Shockwave Therapy in Essendon: How It Helps Chronic Pain and Injuries

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain.

At our Essendon osteo clinic, we use the EMS Dolorclast® machine to generate high-energy waves that are applied directly to the injured area. These sound waves create microtrauma in the tissues, triggering the body’s natural healing response.

Increased blood flow, stimulation of new blood vessel formation, and a reduction in chronic inflammation are just a few of the biological effects of shockwave therapy.

Over time, these processes result in pain relief, improved tissue function, and enhanced healing of tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Because it works by promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, shockwave therapy is an excellent alternative for those looking to avoid surgery or long-term medication use.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Help With?

Shockwave therapy is highly versatile and has been proven effective in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Here at our Essendon osteopathy clinic, we regularly use the EMS Dolorclast® shockwave machine to support recovery from:

One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis results from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot.

Shockwave therapy helps by targeting the site of inflammation and encouraging faster healing, which reduces pain and stiffness.

2. Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This condition is often found in runners and athletes but can affect anyone.

Shockwave therapy helps stimulate blood flow to the tendon and encourages tissue regeneration, leading to pain relief and improved mobility.

3. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain on the outer side of the elbow, typically due to overuse of the forearm muscles.

Shockwave therapy has been shown to significantly reduce pain and inflammation, offering long-term relief for those with chronic elbow pain.

4. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Similar to tennis elbow but affecting the inner side of the elbow, golfer’s elbow is another overuse injury.

Shockwave therapy reduces inflammation and stimulates healing in the affected tendons, making it a great option for long-term pain relief without the need for medications.

5. Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)

Patellar tendinitis affects the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. It’s common among athletes who engage in jumping sports, such as basketball or volleyball.

Shockwave therapy helps by promoting healing in the tendon and reducing inflammation, allowing athletes to return to their activities more quickly.

6. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Chronic pain in the shoulder, particularly in the rotator cuff tendons, is often caused by overuse or repetitive motions.

Shockwave therapy stimulates healing in the tendons, helping to restore normal function and reduce pain.

7. Calcific Tendinitis

Calcific tendinitis occurs when calcium deposits build up in the tendons, most commonly in the shoulder.

Shockwave therapy is particularly effective at breaking down these calcifications, allowing the body to reabsorb them and reduce inflammation and pain.

8. Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip Bursitis)

This condition causes pain on the outer side of the hip, usually due to inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac) near the greater trochanter bone. Shockwave therapy reduces this inflammation, providing relief from pain and improving mobility.

9. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Shin splints are common among runners and cause pain along the shinbone due to overuse or stress.

Shockwave therapy helps by promoting healing in the tissues around the shinbone, reducing pain, and speeding up recovery.

10. Chronic Muscle Pain

Chronic muscle pain, whether in the neck, back, or legs, can be difficult to manage.

Shockwave therapy helps reduce tension in the muscles and promotes healing in areas of chronic inflammation, providing long-term pain relief.

11. Trigger Points

Trigger points, or knots in the muscles, can cause significant pain and stiffness.

Shockwave therapy can target these areas, improving blood flow and reducing muscle tension to alleviate pain.

At our clinic, we use the EMS Dolorclast® machine, which is known for its superior quality and precision. This machine has been extensively researched and is trusted by healthcare professionals around the world for its ability to deliver consistent, effective results.

What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session

If you’re considering shockwave therapy in Essendon, you may be wondering what a typical session involves.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit us for shockwave therapy:

• Quick and Easy: Most sessions last between 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the settings on the machine. Depending on the condition being treated, and your specific case details, you may or may not also require Osteopathic treatment. Your Osteopath will discuss this with you prior to commencing treatment.
• Mild Discomfort: During the session, you may feel a pulsing sensation or mild discomfort, but most patients find the treatment tolerable. Any discomfort usually fades shortly after the session is completed.
• Minimal Downtime: One of the major benefits of shockwave therapy is that there’s no significant downtime. You can return to your daily activities immediately following the session, although some patients may experience mild soreness, redness or bruising for a few days.
• Course of Treatment: While some patients experience relief after just one session, most need a series of 3-7 treatments for optimal results. Your osteopath will discuss the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Who Should Avoid Shockwave Therapy?

While shockwave therapy is an excellent option for many people suffering from chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, there are certain cases where it may not be appropriate.

It’s important to have a thorough consultation with your osteopath to determine if shockwave therapy is suitable for you. Here are some conditions and circumstances in which shockwave therapy should be avoided:

• Pregnancy: Shockwave therapy is generally not recommended for pregnant women, as the effects on pregnancy are not well-studied.
• Cancer Patients: If you have a current or recent history of cancer, especially in the area being treated, shockwave therapy may not be suitable, as it could potentially stimulate unwanted tissue growth.
• Patients with Blood Clotting Disorders: People with conditions that affect blood clotting, such as hemophilia, or those taking blood-thinning medications should avoid shockwave therapy, as it can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
• Infections or Open Wounds: Shockwave therapy should not be applied over areas with active infections, open wounds, or skin conditions, as it may delay healing or worsen the condition.
• Implants or Prosthetics in the Treatment Area: If you have a metal implant, such as a pacemaker or joint prosthesis, in or near the area to be treated, shockwave therapy may not be recommended due to the risk of interference or damage.
• Children: Shockwave therapy is typically not recommended for children whose bones and musculoskeletal systems are still developing. The exception to this is in the case of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, which commonly affects adolescents.

It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if shockwave therapy is the right treatment for your specific situation.

Here at Lifespan Osteopathy, we take a full case history and conduct a thorough assessment to ensure that Shockwave is the safest and most effective treatment choice for each patient.

What Are The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy offers several key benefits, making it a great option for patients seeking non-invasive treatment for chronic pain:

• Non-Invasive: Unlike surgery or injections, shockwave therapy doesn’t require incisions, making it a safe and effective alternative with fewer risks.
• Minimal Recovery Time: With no need for anesthesia or prolonged recovery, you can resume your normal activities almost immediately.
• Long-Lasting Results: By addressing the underlying causes of pain, rather than simply masking symptoms, shockwave therapy offers long-term relief.
• Backed by Science: The EMS Dolorclast® system is supported by extensive clinical research, ensuring that patients receive a treatment option that’s both safe and effective.

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy Over Other Treatments?

At Lifespan Osteopathy Essendon, we use the trusted EMS Dolorclast® system to help you get back to doing what you love—with minimal downtime and no invasive procedures.

For patients considering treatment options, shockwave therapy stands out as a highly effective and low-risk alternative to more invasive approaches like surgery or long-term medication use.

Traditional treatments such as cortisone injections can help manage symptoms, but they don’t always address the root cause of pain.

Shockwave therapy targets the source of inflammation and tissue damage, helping your body heal itself.

For many patients, shockwave therapy provides a solution when other treatments have failed, offering lasting relief without the need for medications, injections, or surgery.

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy with the EMS Dolorclast® machine offers a non-invasive, scientifically backed option for treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic tendinitis, plantar fasciitis or muscle pain, this therapy—available now at our Essendon clinic—can help accelerate healing, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.

Our experienced osteopaths are here to help guide you through the process and tailor a treatment plan that meets your specific needs.