What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

 

Radial Shockwave therapy is a specific measured dose of high pressure acoustic shockwave that is delivered through the skin to the injured tissue, inducing micro trauma. This micro trauma then stimulates a healing response by the body.

 

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How does Radial Shockwave Therapy Work?

 

Radial shockwave therapy was first used to break down kidney stones in the 1980s. It was then discovered that it had other useful tools in healing other tissues.

The radial shockwave induces a micro trauma to the tissue and this triggers the body’s self-healing capabilities by:

• Increasing the blood flow to the tissue and as such improving the oxygen and nutrient supply to the area.
• Decreasing inflammation and promoting new cell growth
• Promotes collagen production strengthening the tissues
• Decreases ‘substance P’, which is a chemical that mediates pain, thus reducing pain felt at the site
• Breaks down calcifications in chronically injured tendons

Radial Shockwave Therapy works best in conjunction with movement based therapy that will be specifically directed by your practitioner.

 

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What will happen during my Radial Shockwave Therapy session? 

 

Your therapist will briefly demonstrate the radial shockwave therapy with the hand held device on another area of your body prior to the injured site so that you know what to expect. They will then apply a small amount of conducting gel to the injured site and provide the shockwave therapy for between 2 and 5 minutes. Each injured tissue has a different specified rate at which the acoustic shockwave is applied and how long the treatment is conducted for. Your practitioner will advise you on the wider management around your condition, such as prescribed movement based therapy to gain the most effective results.

 

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Is Radial Shockwave Therapy painful?

 

Pain is a bit subjective. Some patients describe a degree of discomfort and others say it is not uncomfortable at all. There are variable levels of shockwave intensity that can be applied, your practitioner will always work within a level that you are comfortable with.

Research shows Radial shockwave therapy decreases the production of substance P within the first 10-30 seconds and as such decreases the perception of pain in that time.  Research also shows that we have a decreased sensitisation to pain for an extended period of time following a course of radial shockwave therapy.

 

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How many Radial Shockwave treatments will I need?

 

This does differ between injuries and individuals, but usually between 4-6 treatments for successful results.

 

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How much does Radial Shockwave Therapy cost?

 

Radial Shockwave Therapy can be added on to your initial or standard subsequent consultation with your osteopath, physiotherapist or podiatrist for an additional $30.

A short consultation + Radial Shockwave therapy treatment is $60 (15min).

Your practitioner will advise the most suitable course of treatment for you.

 

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Do I need a referral for Radial Shockwave Therapy?

 

No. However, many GPs do refer their patients for Radial Shockwave therapy, but gaining an official referral isn’t required.

Your practitioner will determine whether Radial Shockwave therapy is appropriate treatment for you.