SHOCKWAVE THERAPY ALBANY CREEK
My Family Podiatry offers focused and radial EMS Dolorclast shockwave therapy at our Albany Creek clinic for selected foot, ankle, knee and hip conditions. Shockwave therapy may be used as part of a treatment plan for stubborn heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, shin splints, knee pain and hip bursitis where clinically appropriate.
We see patients from across North Brisbane including Strathpine, Warner, Eatons Hill, Aspley, Bridgeman Downs, Bracken Ridge and surrounding suburbs.
WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic energy to stimulate a response in irritated or overloaded soft tissue.
In podiatry, it is commonly used for longer-standing tendon and soft tissue problems where symptoms have not settled with basic care alone. It is usually used alongside a broader plan that may include footwear changes, load management, strengthening, custom orthotics or other treatment.
Focused Vs Radial Shockwave
Focused Shockwave
Radial Shockwave
Focused shockwave delivers energy to a more specific depth and treatment area. It may be useful for deeper or more localised conditions, depending on the structure being treated and the clinical assessment.
Radial shockwave spreads energy over a broader area and is often used for more superficial or wider soft tissue regions.
At My Family Podiatry, having both options on site allows us to choose the most appropriate form of shockwave therapy based on your presentation rather than using the same device for every condition. We are one of a small number of North Brisbane podiatry clinics that offer both focused and radial shockwave under one roof.
Conditions We Use Shockwave Therapy To Treat
Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave therapy may be used for stubborn heel pain or plantar fasciitis when symptoms have persisted and the tissue needs more than rest, stretching or footwear changes alone. We assess the underlying cause first, including foot mechanics, footwear and load, before recommending shockwave as part of the plan.
Achilles Tendon Pain
Achilles pain can become persistent when the tendon is repeatedly overloaded. Shockwave therapy may form part of a broader plan that also addresses calf strength, footwear, training load and biomechanics. Radial shockwave is often used to release calf tension, while focused shockwave can target the tendon itself.
Shin Splints
For some people with ongoing shin pain, shockwave therapy may be considered alongside load management, footwear review, strength work and running assessment. We commonly see this in runners returning to training after a break, gym-goers ramping up, and military or police candidates preparing for fitness tests.
Knee Pain
Shockwave therapy may be used for selected knee conditions, including some tendon-related pain (such as patellar tendinopathy / jumper's knee) and osteoarthritis-related symptoms where appropriate. Because knee pain is often influenced by foot mechanics, we frequently combine shockwave with biomechanical assessment and orthotic therapy where indicated.
Hip Bursitis and Gluteal Tendinopathy
Shockwave therapy may be considered for selected cases of lateral hip pain, including presentations involving the gluteal tendons or trochanteric region. Hip pain that flares when lying on one side or climbing stairs is a common reason patients are referred for shockwave alongside a strength and load management plan.
What Happens at a Shockwave Appointment?
Before shockwave therapy is recommended, we assess the problem and decide whether it is suitable for your condition. Not every painful foot, ankle, knee or hip needs shockwave therapy.
If shockwave is appropriate, treatment is usually performed in-clinic and only takes a short amount of time. Some discomfort during treatment is normal, but it should be tolerable. The intensity can be adjusted depending on the area being treated and your response.
Shockwave therapy is usually delivered as part of a broader plan rather than as a standalone treatment.
A typical shockwave appointment may include:
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Assessment first: Before treatment is recommended, we assess the painful area and look for contributing factors such as footwear, training load, strength, joint movement or biomechanics.
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Treatment performed in clinic: If shockwave therapy is appropriate, treatment is performed in the clinic using our EMS Dolorclast equipment. The treatment itself usually only takes a short part of the overall appointment.
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A short appointment component: Shockwave therapy does not usually take long to apply, but the appointment may also include assessment, advice, exercise prescription or changes to your treatment plan.
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Usually delivered over multiple sessions: Shockwave therapy is commonly provided as a course of treatment rather than a single session. The number of sessions depends on the condition, how long it has been present and how irritable the area is.
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Combined with a broader plan: Shockwave works best when it is part of a proper management plan. This may include rehabilitation exercises, footwear advice, load management, strapping or orthotics where needed.
How Many Shockwave Sessions Will I Need?
Many shockwave treatment plans involve a course of sessions spaced over several weeks. The exact number depends on the condition, how long it has been present, how irritable it is, and what other factors are contributing. Typically a course of 3 - 6 sessions would be recommended.
During your appointment, we will explain whether shockwave is appropriate and what sort of treatment plan is realistic for your situation. We don't take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why Choose My Family Podiatry For Shockwave Therapy?
My Family Podiatry offers both focused and radial EMS Dolorclast shockwave therapy at our Albany Creek clinic.
We don't use shockwave therapy as a one-size-fits-all treatment. It is considered alongside your diagnosis, activity levels, footwear, strength, biomechanics and goals.
Our clinic also has access to diagnostic ultrasound, VALD ForceDecks for strength and symmetry testing, custom foot orthotics and running assessment tools where appropriate, allowing us to look beyond the painful area and consider the bigger picture.
We regularly see patients from Albany Creek, Strathpine, Warner, Eatons Hill, Bridgeman Downs, Aspley, Bracken Ridge, Carseldine and surrounding suburbs across North Brisbane for shockwave therapy and treatment of lower limb pain.
FAQS
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Some discomfort during treatment is normal, but it should be tolerable. The intensity can be adjusted depending on the area being treated and your response.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with My Family Podiatry for an assessment. If you have a Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan or DVA referral, please bring those with you.
Is shockwave therapy covered by private health insurance?
Some private health funds may provide rebates for podiatry services. Bring your card to your appointment and we can process eligible claims through HICAPS on-site.
What conditions can shockwave therapy help with?
Shockwave therapy may be used for selected cases of plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, shin splints, knee pain, hip bursitis and other tendon-related problems where clinically appropriate. It is not suitable for every painful condition, so an assessment comes first.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
This depends on the condition and how long it has been present. Many treatment plans involve a short course of sessions spaced over several weeks. We'll explain what's realistic during your assessment. A common treatment cycle is somewhere between 3 - 6 sessions.
Is focused shockwave better than radial shockwave?
Not necessarily. Focused and radial shockwave are different tools. The most appropriate option depends on the condition, the depth of the target tissue and your clinical assessment. Our clinic offers both, which means we don't have to force one tool to fit every problem.
Can shockwave therapy help plantar fasciitis?
Shockwave therapy may be useful for some cases of persistent plantar fasciitis, especially when symptoms have not settled with basic care alone. It is typically used alongside footwear changes, exercise rehabilitation and sometimes custom orthotics.
Do you offer shockwave therapy near Strathpine?
Yes. My Family Podiatry is located in Albany Creek and regularly sees patients from Strathpine and surrounding North Brisbane suburbs. We are around a 5-minute drive from Strathpine via Old Northern Road.
Do you offer shockwave therapy near Eatons Hill / Warner / Aspley?
Yes. We see patients across North Brisbane including Eatons Hill, Warner, Aspley, Bridgeman Downs, Bracken Ridge and Carseldine. Our Albany Creek clinic is centrally located with on-site parking.
Book A Shockwave Therapy Assessment in Albany Creek
If you have stubborn heel, Achilles, shin, knee or hip pain that hasn't settled with basic care, our team at My Family Podiatry can assess whether shockwave therapy is appropriate and explain what a realistic plan looks like for your situation.
Call (07) 3088 6116 or book online to arrange your assessment in Albany Creek.
NEED SOME MORE INFORMATION?
It’s not always easy knowing who to contact about your foot issues. All you know is that you want relief from your pain.
Podiatrists specialise in injuries and issues with the feet, ankles and legs. If you enter your details into the form, one of our team will contact you to discuss your current problem and how My Family Podiatry may be able to help you.
Alternatively, call us on (07) 3088 6116 to speak with one of our team.