Shockwave Therapy
Evidence-Based Treatment for Chronic Pain & Musculoskeletal Injuries – Melbourne & Caroline Springs
Live Well Health Centre provides radial and focused shockwave therapy to help reduce pain, stimulate tissue healing, and accelerate recovery in persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, research-supported treatment commonly used when symptoms have not improved with rest, exercise, or standard conservative care.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers controlled, high-energy acoustic pressure waves into injured or painful tissue.
Despite the name, these are mechanical sound waves – not electrical shocks.
When applied to affected tissue, shockwave therapy helps stimulate the body’s natural healing response by:
- Increasing blood flow and metabolic activity
- Stimulating tissue repair and regeneration
- Helping break down dysfunctional or calcified tissue
- Reducing pain sensitivity in local nerve receptors
These effects can improve pain, mobility, and tissue function – particularly in long-standing conditions where healing has slowed.
What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy is commonly used for persistent or chronic soft-tissue conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis / plantar heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Tennis elbow and other tendon injuries
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
- Chronic muscle tightness or trigger points
- Long-standing sports or overuse injuries
Shockwave can assist both acute and chronic injuries, but is particularly effective in chronic conditions where tissue repair has stalled.
The technology we use
Live Well uses the EMS DolorClast® system, a Swiss-designed shockwave device widely used internationally in clinical practice and research.
This system is known for:
- Precision and safety
- Consistent treatment delivery
- Strong clinical evidence
- Comfortable treatment experience
Using well-researched technology supports our commitment to evidence-based care and meaningful patient outcomes.
For more information about the EMS DolorClast system.
What to expect during treatment
- Treatment typically lasts about 3 minutes per area
- Approximately 2500 shocks are delivered per treatment zone
- Intensity can be adjusted for comfort
- You may feel discomfort during treatment, but most patients tolerate it well
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients require 3-5 treatments, usually spaced about one week apart.
The exact number depends on:
- Your condition
- How long symptoms have been present
- Tissue response to treatment
For complex or long-standing problems, additional sessions may be recommended.
If symptoms do not improve as expected, your osteopath will review your treatment plan and discuss next steps.
When will I see results?
Many patients notice improvement within 3-5 sessions, with continued progress over the following weeks.
Research shows shockwave therapy can provide meaningful improvements in pain and function, especially for chronic tendon conditions and plantar heel pain.
Individual response varies based on the condition and healing factors.
Post-treatment care
Because shockwave stimulates natural inflammation for healing:
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medication
- Avoid icing the area
- Reduce activity for 48 hours
- Gradually return to normal activity as advised
Can shockwave be combined with osteopathy or rehabilitation?
Yes. Shockwave works very well alongside:
- Osteopathic treatment
- Strengthening or loading programs
- Movement rehabilitation
This combined approach often produces the best long-term outcomes.
Why choose shockwave instead of injections?
Shockwave therapy:
- Is non-invasive
- Does not involve medication
- Stimulates natural tissue repair
- Targets underlying dysfunction, not just symptoms
For many conditions, it is a safe first-line option before more invasive procedures.
Evidence supporting shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy is supported by strong research for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, particularly tendinopathies and plantar heel pain.
Research highlights include:
- Systematic reviews showing effectiveness for plantar fasciitis and calcific shoulder tendinitis
- Sports medicine reviews confirming safety and effectiveness for tendon disorders
- Clinical guidelines recommending shockwave for persistent heel pain
- Research showing improved function and pain reduction across chronic soft-tissue injuries
Your practitioner can discuss how this evidence applies to your condition.
Not sure if shockwave is right for you?
We are happy to help.
Call our clinic and speak with one of our osteopaths to discuss whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.
Frequently asked questions
How long does each session take?
Around 3 minutes per treatment area.
How successful is shockwave therapy?
Many patients experience meaningful improvement in pain and function, especially in chronic tendon conditions. Results vary depending on the condition and treatment plan.
Will I need time off after treatment?
Most people resume normal activity within 24–48 hours, with temporary activity modification recommended.
Is shockwave therapy covered by Medicare or private health?
Coverage depends on your treatment plan and insurance. Our team can assist with this.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Treatment may feel uncomfortable but is brief.
Settings can be adjusted to improve comfort if needed.
What happens after treatment?
Some people experience:
- Mild soreness
- Redness
- Temporary discomfort
This usually settles within 24-48 hours as the healing response occurs.
Occasionally discomfort can last longer, but this is uncommon.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is a well-researched, non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects.
The most common effects are mild redness or temporary soreness.
When is shockwave therapy not suitable?
Shockwave may not be appropriate if you have:
- Pregnancy (near treatment area)
- Cancer or tumour in treatment region
- Blood clotting disorders or strong blood-thinning medication
- Local infection or open wounds
- Reduced sensation or nerve damage
- Active growth plates in children
Some situations require individual assessment, including:
- Recent corticosteroid injection
- Circulatory disorders
- Metal implants near treatment area
- Severe osteoporosis
- Acute inflammation
Your osteopath will assess your medical history to ensure treatment is safe.
What if I don’t complete my treatment plan?
Shockwave effects build progressively across sessions.
Incomplete treatment may reduce or delay results.
Treatment packs are non-refundable, but unused credit can be applied to other clinic services.
Book your shockwave therapy appointment
Contact Live Well Health Centre to discuss suitability or schedule treatment.
Pricing
Starter plan
$19/mo
or $199 yearly
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Starter plan
$19/mo
or $199 yearly
- Explain feature briefly
- Explain feature briefly
- Explain feature briefly
Starter plan
$19/mo
or $199 yearly
- Explain feature briefly
- Explain feature briefly
- Explain feature briefly