Focused Shockwave Therapy

Persistent pain doesn't always need surgery or injections.

Our new Focused Shockwave Therapy system helps stimulate your body's own healing response for many long-standing tendon, muscle and joint conditions—so you can get back to doing what you enjoy.

What is Focused Shockwave Therapy?

Most people imagine an electrical treatment. It isn't.

Focused Shockwave Therapy (technically focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy, fESWT) uses precisely targeted acoustic (sound) pulses that travel through the skin to the injured tissue. It was initially developed in the 1980s to dissolve kidney stones. Now it is used in the fields of musculoskeletal, urology and dermatology.

These sound pulses stimulate a natural healing response by increasing blood flow, encouraging new tissue repair and reducing pain sensitivity.

Think of it as giving your body the stimulus it needs to restart healing when an injury has stalled.

Why Focused Shockwave?

This is where the PiezoWave2 stands apart. Radial shockwave is limited in depth, accuracy and the experience can be painful.

Unlike many traditional radial shockwave systems that spread energy over a larger area, the PiezoWave2 allows us to focus treatment exactly where it's needed, both in depth and location.

Focused means:

✔ More precise treatment

✔ Less irritation of surrounding tissues

✔ Greater comfort during treatment

✔ Treatment of both superficial and deeper structures

✔ Tailored treatment depth for different injuries

Its piezoelectric technology creates highly focused acoustic waves with exceptional precision and allows clinicians to vary the focal zone depending on the tissue being treated

 

Conditions commonly treated with Focused Shock Wave Therapy

✅ Foot & Ankle: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles mid and insertional tendinopathy, heel spurs, bone bruise

✅ Knee: Patella tendinopathy, Jumper's knee, Runner's knee, ITB Friction Syndrome, Osteoarthritis

✅ Hip: Gluteal tendinopathy, Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, Hamstring tendinopathy

✅ Pelvis: Pelvic girdle pain, Erectile dysfunction, Peyronie`s Disease 

✅ Shoulder: Calcific tendinopathy, Frozen shoulder, Rotator cuff tendinopathy, Shoulder pain

✅ Elbow & Wrist: Tennis elbow, Golfer's elbow, Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

✅ Other: Chronic tendon pain, Muscle trigger points, Delayed bone healing (selected cases)

 

Some examples of Shockwave Therapy research for;

Plantar fasciitis (large effect on reducing pain and improving function)

Knee joint osteoarthritis (effective for mild to moderate knee OA)

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (much better 4 and 15 months long-term benefit compared to corticosteroid injection or home exercises only)

Carpal tunnel syndrome (mild to moderate severity, with 1 and 6 month followups, better than corticosteroid injections)

Frozen shoulder (improvements in pain and function)

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathies (focused SWT demonstrates superior performance over radial SWT at 3, 6 and 12 months)

 

Shockwave Therapy Esperance: FAQShockwave brochure download

What does treatment feel like?

Most people describe the treatment as a series of rapid tapping sensations.

Some areas can feel sensitive—particularly where the tissue is already irritated—but treatment is adjusted to a comfortable level and generally lasts only 5–10 minutes.

Most people return immediately to normal daily activities, but we advise avoiding strenuous activity for 24 hours.

How many treatments will I need?

Although everyone is different, many research protocols involve 3–6 treatments, usually spaced about one week apart.

Your physiotherapist will discuss what is most appropriate after your assessment, and these sessions will be part of a broader rehabilitation program.

Is Focused Shockwave Therapy right for me?

Focused Shockwave Therapy is generally considered when:

  • Pain has persisted for several months
  • Other treatments haven't provided lasting relief
  • You'd like to avoid injections or surgery if possible
  • You want to remain active while recovering

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, safe, drug-free option for many people. However, it may not be suitable for those who:

  • Are under 18 (unless cleared by X-ray for fused growth plates)
  • Are pregnant
  • Have blood clotting disorders or are on strong anticoagulants
  • Have had a cortisone injection in the area within the last 8-12 weeks
  • Have a pacemaker, tumour, infection, or open wound in the treatment area

A physiotherapy assessment will determine whether it's the right option for your condition.

Is Focused Shockwave Therapy covered by health insurance?

Yes, if you have ancillary private health insurance. You will always receive a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment, and, if appropriate, Focused Shockwave Therapy will be included in your treatment plan.

 

Why choose Esperance Physiotherapy for Shockwave Therapy?

Technology is only part of the solution.

Our physiotherapists combine advanced Focused Shockwave Therapy (PiezoWave2) with a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment, progressive rehabilitation and strength programs to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Every treatment plan is individual. Because no two injuries are the same.

Ready to move with less pain?

If you've been living with persistent tendon or muscle pain, Focused Shockwave Therapy may help restart the healing process.

Book an assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists today and find out if Focused Shockwave Therapy is right for you.