ESWT
Extracorporeal
Shock Wave Therapy
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy (SWT) uses acoustic pressure waves that deliver mechanical energy into targeted areas of the body.
It is commonly used by physiotherapists to manage persistent tendon pain, chronic soft tissue conditions and certain calcific tendon conditions.
The acoustic waves stimulate biological responses within the treated tissue that may support:
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Tissue healing and regeneration
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Collagen production and remodelling
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Local blood circulation
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Pain reduction
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Tendon recovery
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Breakdown and resorption of certain calcium deposits
At our Castle Hill and Chatswood physiotherapy clinics, Shockwave Therapy is usually incorporated into a personalised rehabilitation program rather than being used as a stand-alone treatment.
What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help?
Our physiotherapists in Castle Hill and Chatswood may use Shockwave Therapy as part of the management of conditions such as:
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Plantar Fasciitis / Plantar Heel Pain
Persistent heel pain can make walking, standing and exercise difficult. Shockwave Therapy is commonly used alongside stretching, strengthening and load-management strategies for persistent plantar heel pain.
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Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendon pain can affect walking, running and sporting activities. Shockwave Therapy may be combined with a progressive strengthening and rehabilitation program.
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Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) can cause pain around the outside of the elbow, particularly during gripping, lifting or repetitive arm activities.
Shockwave Therapy may be considered for persistent cases alongside exercise rehabilitation and activity modification.
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Golfer's Elbow
Pain around the inside of the elbow may develop following repetitive gripping, lifting, sporting activities or occupational tasks.
Shockwave Therapy may form part of a physiotherapy treatment program for persistent symptoms.
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Calcific Shoulder Tendinopathy
Shockwave Therapy may be considered for certain cases involving calcium deposits within the shoulder tendons.
Treatment is usually combined with exercises designed to improve shoulder movement, strength and function.
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Patellar Tendinopathy
Patellar tendon pain, sometimes known as jumper's knee, commonly affects people involved in running and jumping sports.
Shockwave Therapy may be incorporated into a progressive tendon-loading and strengthening program.
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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Pain around the outside of the hip may be associated with the gluteal tendons and surrounding structures.
Your physiotherapist can assess the underlying cause and determine whether Shockwave Therapy may be appropriate.
Shockwave Therapy Combined With Physiotherapy
At Hills Physio Care in Castle Hill and Chatswood Physio Care, Shockwave Therapy is not simply used to treat the painful area.
Our physiotherapists assess the possible contributing factors behind your symptoms and develop an individual treatment and rehabilitation program.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
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Shockwave Therapy
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Manual therapy
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Strengthening exercises
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Stretching and mobility exercises
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Load management
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Biomechanical assessment
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Exercise rehabilitation
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Education and self-management strategies
Our goal is to help reduce symptoms while also improving strength, mobility and long-term function.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?
During treatment, your physiotherapist places the Shockwave Therapy applicator over the affected area.
You will usually feel repeated tapping or pulsing sensations.
Some discomfort may occur when treating a sensitive area, but the intensity can be adjusted according to your condition and comfort level.
Shockwave Therapy is non-invasive, meaning there are no injections or surgical procedures involved.
Shockwave Therapy in Chatswood – Chatswood Physio Care
Looking for Shockwave Therapy in Chatswood?
At Chatswood Physio Care, our physiotherapists provide Shockwave Therapy alongside individualised physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation.
We treat a range of persistent tendon and musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow and shoulder tendon problems.
If pain is affecting your work, exercise, sport or everyday activities, our Chatswood physiotherapists can assess your condition and determine whether Shockwave Therapy should form part of your treatment plan.