Radial Shockwave Therapy at Bodyfocus

THIS IS THE NEWEST TREATMENT OPTION TO BECOME AVAILABLE AT BODYFOCUS AND IT IS USEFUL FOR THE TREATMENT OF A NUMBER OF CHRONIC SOFT TISSUE CONDITIONS

You may not have realised but Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) has been around since the early 1980s! It was originally intended for the management of urinary stones, however, it was later discovered that RSWT was effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper and lower extremities.

Contrary to its name, RSWT is not actually electrical shocks but rather sound waves. During the treatment these sound waves stimulate the muscle, tendon or connective tissue where the RSWT is being applied. The cells in these tissues receive more blood flow, start to multiply and produce new cells and connective tissue. The overall result is the tissue heals, becomes stronger and more flexible. Additionally, RSWT works on reliving pain and other symptoms long term by ‘tiring’ the nerves in the area so they temporarily aren’t as sensitive to pain.

Research in to SWT is ongoing but there is evidence to support RSWT in helping with the following conditions:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Achilles bursitis

  • Patellar tendinopathy

  • Knee bursitis

  • Gluteal tendinopathy

  • Trochanteric/gluteal bursitis

  • Adductor tendinopathy

  • Rotator cuff tears/tendinopathy

  • Subacromial bursitis

  • Tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis

  • Golfers elbow/medial epicondylitis

At Bodyfocus a common treatment block using RSWT will be 3-5 sessions, approximately a week apart. More or less sessions may be required, depending on the patient’s conditions and their response to the treatment. RSWT sessions are worked in with a standard treatment consult, with the RSWT component only taking 5-7 mins each session.

In addition to RSWT patients will receive a wholistic management strategy which may include taping, dry needling, massage, osteopathic treatment techniques, at-home exercises and load management and other lifestyle alterations/advice to enable them to function better and achieve their treatment goals.

The team at Bodyfocus are always available to chat to and can help give you professional advice as to whether RSWT is right for you!

Written by Osteopath Reid Mountney

Bodyfocus acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, in particular the Kanamaluka land in which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Bodyfocus is an allied health clinic that provides quality healthcare in an environment that is safe and inclusive for people of all sexual orientations, sex and gender identities.

Our team is committed to a patient focused care model, we work as a team to get the best health outcomes for you.