What is ESWT?
April 26th, 2015

Podiatry Care was one of the first podiatry clinics in Australia to introduce radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) as part of it’s tool box in dealing with chronic conditions such as heel spurs, heel pain and achilles tendinopathy early in 2011.

Podiatry Care were also one of the first podiatry clinics in South Australia to gain Accreditation through the Swiss Dolorclast Academy in the use of ESWT on patients after undergoing specific training with Professor Ludger Gerdesmeyer from the Swiss Dolorclast Academy in November 2011.

So what have we learnt since introducing ESWT over the last four years?

Our journey to date has shown some very positive outcomes can be achieved in conjunction with other conventional treatments including orthotic therapy, specific exercises and appropriate bracing. ESWT can sometimes be the extra help you need when all else has failed to provide satisfactory relief. ESWT can also be used in isolation, however, the best results are often achieved in combination with other therapies. Therapies most suitable will vary depending on individual requirements. Podiatry Care practitioners now have the most experience to recommend the best therapy for an optimal outcome.

What conditions can it be used for?

ESWT can help with:

  1. Heel spurs or heel spur syndrome;
  2. Heel pain and Bursitis;
  3. Tendon inflammation;
  4. Achilles heel pain or achilles tendinosis;
  5. Plantar fasciitis or plantar fasciosis;
  6. Metatarsalgia or pain beneath the ball of the foot;
  7. Retrocalcaneal bursitis;
  8. Shin pain or leg pain associated with trigger points;
  9. Posterior tibial tendon tendon pain

So if you’re still suffering with chronic pain even after undergoing numerous conservative treatment options, you may want to talk to your Podiatrist about ESWT. It’s not always the answer but, in conjunction with an accurate orthotic prescription and specific exercises, we have seen some life-changing results in the last five years.

How can I get help?

Click here to contact Podiatry Care for more information on ESWT.