If you’ve been told you need shockwave therapy, here’s something most clinics won’t tell you: there are two very different types — Radial and Focused — and they work in completely different ways. Most clinics only have one machine. At The Footcare Clinic, we have both. That means we can match the right technology to your specific condition, rather than fitting your problem to the only tool available.
At The Footcare Clinic we combine shockwave with a tailored rehab program to get you back to doing what you love.
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s own healing process. The waves are delivered through a handheld device pressed against the skin, targeting the painful area beneath the surface.
The energy promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation, breaks down scar tissue, and triggers the regeneration of tendons, bones, and soft tissue. It’s non-invasive, has no downtime, and is backed by a strong body of clinical evidence. Most people who haven’t responded to rest, physio, or other treatments find shockwave to be the turning point in their recovery.
The two types of shockwave aren’t interchangeable. Each has a distinct mechanism, and each is better suited to different conditions and depths of tissue.
Radial shockwave uses compressed air to fire a projectile inside the handpiece, creating a pressure wave that spreads outward into the tissue like ripples on water. It’s particularly effective for larger, more surface-level areas — treating muscle tightness, trigger points, and tendon pain across a wide zone. Think of it as a broad, powerful reset for overworked or inflamed tissue. It’s generally well tolerated and works well for conditions where the pain is more widespread or closer to the surface.
Best for:
Focused shockwave works differently. Rather than spreading outward, the energy is concentrated through a lens to a precise focal point deep inside the tissue — reaching up to approximately 12 cm below the surface. This makes it significantly more powerful at the target site. It’s the go-to for stubborn, deep-seated conditions that haven’t responded to anything else. The treatment is more intense, but the precision means more energy delivered exactly where it’s needed, with less impact on surrounding tissue.
Best for:
| Radial Shockwave (RPW) | Focused Shockwave (ESWT) |
|---|---|
| Spreads energy outward in a cone shape | Concentrates energy to a precise focal point |
| Treats broader surface areas and large muscle groups | Targets specific, hard-to-reach tissue deep below the surface |
| Penetrates to approx. 3–4 cm depth | Penetrates up to approx. 12 cm depth |
| Ideal for widespread muscle tightness, trigger points, and surface-level tendon pain | Ideal for chronic, stubborn tendinopathies and deep tissue conditions |
| Great for: plantar fasciitis, shin pain, Achilles, tight calves | Great for: calcific tendinitis, deep heel pain, chronic tendinopathies |
| Generally more comfortable during treatment | More intense sensation, higher energy delivery |
Most clinics invest in one shockwave machine and use it for everything. The problem is, not every condition responds to the same type of treatment.
Having both Radial and Focused Shockwave means your podiatrist can use the right tool for the right job — or combine both for conditions that benefit from treating multiple tissue depths at once. This flexibility leads to better outcomes, especially for complex or long-standing conditions.
It’s the difference between a general approach and a genuinely tailored one.
We don’t just have the technology — we know how to use it. Our podiatrists will assess your condition and recommend the most effective combination of treatments for you.
Between Radial and Focused Shockwave, we can treat a wide range of foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions:
Between Radial and Focused Shockwave, we can treat a wide range of foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions:
We know your time is valuable — and we always aim to run on time.
Before your appointment, you’ll receive an email with a link to complete your intake forms online. If you’d prefer to do it in person, just arrive 10 minutes early.
On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a smile! Your podiatrist will take the time to listen to your history, carry out a thorough assessment, and begin treatment — all in the one visit.
We’ll follow up with personal emails or SMS (no bulk spam), and ask for your feedback so we can keep improving.
Shockwave is non-invasive — there are no needles or punctures. For the first few seconds you may feel some discomfort, and we’ll adjust the intensity to suit you. This is usually followed by a numbing or heaviness in the area, and most people report a noticeable reduction in pain immediately after treatment. Focused Shockwave can feel more intense than Radial, but the sessions are short and the results are worth it.
Your podiatrist will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate type — Radial, Focused, or a combination of both. We’ll explain the reasoning so you understand exactly what you’re getting and why.
Sessions are 10–15 minutes. Most people need 4–6 sessions over 4–6 weeks, though many notice a real difference after the first one or two. Your podiatrist will map out a clear plan for you at your initial consultation.
Yes — and it often works best as part of a combined approach. We regularly pair Shockwave with K-Laser, EMTT, and a tailored rehab program for faster, more lasting results.
No referral needed. You can book directly. The only exceptions are if you’re eligible for a Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan through your GP, or if you’re a DVA Gold Card holder.
Our team is in high demand, so same-day appointments aren’t always available — but give us a call and we’ll do everything we can to fit you in.
Initial consultations are 40 minutes — enough time to properly assess you, talk through your options, and start treatment. Follow-up appointments are generally 20 minutes.
Yes, we accept all major private health funds and have HICAPS on-site so you can claim on the spot.
Our Online Booking Portal is the easiest, most convenient way to lock in the time you want.
