Heel pain, Achilles soreness or ongoing foot discomfort can make every step difficult. For many people, rest, stretching and medication only provide temporary relief. That is where Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) comes in, a safe, non-invasive treatment that stimulates natural healing and helps you move comfortably again.
At Frenchs Forest Foot Care, we see patients every week who have struggled with heel or tendon pain for months without success. Shockwave Therapy often provides the breakthrough they have been waiting for.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses controlled acoustic pulses delivered to the injured area. These sound waves trigger the body’s own repair mechanisms by:
- Increasing blood flow to the affected tissues
- Stimulating collagen production for stronger healing
- Disrupting stiff or fibrotic tissue that limits mobility
- Reducing pain signals sent to the brain
Unlike quick fixes, ESWT addresses the source of the problem by encouraging tissue regeneration and long-term recovery.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Shockwave
Shockwave Therapy has become a popular option for treating foot and lower-limb issues that do not respond to traditional care. The conditions we treat most often include:
Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue under your foot becomes irritated, often due to overuse, poor footwear or sudden increases in activity.
How Shockwave helps:
- Promotes healing in the fascia
- Reduces stubborn heel pain
- Improves walking comfort and mobility
Many patients begin to feel improvement within a few sessions, especially when combined with exercise advice, footwear changes or custom orthotics.
Achilles Tendinopathy
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Overuse, running or even everyday activity can cause irritation and pain.
How Shockwave helps:
- Stimulates tendon repair and collagen remodelling
- Reduces stiffness and discomfort
- Supports a faster return to activity when paired with strengthening exercises
Research shows the best results are for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, while insertional pain near the heel bone can respond less consistently.
Heel Spurs and Chronic Tendon Injuries
Shockwave Therapy can also help with heel spurs and long-term tendon or ligament injuries by targeting the surrounding tissues, reducing pain and restoring function.
In addition to treating varying degrees of the above conditions, it can also assist with sore joints, Morton’s neuromas, and the relief of calf trigger points.
What to Expect During Treatment
One of the biggest advantages of Shockwave Therapy is its simplicity:
- Session length: Around 10 to 15 minutes
- Number of sessions: Most patients require 3 to 5, sometimes up to 6 depending on severity
- What it feels like: A series of firm pulses; mild discomfort is normal but well tolerated
- Downtime: None. You can usually continue normal daily activity straight after your session
Your podiatrist may also prescribe specific exercises, footwear changes or orthotics to support your recovery.
Why Choose Shockwave Therapy?
Patients are often referred for Shockwave Therapy when traditional treatments such as rest, stretching, medication or cortisone injections have failed. Unlike surgery, ESWT is:
- Non-invasive and safe
- Drug-free with minimal side effects
- Backed by growing clinical evidence for heel and tendon pain
- Supportive of long-term results when paired with a strengthening program
For many people, it is the step that finally helps them get back to work, sport and daily life without pain.
Why Choose Frenchs Forest Foot Care?
We have been trusted by the Northern Beaches community for more than 20 years. Our podiatrists provide evidence-informed treatments that combine hands-on care with practical advice on footwear, exercise and activity management.
Alongside Shockwave Therapy, our clinic also offers:
- General foot and nail care
- Injury and pain management
- Ingrown toenail treatment
- Children’s podiatry
- Diabetic foot care
- Custom orthotics
- Biomechanical gait assessments
- Wart treatment
Frequently Asked Questions about Shockwave Therapy
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
You will feel firm pulses during treatment. Most people find it tolerable, and intensity can be adjusted for comfort.
How soon will I feel results?
Some people notice relief after 1 to 2 sessions, but most improvement builds gradually over 3 to 5 treatments and the following weeks.
Can I keep exercising during treatment?
In many cases yes, but your podiatrist may adjust your training temporarily to protect healing tissues.
Is Shockwave Therapy safe?
Yes. It is a non-invasive treatment with very few side effects, most commonly mild redness or tenderness for 24 to 48 hours.
Will it help a heel spur?
ESWT does not remove the bony spur itself, but it treats the irritated soft tissue around it, which is usually the true source of pain.
Is it covered by private health?
Coverage depends on your fund and policy. We will provide an itemised invoice so you can check if you are eligible for a rebate.
Take the First Step Towards Pain-Free Movement
If heel or tendon pain is interfering with your work, exercise or lifestyle, Shockwave Therapy could be the next step. At Frenchs Forest Foot Care, we will assess your condition thoroughly and let you know whether ESWT is right for you.
📞 Call us today on (02) 9453 4400 or contact us online.
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