Plantar Fasciitis
Persistent plantar heel pain and related soft tissue symptoms.
Williamstown Health + Lifestyle
Advanced technology to support your recovery journey.
At Williamstown Health + Lifestyle, we incorporate EMS Radial Shockwave (ESWT) and High Powered Laser technology as part of our comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal care.
These evidence-based modalities work alongside manual therapy and rehabilitation to support tissue adaptation and recovery.
Intro to Laser & Shockwave Therapy
At Williamstown Health + Lifestyle, we incorporate EMS Radial Shockwave (ESWT) and High Powered Laser technology as part of our comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal care.
These modalities work alongside manual therapy and rehabilitation to support tissue adaptation and recovery.
We use the EMS DolorClast shockwave system and therapeutic laser technology to target areas experiencing dysfunction or discomfort.
Our team considers when laser or shockwave therapy may complement your treatment and rehabilitation.
What Are These Therapies Used For?
Shockwave therapy has a strong evidence base for certain tendon-related conditions and plantar heel concerns. Laser therapy may assist with aspects of pain and inflammation management across selected presentations.
Persistent plantar heel pain and related soft tissue symptoms.
Tendon-related discomfort around the heel and calf.
Patellar tendon symptoms affecting the front of the knee.
Tendon-related pain around the outside of the elbow.
Tendon conditions affecting the hip and posterior thigh.
Selected shoulder tendon and soft tissue presentations.
Selected acute muscle strains, muscular discomfort and chronic trigger points.
Some spinal discomfort, disc-related and nerve-related presentations.
Selected osteoarthritis-related discomfort and post-operative rehabilitation presentations.
Understanding the Technology
Both technologies can be used alongside hands-on treatment and individualised exercise rehabilitation.
Acoustic Pressure Waves
Shockwave therapy works by delivering acoustic pressure waves to tissues, which may stimulate metabolic activity and support remodelling processes in tendons and other structures.
Research suggests this approach can help manage persistent tendon conditions and plantar heel discomfort when combined with appropriate loading programs.
Therapeutic Light
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue at a cellular level.
It may support management of inflammation and discomfort in selected presentations while complementing tissue rehabilitation.
What sets WHL apart is that these modalities can be included within your existing osteopathy or physiotherapy treatment and management plan at no additional cost when indicated. Standalone therapy appointments are also available.
Your Treatment Experience
Your practitioner will first assess whether these therapies are appropriate for your presentation.
01 / ASSESS
We consider your symptoms, clinical findings and goals before deciding whether laser, shockwave or a combined approach is suitable.
02 / TREAT
Where suitable, laser therapy may be performed before shockwave application. The treatment intensity is adjusted to the individual.
03 / REHABILITATE
Where indicated, treatment is combined with exercise, progressive loading and individualised rehabilitation.
Initial Treatment Phase
A typical protocol may involve two sessions per week for two weeks, alongside an individualised rehabilitation plan.
Follow-Up Phase
Treatment may then progress to one session per week for two weeks, alongside a focused loading program.
Each modality session runs for approximately 15 minutes. The number and frequency of sessions depend on your clinical presentation.
During shockwave application, you may hear the device and experience tingling or pressure at the treatment site. We aim to keep discomfort manageable, generally below 4/10 on a subjective scale. Laser therapy is generally comfortable, although gentle warmth may be felt.
Treatment Options
These modalities may be incorporated into your existing treatment plan, or booked as a standalone appointment.
As Part of Your Care
Where clinically appropriate, laser and shockwave can be incorporated into your broader treatment plan without an additional modality charge.
Standard consultation fees apply. Treatment suitability is assessed by your practitioner.
Book Your Appointment →Standalone Appointment
A standalone 15-minute appointment for patients specifically seeking these treatment modalities.
No prior consultation is required, although your practitioner will assess treatment suitability at your appointment.
Book a Standalone Session →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While these modalities are included in our comprehensive treatment plans when appropriate, we also offer individual 15-minute sessions for $65 if you're specifically seeking these therapies.
Combining hands-on therapy, rehabilitation and technology-assisted modalities may form part of a broader management approach.
No special preparation is required. Laser therapy cannot be applied over tattooed skin at WHL.
Some people experience mild discomfort following shockwave therapy, though this is uncommon.
You'll receive post-treatment instructions tailored to your condition, typically including individualised rehabilitation guidelines.
Shockwave therapy is not appropriate over active infections, suspected malignancies, open wounds, acute ruptures, areas of severe peripheral neuropathy or growth plates in adolescents.
We take precautions with pregnancy (avoiding the abdomen, pelvis and low back), bleeding disorders, recent corticosteroid injections (waiting approximately six weeks), and sensitive areas over superficial metal implants.
Laser therapy should be avoided over known or suspected malignancies, the thyroid, active bleeding and photosensitive skin conditions, and during pregnancy over the abdomen and low back.
We also exercise caution with certain photosensitising medications and avoid high-frequency modes in people with epilepsy.
There are no additional rebates beyond standard osteopathy or physiotherapy health insurance claims when these modalities are incorporated into your overall treatment.
Check directly with your health fund regarding benefits and provider eligibility.
You can book directly through our website or contact the clinic.
No prior consultation is required for a standalone appointment, although your practitioner will assess suitability during your first session.
Supporting Your Recovery
Laser and shockwave therapy represent tools in modern musculoskeletal management, particularly when integrated with hands-on treatment and progressive rehabilitation.
At Williamstown Health + Lifestyle, we take an evidence-informed approach to incorporating these modalities, ensuring they complement your overall care plan and support your individual recovery goals.
Whether you're managing a persistent tendon issue, recovering from an acute strain or working through ongoing discomfort, our team can help you understand the appropriate options.
Williamstown Health + Lifestyle
Our clinicians can assess your presentation and discuss whether laser or shockwave therapy may be appropriate as part of your care.
Your Local Clinic
Williamstown Health + Lifestyle
95/99A Douglas Parade, Williamstown VIC 3016
Free parking at rear via Napier Street.
Phone: 03 9397 8877