- Unit 3/237 Main Rd, Blackwood, SA 5051
- (08) 7120 6063
- (08) 8330 6188
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Advanced, Non-Invasive Treatment for Chronic Foot and Ankle Pain
Are you struggling with stubborn heel pain, Achilles tendon issues, or other chronic soft tissue injuries that haven’t responded to traditional treatments? At Leading Edge Podiatry, we offer Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)—a cutting-edge, non-invasive technology that stimulates healing and accelerates recovery for hard-to-treat conditions.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a modern treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged or painful tissue. These sound waves are directed into the affected area of the body using a handheld device.
The therapy helps to:
- Break down scar tissue and calcifications
- Increase local blood circulation
- Stimulate the body’s natural healing response
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Promote tissue regeneration
ESWT is particularly effective for chronic injuries where healing has stalled due to poor circulation or repetitive strain.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is clinically proven to help with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain)
- Achilles tendinopathy (insertional or mid-portion)
- Heel spurs
- Shin splints
- Peroneal tendinopathy
- Posterior tibial tendinopathy
- Scar tissue-related stiffness or pain
These are conditions that often resist standard treatment methods. Shockwave can offer a non-surgical alternative with fewer risks and faster results.
How Does It Work?
Shockwave therapy works through mechanical stimulation—introducing high-energy acoustic waves into the tissue, which:
- Disrupt chronic inflammation
- Promote blood vessel growth (angiogenesis)
- Stimulate the healing of tendons and ligaments
- Break up calcified fibroblasts and scar tissue
- Trigger pain modulation by altering nerve activity in the area
It’s like pressing a “reset button” on the body’s healing process, particularly in areas where tissue repair has become stagnant.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical shockwave therapy session is quick and well-tolerated. Here’s what you can expect:
- Treatment Duration: About 10–20 minutes per session
- Course of Treatment: Usually a series of 5-6 sessions spaced 1-2 week apart, depending on the condition’s severity and chronicity
- Sensation: You may feel a tapping or pulsing sensation as the sound waves are applied. Some mild discomfort during treatment is normal, especially in areas of chronic pain
Most patients are able to walk out of the clinic and resume normal activity immediately, though you may be advised to avoid high-impact exercise for 24–48 hours following treatment.
Side Effects and Safety
Shockwave therapy is safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. Any side effects that do occur are usually mild and temporary, such as:
- Redness or mild swelling
- Soreness or aching in the treated area
These typically resolve on their own within couple days. If you experience any unexpected or prolonged side effects, we encourage you to contact us so we can assist you promptly.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy is suitable for many patients, but it may not be recommended if you:
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Are taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) medications
- Are pregnant
- Have a joint replacement, metal implants, or plates/screws in or near the treatment area
- Have an active infection or tumour near the treatment site
Our experienced podiatrists will review your medical history and assess whether ESWT is the best treatment option for your specific condition and goals.
Why Choose Leading Edge Podiatry for Shockwave Therapy?
If you’re tired of dealing with chronic foot or ankle pain and want a treatment that gets results without surgery or medication, Shockwave Therapy could be your answer.
Book Online Now
Or call us on 08 7120 6063 to speak with our experienced podiatry team.
Let our expert podiatry team help you get back on your feet—pain-free, stronger, and more confident.
FAQ's
You don't usually need a referral from a doctor to see a podiatrist. However, DVA/NDIS, Workcover& Medicare Chronic Disease Programme patients will need documentation before their initial appointment.
NDIS patients who are on a managed plan we will need to know your Plan Manager's contact details and approval for assessment.
Workcover patients we will require case manager details and approval details for assessment.
Medicare Chronic Disease Patients (e.g. Diabetes, Heart Disease), we will require an EPC referral form.
DVA patients will need a DVA patient referral. D904 form from your GP.
Please call us on 08 7120 6063 for further information.
Health Insurance: Podiatry comes under “Extras cover”. Private health insurance can vary from one health fund to the next. Before booking your appointment it’s always good to check your health fund policy to determine how much cover you will receive from your private health insurer. Leading Edge Podiatry is a Bupa Members First provider.
Medicare: If you have a chronic medical condition, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate to cover some of podiatry services under a Chronic disease management plan. Common chronic conditions include: Diabetes, High Cholesterol, High Blood pressure & Heart Disease. Please note: Medicare appointments are NOT bulk billed.
NDIS: Patients that are on a managed plan we will need your NDIS number and details of your case manager and account details. For plan managed we prepare a Service Agreement and can invoice the plan manager.
DVA: You may be able to receive podiatry services if you have a Veteran Gold or are approved for specified foot conditions as DVA White Card.
We understand that life is unpredictable and you may not always be able to make your scheduled appointment. If you are unable to make an appointment please contact our reception at least 24 hours prior to cancel or arrange for another time. Please call us on 7120 6063 or email: admin@leadingedgepodiatry.com.au
Missed appointments and appointments cancelled without 24 hours notice may be charged a consultation fee.
Your private health fund card (if applicable). Any relevant medical records, test results, x-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds. A list of your current medications (if you have not filled in the new patient form before arrival). Any previous orthotics or insoles and a couple of pairs of shoes if you are suffering from foot pain.
Podiatrists are experts in foot and ankle health. They are healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat problems relating to your feet and lower limbs. They can also work with you to relieve pain, correct deformities, sporting injuries, help prevent foot conditions from occurring, as well as keep you active and mobile throughout your life.
Podiatrists play a key role in the early detection and treatment of foot problems in people with diabetes. Neuropathy (nerve damage), arthropathy (joint damage), vasculopathy (blood vessel damage), and other complications, most of which can be avoided or delayed with annual foot exams and treatment.
Yes, our podiatrist Jason Kuang is endorsed for schedule medicines. He can prescribe medicines for common foot ailments e.g.: antibiotics, antifungal, gout medications.
We do treat children of all ages, if your child is experiencing pain in their ankles or feet, it's a sign that you need to see a podiatrist. Pain isn't a normal sign of growth and it should be professionally assessed, diagnosed, and treated where necessary. Our podiatrists are very experienced in helping young children with feet issues.
At Leading Edge Podiatry, we have a limited footwear selection, including brands like Archies thongs and slides, Revere sandals.
Case Studies
Case Study: Shin Pain in a 20-Year-Old Female Runner
A 20-year-old female runner presented at Leading Edge Podiatry with pain along the inner border...
Case Study: Plantar Fasciitis in a 51-Year-Old Woman
A 51-year-old woman presented at Leading Edge Podiatry with heel pain in her left foot....
Showing Slide 1 of 4