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It is used for the treatment of:
- Plantar Fasciitis (Painful Heel)
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
- Calcific Tendinitis of the shoulder
The full name is Ultrasound Guided Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). This has been used in Germany since the early 1990's. ESWT is a non-invasive alternative to conventional conservative methods and surgery, for the treatment of these painful conditions.
If you have symptoms including pain, and an abnormality has been shown on an ultrasound scan, this treatment should be suitable.
- It is non-invasive.
- You can go home immediately after completion of this treatment.
- No anaesthesia is required.
- Treatment is brief.
Generally three treatments, at weekly intervals, are required. The first appointment may take an hour, to allow the operator to explain the full procedure; subsequent appointments will only take 30 minutes. The treatment is very simple. The part of the body to be treated is placed against the head of the machine. The head has a soft rubber pillow on the top of it. Then an energy wave is sent to that same area.The wave of energy is felt as a pulse.
Following treatment you may sometimes experience worsening of the symptoms and pain relief may be required, i.e. Paracetamol. If you are taking anti-inflammatories you may wish to ask your Doctor if it is possible to stop using them during the treatment. This will allow you to access the true benefits of the ESWT treatment. At very high energy levels slight bruising may occur.
If any of the following apply to you please contact us:
- Bleeding disorders
- Pregnancy
- Children with unfused epiphyses
- Cardiac Pacemakers
- Local infections or malignancies
A Doctor's referral is required for your initial diagnostic ultrasound scan. This scan will determine if this type of therapy is appropriate for your problem. This does not form part of the ESWT and is billed separately. However, the majority of the cost is covered by Medicare. If you then decide to proceed with the ESWT treatment a further referral is not required.
The majority of the fee for the initial diagnostic ultrasound scan is covered by Medicare. ESWT is currently not covered under Medicare or Private Health Funds. Workers' Compensation cases are dealt with on an individual basis.
The first visit for shock wave therapy (ESWT), takes approximately one hour. Subsequent ESWT treatments, may take up to thirty minutes.
INFORMATION BROCHURE DOWNLOAD - Click Here (PDF)
