FAQs about Shockwave Therapy
Some frequently asked questions about Shockwave Therapy Treatment, answered by our West Auckland Osteopath team. If you still have something you are unsure about or would like further information on, do not hesitate to contact us via email at hello@movementmechanics.nz, or you can call our AI receptionist, Ava, on 09 884 0935
No referral is required. However, it is important to ensure that there is a clear diagnosis and that shock wave therapy is an appropriate treatment for your condition. We suggest booking a standard consultation with our osteopaths and they can determine if this is the right procedure for you. We do, however, accept referrals from other medical and allied health professionals.
Your clinician will locate the area of pain through palpation. This area will then be marked, and some ultrasound gel will be applied.
The shockwave impulses are delivered using a handpiece. It takes about five minutes to deliver a single treatment. This is generally said to be uncomfortable (rather than painful) and is well tolerated by most patients. The dose/intensity of the shocks can be turned up or down to make the procedure more tolerable.
This process is generally repeated a total of three times - with a week between treatments. Some patients note an immediate improvement in their pain; however, the best results occur 12 weeks after the initial treatment.
Shockwave therapy can be uncomfortable depending on the site andr condition severity of you. However, almost everyone can tolerate the treatment.
Shockwave therapy treatments usually last between 3 to 5 minutes. If your Osteopath believes it is necessary, they may also add Osteopathic techniques into your treatment plan.
In some cases, e.g. those with Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis, shockwave is more effective than three months of traditional rehabilitation. Some patients note an immediate improvement in their pain; however, the best results occur 12 weeks after the initial treatment.
8 or 9 out of 10 patients will experience significant relief of symptoms within 3 – 5 treatments.
The procedure is generally said to be uncomfortable (rather than painful) and is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. However, in some situations, it can be quite unpleasant. Our team will work with you to try to minimise any pain or discomfort. Other than the pain felt during the procedure, the most common other side effect is local bruising or occasionally abrasions.
The short answer is- not much. You may feel some discomfort following the treatment. Simple strategies such as rest and paracetamol may be helpful. Do not take anti-inflammatories (such as Nurofen or Voltaren), as these may interfere with the healing process kickstarted by the Shockwave therapy. Similarly, avoid icing the area. Resting from aggravating activities for 2-3 days following each session is also advisable.
Not all shockwave is the same
It is important to realise that not all shockwave machines are the same and that your treatment is conducted in line with international best practices. Our Swiss Dolorclast machines have robust clinical data to support their use.
A recent bench* test comparison study between the EMS DolorClast® Radial Shock Waves and the Storz MASTERPULS® 200 ultra demonstrates significant differences in energy output at higher frequency settings.
* Reinhardt N, Wegenaer J, de la Fuente M. Influence of the pulse repetition rate on the acoustic output of ballistic pressure wave devices. Sci Rep 2022;12(1):18060.
Shockwaves cannot be used in the following groups of people:
Pregnant women
Children under the age of 18 years, except in the case of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease
People with blood clotting disorders
People on blood thinners
Treatment of tissue with local tumours or local bacterial and/or viral infections
Treatment of patients who have used cortisone within the preceding six weeks