Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Perth | ESTW - Rightstep Podiatry
08 9455 6009

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Unit 4, 2 Panama Street

Canning Vale WA 6155

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

Shockwave therapy in action

ESWT is a non-invasive treatment for patients experiencing chronic pain in the heel – most commonly, the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon.

Clinical trials have proven ESWT to be 80% effective in the treatment of heel pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does shockwave therapy/ESWT work?

ESWT requires just the placement of an apparatus on the affected area with ultrasound gel.
A metal ball travelling back and forth in the tube within the apparatus then generates shockwaves.
These shockwaves are then applied to the affected area.

There are a number of theories about how this treatment works, the most accepted is that ESWT causes interstitial and extracellular biological responses which have a regenerative and tissue repairing effect in musculoskeletal tissues.

What are some indications for shockwave therapy/ESWT?

  • Plantar fasciopathy
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Peroneal tendinopathy

How many rounds of shockwave therapy/ESWT will be required?

3-6 treatments spaced a week apart have found to be effective in the majority of patients.

Is the treatment painful?

Patients commonly describe a flicking or light sensation during treatment, this is usually tolerable but some patients may experience an increased sensation when the area is close to bone.

Are there any possible side effects of shockwave therapy/ESWT?


Following treatment, some patients may experience an increase in symptoms for a short period. If this is the case, please avoid anti-inflammatories and take paracetamol if required.  There may be some bruising but this is rare.

Will other treatments be required as well as ESWT?

Yes, sometimes the following may be used in conjunction to ESWT:

  • Ice
  • A compression sock that is helpful for heel pain
  • Calf Stretches
  • Exercise therapy
  • Orthoses to correct poor lower limb biomechanics
  • Injection therapy

If you think that you would like to trial Shockwave Therapy for your heel pain, please do not hesitate to book an appointment to see us. 

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