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Writer's pictureKevin Ho

Shockwave Therapy: A solution for chronic musculoskeletal conditions?

Updated: Sep 28, 2021

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FALL would like to introduce our new state-of-the-art SHOCKWAVE THERAPY machine which uses acoustic waves to effectively resolve chronic or persistent foot and ankle conditions.


What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy (Radial Pressure Wave therapy) is an effective, evidence-based treatment modality used for many chronic and complex musculoskeletal conditions. It is a non-surgical and non-invasive therapy which facilitates fast pain relief, mobility restoration and accelerates recovery. Through the transmission of prescribed acoustic waves, the healing process is enhanced by stimulating the body's natural self-healing properties.


How does Shockwave Therapy work?

By introducing acoustic or radial pressure waves into the body, shockwave therapy induces numerous effects including:

  1. Immediate and long-term pain relief

Pain reduction is achieved by depletion of "Substance P" from C-fibre nerves. Substance P is the body's pain-inducing chemical, which is often chronically elevated in persistent foot and ankle injuries or conditions.

  1. Regeneration of targeted tissue

Tissue regeneration is facilitated by stimulating the body's natural ability to increase blood circulation, growth factors, metabolism and production of stem cells. All of which are essential for healing, but often inhibited in chronic injuries.

  1. Breakdown of chronically injured areas

Radial pressure waves also have the ability to mechanically break down calcification and scar tissue.



















What type of conditions can you use it on?

  • Chronic heel pain (e.g. plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathies)

  • Other chronic or calcific lower limb tendinopathies (e.g. Patellar tendinopathy)

  • Facilitation of stress fractures or non-healing fractures (e.g. delayed or non-unions)

  • Shin splints (e.g. Medial tibial stress syndrome)

  • Arthritis (e.g. osteoarthritis joints)

  • Desensitisation of nerve-related entrapments or injuries (e.g. Morton's Neuroma)

Is shockwave therapy safe?

Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive and non-surgical treatment modality. There are almost no side-effects to shockwave therapy cited in the abundance of literature. Shockwave therapy originated in the 1960's for non-invasive treatment of kidney stones and gallstones - since that time, it has been used successfully and safely for over 30 years for a variety of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions. Many patients may experience mild pain or discomfort during treatment, which usually subsides immediately after treatment. Caution is only required over malignant tumours or in the presence of active infections.


How many treatments do I need?

The number of sessions for each patient varies depending on several factors (e.g. condition, symptoms, chronicity), however the majority of conditions will have around 3-5 sessions at weekly or fortnightly intervals. Each treatment session typically lasts between 5-15 minutes, and can be used in combination with other podiatric interventions or as a stand-alone treatment.


More information

For more information about Shockwave Therapy, see the following websites and literature systematic reviews:




Any other questions? Ask us! Call on 08 9316 3010 or email at admin@footanklelowerlimb.com.au


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