Not necessarily. However, it is important to ensure that there is a clear diagnosis and that shock wave therapy is an appropriate treatment for your condition. In many cases, we suggest a visit with one of our team before arranging this procedure. We do, however, accept referrals from other medical and allied health professionals.

In some cases, e.g. those with Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis, shockwave has been shown to be more effective than three months of traditional rehabilitation.

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Some patients note an immediate improvement in their pain; however, the best results occur 12 weeks after the initial treatment.

1. Your clinician will locate the area of pain through palpation. This area will then be marked, and some ultrasound gel applied. 
2. The shockwave impulses are delivered using a hand-piece. It takes about five minutes to deliver a single treatment. This is generally said to be uncomfortable (rather than painful) and is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. The dose/intensity of the shocks can be turned up or down to make the procedure more tolerable.
3. This process is generally repeated a total of three times - with a week between treatments. Some patients note an immediate improvement in their pain; however, the best results occur 12 weeks after the initial treatment.

The procedure is generally said to be uncomfortable (rather than painful) and is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. However, in some situations, it can be quite unpleasant. Our team will work with you to try to minimise any pain or discomfort. Other than the pain felt during the procedure, the most common other side effect is local bruising or occasionally abrasions.