Noosa Foot & Ankle Clinic use the evidence-based Swiss DolorClast® Method of Radial Shockwave Therapy for Musculoskeletal pathologies including heel pain & Achilles tendinopathy. Shockwave is currently only available at our Noosa clinic.

What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shock Waves are movements of extremely high pressure caused by, for example, an explosion, an earthquake or a plane breaking the sound barrier. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is the application of Shock Waves in medicine. A shock wave is a single acoustic pulse characterised by a rapid rise to a high peak pressure followed by a rapid drop to below ambient pressure. They are sent to the affected area from the point of contact on the skin’s surface using the device pictured above.

How does Shockwave Therapy work?
The Swiss DolorClast® Method uses single acoustic pressure waves to treat musculoskeletal pathologies.

The therapeutic effects of shock waves on the musculoskeletal system (pain relief and healing) are based on a multitude of molecular and cellular mechanisms. The short-term effects are depletion of presynaptic substance P in C nerve fibers (resulting in pain relief) & improved blood circulation in the treated area (which is the basis for healing). The long-term effects are a blockade of neurogenic inflammation and improved tendon gliding ability (resulting in pain relief) as well as activation of mesenchymal stem cells and new bone formation (both essentially involved in healing).

It is clinically proven that pressure waves, when applied to injured tissues, stimulate metabolic reactions:
> Reduction of pain felt by nerve fibers
> Increase of blood circulation in surrounding soft tissues
> Beginning of healing process triggered by stem cells activation

What conditions can Shockwave treat?
Heel pain (plantar fasciopathy/ fasciitis), tendinopathies (achilles, patellar), ostheoartritis, non-union fractures & spasticity.

What is the evidence for the Swiss Dolorclast Method of Shockwave Therapy?
26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the Swiss DolorClast method have been published in international peer-review literature.

How many treatments will I need?
Typically 3-6. Many patients experience considerable pain relief after 1-2 treatments

Does it hurt?
Treatment is uncomfortable but is tolerable.

Can anyone get Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for children under 18 (except for Osgood Schlatter’s disease), patients who take anticoagulant medication (blood thinners such as Aspirin or Warfarin), patients with blood clotting disorders, local tumors or bacterial infection or anyone treated with local cortisone injections in the previous 6 weeks.

How much is Shockwave Therapy at Noosa Foot & Ankle Clinic?
Treatment is $60 + consultation per session.

For private health insurance, the item numbers are 004 or 014 & 145. Podiatrists are one of the very few health professionals that can bill for Shockwave Therapy as an extra item number. This may mean increased rebates, please check with your Private Health Insurer.

How is Noosa Foot & Ankle Clinic’s The Swiss DolorClast® Method different to other Shockwave machines?
The superior engineering of the Swiss DolorClast machine delivers guaranteed constant energy delivery. This is essential in order to achieve the excellent patient outcomes noted in the research. The vast majority of research into Shockwave therapy has been performed using the The Swiss DolorClast® Method. It has been the Shockwave machine trusted by elite athletes across the world since the 90s & used at all Olympic Games since 2004.

How do I book?
Shockwave treatment can be booked online BOOK HERE.