Shock Wave Therapy
Melbourne Physiotherapy Group is pleased to offer our clients access to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) as a part of our suite of service offerings.
What is Shock Wave Therapy, and how does it work?
ESWT, also known as Shock Wave Therapy, or Radial Shock Wave Therapy, provides treatments to patients suffering from a range of chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy that are notoriously difficult to resolve.
Shock wave treatment was originally developed to treat renal calculi as an alternative to Lithotripsy treatment. Some patients who had their kidney stones successfully treated also reported improvement in chronic musculoskeletal conditions in regions which were in the pathway of the shockwave treatment.
The basic principles behind shock wave therapy are the high pressured acoustic shock waves that travel through the skin to stimulate tissue repair.
What conditions does Shock Wave Therapy treat?
Shockwave Therapy has attracted several clinical research trials which have supported its use in the treatment of patients with the following conditions:
- Plantar Fasciitis/Heel spur (calcaneal spur)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
- Patella tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Other forms of insertion tendinopathy
- Other musculoskeletal problems (more recently)
- Muscle strains
- Haematomas (“corkies”)
- Shin splints
- Osteitis pubis
Impressive results have been reported in cases that have been recalcitrant and failed to respond to treatment regimes including conventional approaches. What sets this treatment apart from traditional treatments is that it treats the musculoskeletal pathology instead of just offering symptomatic relief.
What does it involve?
The physiotherapist will pass over the injured area with the shockwave applicator, you should expect to feel some discomfort but this will resolve within 24 hours.
How many treatments will I need?
The therapy usually takes about three sessions of 5-10 minutes. You may experience relief as soon as 10 days after the initial treatment.
What is the evidence?
There are a number of trials, including Randomized Controlled Trials, that support the use of Shock Wave Therapy:
- Rompe et al 2008, Eccentric Loading Compared with Shock Wave treatment for Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy, J Bone Joint Surg Am 2008; 90: 52-61
- Han et al 2009, Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Cultured Tenocytes, Foot and Ankle International, 30: 93-98
- Furia et al 2007, Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy, Current Opin Orthop 2007; 18: 101- 111
- Rompe, JD; Radial Shock Wave Therapy- Where do we stand today?; Translation from Medical Special, Apr 2006
Can I claim on private health insurance?
If you have “Extras” cover you can claim back a physio rebate for this treatment. The amount you will receive varies greatly between insurance companies and we advise that you call them directly if you would like further information on the amount you will receive.
We have HICAPS facilities at all of our locations so remember to bring your card with you so that you can claim it directly.
Is this funded by Medicare?
If you have a chronic problem you can qualify for Medicare benefits under the ‘Enhanced Primary Care’ program. Under this program, you can receive approximately $50 per session back from Medicare for 5 visits per calendar year. However, to qualify for these benefits you must get a referral from your doctor.