Extracorporal Shockwave Therapy near Hazelwood Park
Originally used to treat kidney stones, Extracorporal Shock Wave Therapy has been around for around three decades. It is a very effective treatment modality used to treat chronic musculoskeletal pathologies. It is a crucial part of our treatment regimes for our two most common injured structures, namely the:
Due to cost in the past, it has been reserved as a last resort form of treatment with surgery. At the Adelaide Podiatry Centres because of our practitioner qualifications it is charged at a fraction of the cost and is covered by private health insurance.
Unlike surgery, it has little recovery time (if any) and has no long term side effects.
What You Should Expect Before Treatment:
Our podiatrists will order an X-Ray, Ultrasound or MRI to confirm a diagnosis. Once we have confirmation we can commence Shockwave treatment. The shockwaves are sent through the handpiece via a 40kg compressor. The shockwaves break up scar tissue and calcification, it turn simulating the healing process (through increased circulation) to tendons and bones. This occurs as the tissues release local growth factors and stem cells, facilitating regeneration by breaking down the chronic scar tissue that prevents the natural healing process. Initially, it will cause mild discomfort to pain but after approximately 30 seconds it because dull heavy numbness.
What You Should Expect After Treatment:
In most instances, pain levels are reduced after treatment. Occasionally, the area treated may continue to be tender and it is not unusual to experience some localised swelling or bruising. It is extremely important that you do may participate in high levels of sport or activity during your period of Shockwave Therapy. This can adversely affect the rate and quality of healing. It can even potentially damage the region. Shockwave Therapy facilitates natural healing and its maximum benefit is generally seen 10-12 weeks after the first session.
Results/Outcomes:
Shockwave Therapy is an effective non-surgical treatment option with clinical studies showing a greater than 75% success rate. It can be used in conjunction with conservative treatment modalities including: orthotic therapy (85+% success rate), mobilisation, strapping, footwear modification and stretching/strengthening regimes.
It is an essential component to our programs to resolve Heel and Achilles Pain.
Depending upon the treatment plan, the course of Shockwave Therapy is generally 3-6 treatment sessions provided once a week for 3-5 weeks.