Shockwave Therapy in Brookvale — What It Is and Who It Helps
Shockwave therapy in Brookvale — formally known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) — is an evidence-based treatment used for a range of tendinopathy and soft tissue conditions. At Tensegrity Sports Clinics Brookvale, our practitioners use shockwave therapy as part of a comprehensive management approach for appropriate presentations.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic energy waves to targeted tissues through a handheld device. There are two main types:
- Radial shockwave — delivers energy that disperses outward from the application point. This is the most commonly used type in clinical practice and is effective for superficial tendon and soft tissue conditions.
- Focused shockwave — delivers more concentrated energy to a specific depth. Used for deeper structures where more targeted treatment is required.
The acoustic waves are thought to stimulate tissue healing through several proposed mechanisms, including promoting blood vessel growth, reducing local sensitisation, and disrupting calcific deposits in tendons.
What conditions is shockwave used for?
Shockwave therapy has the strongest evidence base for:
- Plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain)
- Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow)
- Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (lateral hip pain)
The evidence is strongest for presentations that have persisted for more than 3 months despite conservative management. Shockwave is generally not indicated as a first-line treatment for acute injuries.
What does a shockwave session involve?
Before commencing shockwave therapy, your practitioner will conduct a clinical assessment to confirm it is appropriate for your presentation and to identify any contraindications.
A treatment session typically involves:
- Application of a coupling gel to the treatment area
- Delivery of shockwave energy to the targeted tissue via the handheld device
- A session duration of approximately 5–10 minutes for the shockwave component
- Some discomfort during treatment is normal; the sensation can be adjusted
Mild soreness in the treated area for 24–48 hours after treatment is common and is considered a normal response.
How many sessions are needed?
Research protocols typically involve 3–5 sessions, usually spaced 1–2 weeks apart. Individual treatment plans vary based on the condition, its chronicity, and how the tissue responds. Your practitioner will guide you on what to expect for your specific presentation.
Is shockwave therapy right for you?
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include pregnancy, local infection, open wounds over the treatment area, active malignancy, and certain coagulation disorders. Your practitioner will screen for these during your assessment.
Shockwave therapy in Brookvale at Tensegrity Sports Clinics
Tensegrity Sports Clinics Brookvale offers shockwave therapy as part of a broader sports chiropractic service on the Northern Beaches. Shockwave is always used in conjunction with a thorough clinical assessment — it is one tool within a comprehensive management plan, not a standalone treatment.
If you’re dealing with a persistent tendinopathy or soft tissue condition and want to discuss whether shockwave therapy might be appropriate, our Brookvale team is happy to help.
Our Sydney locations:
- Bella Vista — Hills District
- Brookvale — Northern Beaches
- Macquarie Park — Chiropractic & Physiotherapy
- St Leonards — Chiropractic & Physiotherapy
- Wahroonga — Upper North Shore
- Willoughby — Lower North Shore
- Sydney CBD — City
Book online — Tensegrity Sports Clinics Brookvale
Related reading
- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Sydney — Why It Keeps Coming Back (And What to Do)
- Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment in Sydney — A Load Management Approach
- Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Sydney — When Rest Isn’t Enough