Focused Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
- My Family Podiatry
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses mechanical pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured or degenerated tissues. Originally used to break up kidney stones, it’s now a well-established method for treating musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and more recently, knee osteoarthritis (OA).
At My Family Podiatry, we use both focused and radial Dolorclast EMS shockwave therapy, two advanced forms of this technology that allow us to tailor treatment to your specific needs.
Can Shockwave Therapy Help Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition. As the cartilage inside the knee joint breaks down, the body compensates with inflammation and bony overgrowths (osteophytes). This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Shockwave therapy offers a way to interrupt that cycle by:
Stimulating local blood flow
Modulating pain signals
Promoting cellular regeneration
Triggering the body’s own healing processes
In simpler terms, it helps reduce pain and improve movement without injections or surgery.
What Does the Research Say?
Several recent studies have investigated the use of focused shockwave therapy for knee OA. Here’s what they found:
Pain Reduction: A 2022 meta-analysis showed that focused shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain in patients with knee OA compared to placebo or standard care.
Improved Function: Patients had better mobility and could return to walking, work, or sport more comfortably.
Cartilage Preservation: Some evidence suggests shockwave may help preserve joint space and slow cartilage degeneration.
While it’s not a cure, focused shockwave is gaining traction as a low-risk, effective adjunct to other therapies like exercise, weight management, and bracing.
Why Focused Shockwave Over Radial?
Here’s where it gets interesting.
At My Family Podiatry, we offer both focused and radial shockwave, but they aren’t the same. Here’s a breakdown:
Feature | Focused Shockwave | Radial Shockwave |
Penetration Depth | Deeper (up to 6–12 cm) | Shallower (up to 3–4 cm) |
Energy Concentration | Precisely targeted to a small area | Diffused over a broader area |
Best For | Deeper structures like knee joint surfaces | Surface tissues like tendons and fascia |
Treatment Precision | Highly specific (can target intra-articular) | More generalised |
Comfort Level | Slightly more intense, but tolerable | Generally well-tolerated |
If you’ve had radial shockwave elsewhere and didn’t get results, focused shockwave may provide the deeper stimulation your knee joint needs.
What to Expect During Treatment
Each session takes around 15–20 minutes and is delivered directly to the affected knee using a handheld applicator.
No needles, no incisions
You can walk in and walk out
No downtime. Patients continue working or exercising during treatment
Most patients require 3 to 6 sessions spaced weekly. We often pair shockwave with strengthening exercises to improve long-term results.
Is It Painful?
You may feel a tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment. It can be uncomfortable over tender areas, but most people tolerate it well. We adjust intensity based on your feedback.
Post-treatment soreness is possible, but usually mild and settles within 24–48 hours.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Shockwave is:
Non-invasive
Low-risk
Drug-free
Backed by strong clinical evidence
It’s a great option for those who aren’t ready for knee surgery or want to delay more invasive options like corticosteroid injections or total knee replacement.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Shockwave may be suitable if you:
Have been diagnosed with knee OA
Experience daily pain or stiffness, especially with activity
Are not responding well to exercise, bracing, or medication
Want to avoid surgery
Don’t tolerate anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections
It’s also a good option for those looking to delay or reduce reliance on pain medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still exercise during shockwave treatment?
Yes. Most people continue their regular activities, including walking, gym sessions, and work. We may modify your program slightly if needed.
How many sessions will I need?
Typically 4 to 6 sessions spaced 1 week apart. Severe cases may require ongoing maintenance.
Is shockwave therapy covered by private health?
Private health rebates may apply if shockwave is included as part of a broader podiatry consultation. Contact us to check your coverage.
Is there any downtime after a session?
No. You may experience mild soreness for a day or two, but you can return to your usual routine straight away.
What if I’ve already tried shockwave and it didn’t work?
Not all shockwave is the same. If you had radial shockwave only, we may recommend focused shockwave as a next step. The depth, energy, and precision are different.
What Else Should I Be Doing?
Shockwave therapy works best when combined with:
Strengthening exercises for your quads, calves, and glutes
Weight management to reduce knee joint load
Supportive footwear or orthotics if poor biomechanics are contributing
Activity modification, such as switching to low-impact exercise like cycling or swimming
At My Family Podiatry, we’ll assess your overall movement pattern and build a plan tailored to your body.
Final Thoughts
Knee osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean daily pain or early surgery.
Focused shockwave therapy is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment that helps reduce pain, improve movement, and get you back to doing what you love.
With both radial and focused Dolorclast EMS shockwave available at our Albany Creek clinic, we can tailor your treatment to suit your needs, whether you’re an active retiree, weekend hiker, or just trying to keep up with the kids.
Book Your Appointment
If you’ve been living with knee pain and want a real solution, click the button below to book your consultation. We’ll assess your symptoms, explain your options, and help you decide whether focused shockwave is right for you.
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