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Heel or Achilles pain that's been hanging around?
Another option for long-standing pain, alongside your strength plan
Shockwave therapy for heel and Achilles pain
Radial shockwave therapy (radial pressure-wave therapy) sends pulses of pressure-wave energy through the skin into a painful heel or tendon. It may be considered, where suitable, for persistent heel or Achilles pain that hasn't settled with other care, alongside a strength program. The evidence is mixed and improvement is not assured.
How we can help at Burwood Podiatry
Shockwave may help long-standing heel or Achilles pain that hasn't settled with other care, alongside a strength program, as part of a plan to get you back to your walks.
- A check of your health and medicines to see if it suits you
- Radial shockwave sessions, adjusting the intensity as we go; you can pause or stop any time
- A strength program alongside it: strength and rehab
- A clear review point: we agree what change to look for before continuing
What happens at your appointment
Assess
We confirm the diagnosis and check shockwave suits you.
Treat
The pulses are applied to the sore area; it can feel like strong tapping.
Review
We quote the course total before you start and review before continuing.
Before and after your visit
- Tell us about medicines, pregnancy and any medical conditions before treatment
- Some soreness, redness or bruising for a few days afterwards is common
- Keep up your stretches and strength work between sessions
- Let us know if pain is getting worse rather than better
Is it right for me?
- Heel pain and plantar fasciitis that hasn't settled with stretching, easing back on what makes it worse it, strengthening and footwear
- Long-standing Achilles pain, usually alongside a calf-strengthening plan
- Not suitable in pregnancy, over some areas or with certain medical conditions
- Usually not used on its own
Our machine
We use a radial pressure-wave (radial shockwave) device, included in the ARTG. Radial devices deliver energy that is strongest near the skin and spreads out as it travels deeper.
A sudden pop or snap at the back of the ankle, or new difficulty pushing off, needs same-day care. Emergency, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale or blue? Call 000.
Shockwave questions
What can I try for heel or Achilles pain that won't settle?
When pain has lasted despite stretching, easing back on what makes it worse it, strengthening and footwear, radial shockwave may be considered alongside a strength program. The evidence is mixed and improvement isn't assured; it's $162 a session, and we agree a review point before continuing.
How much does shockwave therapy cost?
$162 per session, no Saturday surcharge, plus the assessment as a standard appointment ($112 with Jasem, or $162 with Jonathan; $179 on Saturdays). We quote the course total before you start.
What are the side effects of shockwave therapy?
Usually short-lived soreness, redness, swelling or bruising for a few days. Serious complications are rare but include a very small risk of tendon or plantar fascia rupture.
Who shouldn't have shockwave therapy?
It isn't suitable for everyone, including in pregnancy, over some treatment areas or with certain medical conditions. We check your health and medicines first.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
We usually start with 3 sessions, about a week apart, then check your progress. If it isn't helping enough, we review your plan and look at other options. The number is confirmed after your assessment, and we quote the total before you start.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
The pulses can feel like strong tapping and may be uncomfortable. We adjust the intensity as we go; tell us and we'll pause or stop.
Is shockwave used on its own?
Usually not. It accompanies a strength program and footwear changes rather than replacing them.
Do I need a referral for shockwave therapy?
No referral is needed for a private appointment.
Can I claim shockwave on my health fund?
Check your level of cover with your health fund first; if podiatry extras apply, we can claim on the spot with HICAPS.
Where to next
Sources
Reviewed by Burwood Podiatry · November 2026