Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective evidence-based treatments available for chronic musculoskeletal pain — and it is available right here at Sydney Podiatry Co in Balgowlah, delivered by all six of our qualified podiatrists using the EMS Swiss DolorClast, one of the most clinically validated shockwave devices in the world.
If you have been dealing with persistent heel pain, Achilles tendon pain or other lower limb conditions that haven't responded to stretching, massage or orthotics alone, shockwave therapy may be the missing piece of your treatment plan.
Shockwave therapy — also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) — uses high-energy acoustic waves delivered through the skin to targeted areas of injured or degenerated tissue.
These sound waves stimulate the body's natural healing response by:
Shockwave is particularly effective for conditions where tissue has undergone degenerative change over time — making it an excellent option for patients with long-standing pain that has not responded to more conservative treatments.
At Sydney Podiatry Co, shockwave therapy is used to treat a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and lower limb, including:
If you have a musculoskeletal condition not listed above, speak to one of our podiatrists — shockwave therapy has a wide range of applications and your suitability can be assessed at your appointment.
At Sydney Podiatry Co we use the EMS Swiss DolorClast, a gold-standard radial shockwave device used by podiatrists, physiotherapists and sports medicine clinicians worldwide.
The DolorClast is backed by an extensive body of peer-reviewed clinical research and is widely regarded as one of the most effective and reliable devices available for outpatient shockwave treatment. Using a clinically validated device matters — not all shockwave machines are equal in terms of energy output, depth of penetration or evidence base.
Your podiatrist will begin with a thorough assessment to confirm your diagnosis and determine whether shockwave is the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
During treatment, a handheld applicator is applied to the skin over the affected area. Most patients experience a deep pulsing sensation during treatment, which can be mildly uncomfortable over the most tender areas. This is normal and settles quickly after the session ends.
A typical shockwave appointment takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Most patients require three to six sessions, spaced approximately one week apart, depending on the condition being treated and its duration.
Most patients tolerate shockwave therapy well. You may feel a firm pulsing or tapping sensation during treatment, and some mild tenderness over the treated area for 24 to 48 hours afterwards is normal and expected.
Significant post-treatment soreness is uncommon, and most patients are able to return to normal daily activities immediately following their appointment.
Most conditions respond well to a course of three to six sessions. Chronic or long-standing conditions may require additional treatment. Your podiatrist will tailor the treatment plan based on your diagnosis, symptom duration and response to initial sessions.
Progress is typically assessed at each appointment, and your podiatrist will discuss your response to treatment as you go.
Shockwave therapy is suitable for most patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and lower limb. It is particularly well suited to patients who:
A small number of contraindications apply — your podiatrist will screen for these at your initial assessment.
Sydney Podiatry Co is located at Shop 1, 398 Sydney Road, Balgowlah, with street frontage and easy parking. We see patients for shockwave therapy from across the Northern Beaches including:
Book Online — or call us on (02) 9949 3327
