Shockwave Therapy in Melbourne

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy (formally known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses a handheld applicator to deliver focused acoustic pressure waves through the skin and into injured tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissue. The waves create controlled mechanical stress in the tissue that signals the body to respond — stimulating fresh blood flow and cellular activity that support repair and can help restart a healing response that has stalled.

The “shockwave” name sounds dramatic, but the treatment is gentle. There are no needles, no incisions, and no drugs. Patients typically feel a deep pressure or mild ache during the session that eases once the applicator moves on. Most people are back to their normal day immediately after.

Shockwave Therapy is best known for plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and calcific rotator cuff tendinitis — conditions where the tissue has been irritated long enough that it struggles to heal on its own.

What to expect

Your first shockwave session starts with an assessment. Dr. Rachael Callaway reviews your history, examines the affected area, and uses palpation to map where the injured tissue is most reactive. That targeting step matters — placing the shockwave energy accurately is a big part of getting a good result.

During treatment you’ll be comfortably positioned on the table. A conductive gel is applied to the skin, and the handheld applicator is moved over the injury site while delivering pulses in a controlled pattern. Many patients describe the sensation as a deep vibration or pressure; the most reactive spots may feel like a brief ache. Settings are adjusted for your comfort throughout.

After the session there’s no recovery time. Some temporary soreness for a day or two is normal — similar to the feeling after an intense workout — and typically settles within 24–48 hours as your body adapts.

Who it helps

Shockwave Therapy is most often used for persistent tendon and soft-tissue problems that haven’t responded to rest, stretching, or routine care. If you’ve been nursing an injury for months without full resolution, shockwave may be worth discussing.

Conditions commonly treated with Shockwave Therapy:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain, including heel spurs
• Elbow pain (tennis and golfer’s elbow) — lateral or medial elbow tendon pain that won’t fully heal
• Rotator cuff and shoulder pain — including calcific rotator cuff tendinitis
• Hip pain and bursitis — including hip bursitis and hip or hamstring tendinopathies
• Knee pain from patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• Leg pain from Achilles tendinopathy or shin splints
• Overuse injuries — chronic strain patterns in athletes and active patients

Not every patient is a candidate — we screen at your exam — and individual results vary.

Why choose CARE Natural Wellness Center

Shockwave Therapy works best as part of a complete plan, not as a standalone procedure. At CARE Natural Wellness Center in Melbourne, Dr. Rachael Callaway uses Shockwave Therapy alongside her chiropractic adjusting and soft-tissue techniques. Our office can also pair it with red light therapy to support cellular repair, chiropractic care to help keep joints moving well while tissue heals, and PEMF or massage therapy to support circulation and ease tight muscles.

You get a clear explanation of what we found and a plan built around your injury — not a one-size-fits-all protocol. Ready to get your stubborn injury moving in the right direction? Visit our New Patient page or contact us to request your exam.