Shockwave Therapy Northern Beaches

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is the broader term for any shockwave therapy delivered externally to the body.

One of the most common forms is radial shockwave therapy, which works by delivering radial pressure waves outward from the treatment site and is frequently used to help manage musculoskeletal conditions.

Mild discomfort or tingling in the treated area during or after treatment is not uncommon. In most cases, this tends to ease as treatment progresses over a few sessions.

A shockwave therapy session usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes for one area, or around 20 minutes if two areas are being addressed.

Your initial shockwave therapy session begins with a review of your medical history and a brief assessment of the area being treated. Ultrasound gel is then applied to the treatment site, and the shockwave device is guided gently over the affected area.

Many people find the experience uncomplicated and are welcome to leave straight after their session.

Most people are able to return to their normal routine immediately after their shockwave therapy session.

For soft tissue injuries, four to six sessions may be sufficient to help support recovery and assist in managing pain, though this can vary depending on the individual and their condition.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that some people explore before considering invasive surgeries. Whether it’s the right choice depends on your individual condition and medical history.

Yes, shockwave treatment may be claimed through private health insurance.

Shockwave therapy may work well as a standalone treatment for some people, particularly those with minor soft tissue injuries. For longer-standing conditions such as plantar fasciitis, your physiotherapist may suggest combining it with other treatments like physical therapy or dry needling.

If other treatments or pain relief approaches have not provided lasting results, shockwave therapy may be an option worth considering as part of your ongoing care.

The cost of shockwave therapy will vary depending on the clinic and your individual treatment needs. At DX Physio, we recommend reaching out to us directly for up-to-date pricing. Our team is happy to help you understand your options, including any potential private health insurance coverage.

In Australia, Medicare coverage for shockwave therapy is generally not available, as the treatment is typically considered elective and does not currently appear on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

There are, however, some limited circumstances where a Medicare rebate may apply, particularly for those managing chronic conditions through an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Chronic Disease Management plan.

Should your GP arrange this and you qualify, you may be eligible to access up to five subsidised allied health sessions per year. Shockwave therapy may be included if it forms part of your tailored care plan.

We service patients in Sydney from suburbs including: