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Face-to-Face Shock Wave Therapy

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Dolorclast Radial Shockwave Therapy is a form of treatment available for treatment of pain related to a number of chronic soft tissue conditions, in particular plantar fasciosis, achilles, hamstring origin and patella tendinopathy and medial tibial periostitis.

This form of treatment was developed from other medical indications (treating kidney stones) and is widely used in Europe and North America for treatment of the above soft tissue conditions. There are numerous published scientific studies, which you are free to examine, the majority of which demonstrate positive outcomes. Most importantly it has been demonstrated as a safe treatment option.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU:

Radial shockwaves are high energy sound waves transmitted from a probe held against and passing through the skin and spreading outwards into the underlying tissues. This is believed to induce increased blood flow and metabolic activity around the site of pain accelerating the healing process. At the very least it effectively reduces pain from this area.

After a simple examination of the affected area, shockwaves are applied via a hand piece or applicator held against the skin. The initial phase of treatment may cause some deep pain however this indicates correct targeting of the problem area.

This is usually followed by numbness or heaviness in the area and the latter phase of the treatment feels less painful. The treatment sessions are of 10 minutes’ duration during which you may receive up to 3000 pulses. Many patients get pain relief in just 8-10 days after the first treatment. Depending on the condition and your response you may require from 1 to 5 treatments, although the average is 2.2.

After the treatment:
You may feel some soreness which may intensify on the night of treatment. Simple analgesia and icing may be required to control this pain. There may also be some minor bruising in the treatment area. You should rest from aggravating activities for 2-3 days after treatment as your doctor will discuss.

Side Effects:

  • Post-treatment pain as above
  • Local bruising – uncommon and minor
  • Tendon rupture has not been reported following radial shockwave therapy, unlike cortisone
  • injection and surgery

Contraindications:

Please inform your doctor if you have a one of the following contra-indications as this form of treatment may not be appropriate for you:

  • Pregnancy
  • Bleeding and blood coagulation disorders and associated medication consumption
  • Skin wound or acute inflammation in treatment area
  • Tumour in treatment area

OPSMC offers Shockwave Therapy at its Olympic Park Campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

 
01

Do I need a referral?

A referral is not required for Extracorporeal Shock Wave therapy. It can be performed by our Sport and Exercise Physicians, Sport and Exercise Medicine Registrars as well as our Podiatrists, should they feel it forms part of your overall treatment program. A medical practitioner referral is required to see one of our Sport and Exercise Physicians, but not our Sport and Exercise Medicine Registrars or Podiatrists.

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What do I need to bring?

Patients please bring in with you:

  • ALL previous imaging (films and reports) relevant to your presenting condition
  • Any referrals from your GP and other treating practitioners
  • Comfortable clothes to change into should you need to be examined by your doctor
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How long will the session take?

If your Practitioner decides to proceed with this service, the process will take about 5 minutes.

04

Can I get a Medicare rebate?

Each treatment costs $90 which is non-rebateable through Medicare. There is also a consultation fee for the Medical Practitioner, which attracts a Medicare rebate. The consultation fee for the Podiatrist does not attract a Medicare rebate.

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Is Extracorporeal Shock Wave therapy covered by Private Health?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave therapy is not covered by private health insurance. However, a visit to your Podiatrist may attract a private health rebate depending on your level of cover. Please check with your insurer.

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For general FAQs relating to our campuses, please see below:

Campus key

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Melbourne Campus
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Telehealth Campus
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