully using shockwave as a therapy clinically for over 10 years helping reduce pain for thousands of patients.

Is all Shockwave the same?

A common myth is that all Shockwave is the same! Not true! A simple variance in the Shockwave equipment itself can see a significant difference in outcomes comes for patients. As a result, when choosing our shockwave therapy equipment for both our St Marys and Penrith podiatry clinics, we chose the most advanced and powerful equipment available.

How the therapist applies the shockwave may also have a detrimental effect on outcomes. Sadly this isn’t simply limited to individual results but also the levels of pain felt during the application.

Our practitioners undergo extensive education and ongoing training on specific techniques developed in-house by our team at A step ahead. These have been refined and honed through the experience and clinical feedback from the thousands of shockwave sessions undertaken.

Shockwave is a newer therapy 

Shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment option used for musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment was initially seen in hospitals for “breaking down” kidney stones that were too large to pass. Now the technology has been modified so that the high pressured acoustic shockwaves travel through the skin to stimulate blood flow to the injured area, which speeds up our own healing processes within our body for tissue repair. The research for this therapy that is emerging is increasingly positive. A trend we expect to see continue as we see excellent results with our patients.

What is the mechanism of the treatment?

The radial shockwave treatment works to stimulate the C nerve fibres in the body. These nerves cause a pain sensation. This explains why there will be discomfort during and slightly after the treatment. When the C nerve fibres are stimulated, substance P is also stimulated. Substance P is a neuropeptide. The treatment works to over-stimulate the C nerve fibres so that less substance P is released.

Therefore, there will be less pain sensation after the course of treatments. The shockwave therapy also allows activation of repair to the injured area as well as increased blow flow.

Sounds pretty complex right! Well, that why we have trained extensively and honed our skills to make sure this complex process is made simple for you.

What does it feel like?

Pressure is pushed around and gradually on to the injured area with the probe. The shockwave treatment will feel uncomfortable like short bursts of throbbing sensations through the probe. In complete frankness, most people say it stings but are more than happy for this short burst of slight discomfort.

What conditions is it suitable for?

Shockwave Therapy Helps Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis

Shockwave Therapy Helps Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spur, Achilles Pain

Commonly used for musculoskeletal conditions, some examples include:

However, the podiatrists will be able to tell you if your problem is suitable for this treatment.

When is this treatment unsuitable?

  • If you are pregnant.
  • If you have a tendon rupture.
  • If you have circulation problems or previous history of blood clots.

Our trained team of doctors who are all board registered podiatrists will be able to further determine if treatment is unsuitable.

Is There Pain or discomfort during and after Shockwave Therapy treatment?

What are the risks involved?

  • Bruising to the skin area after treatment - rare
  • Swelling to the treatment area - Slight - occasional
  • Unlikely risk of rupturing tendons that are at a pre-rupturing stage (in almost 10 years of use and 1000’s of sessions we’ve never experienced this or clinically heard of a case)

How can A Step Ahead Podiatrists Help you?

Shockwave Therapy Unit

Shockwave Therapy Unit

We work with you to get you back doing the things you Love doing! Many clinics focus on a single treatment such as Shockwave and use it as a stand-alone therapy. This rarely works. Our team will work with you to build a treatment plan to get you back on track. Resolution of pain is most often achieved through a combination of treatments.

This may include:

  • Assessment of foot and leg mechanics and foot posture While both standing and walking or running
  • Footwear assessment and recommendation
  • Soft, comfortable pliable orthotic insoles
  • Soft tissue rehabilitation
  • Strength-based exercises
  • Taping

A Step Ahead Foot and Ankle Care see 1000's of patients a year with complex heel pain and other painful muscular conditions. Many of whom have been to see other Podiatrist and well-meaning Health professional with no success.

Please call our helpful team to make an appointment to get you on the road to a pain-free tomorrow.

6 Reasons You Wont Beat Heel Pain

6 Reasons You Wont Beat Heel Pain

So, you’re not quite ready yet to begin the battle with this nasty? Try accessing Dr Brenden’s white paper report on the “6 Reasons You Won’t Beat Heel Pain” As a recognised expert in lower limb health with over 20 years’ experience, Dr Brenden outlines what’s stopping you from beating this and tips on how to stop it in its tracks!

Dr Brenden Brown Podiatrist

Dr Brenden Brown Podiatrist

*IMPORTANT NOTE

This guide, questionnaire and recommendation should not and can not replace qualified medical advice. The information on this page and website are a guide only. We strongly advise you to consult our Podiatrists or a qualified health practitioner for professional advice.
(No really come on get and see someone, you’re really unlikely to get better trolling the internet for a cure! Said with love because we care ? )
No medical treatment in Australia can be guaranteed, in fact it is illegal to do so. Results will vary from person to person.