Shockwave therapy in Mount Waverley.

For chronic tendon pain that hasn’t responded to rest, exercise, or other physio.

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic pulses delivered through a hand-held applicator into the affected tissue. It triggers a controlled biological response — increased blood flow, breakdown of disorganised tissue, and stimulation of new repair — in tendons and structures that have stalled in chronic dysfunction.

It’s not a first-line treatment for fresh injuries. It’s a tool for the stubborn cases — the ones that keep flaring no matter how many band exercises you do.

What it treats

  • Plantar fasciitis — chronic heel pain, especially first steps in the morning
  • Achilles tendinopathy — both mid-portion and insertional
  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow — when 6+ weeks of standard treatment hasn’t shifted it
  • Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
  • Greater trochanteric pain — chronic gluteal tendon issues at the side of the hip
  • Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder — calcium deposits in the rotator cuff
  • Hamstring tendinopathy — proximal pain at the sitting bone

The common theme: chronic tendon and soft tissue conditions that haven’t cleared with conservative treatment.

How it fits with the rest of treatment

Shockwave is a tool, not a standalone treatment. In a typical session, I’ll combine it with manual therapy, soft tissue work, and a targeted loading program — because stimulating the tissue is only useful if you also load it correctly afterwards.

That’s the difference between somewhere that just runs you through a shockwave machine and a hands-on physio session that uses shockwave where it’s the right tool.

What a session looks like

  • Assessment of the area — confirming shockwave is the right call for what’s going on
  • Treatment delivered via the hand-held applicator — usually 2,000–3,000 pulses over 5–10 minutes
  • Combined with manual therapy and any other indicated work
  • Loading program tailored to where you’re up to — short, specific, and actually useful

Frequently asked questions.

Does it hurt?

There's pressure and a sharp tapping sensation during treatment, and most people describe it as uncomfortable but tolerable. Intensity is dialled to your tolerance — we don't push past what's useful.

How many sessions will I need?

Typically 3–6 sessions, usually a week apart. You'll often feel some improvement after the first 1–2, but the full response builds over weeks as the tissue remodels.

Will I be sore afterwards?

Sometimes, mildly, for a day or two — like delayed muscle soreness. Avoid anti-inflammatories around treatment (they blunt the response we're trying to create).

Is it covered by private health?

It's billed within a physiotherapy session, so your standard physio rebate applies. The gap depends on your fund.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. Self-refer and book online.

Book a session and find out if shockwave is the right tool.

No GP referral required. Saturday and Sunday appointments.

Lifestyle Physio · 430 Huntingdale Road, Mount Waverley · Sat 9am–6pm · Sun 9am–12pm