Swiss DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy

Book an appointment with Physio Garth Van Der Merwe to revolutionise your recovery with DolorClast Shockwave

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What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy delivers non-invasive therapy using high-energy acoustic waves to treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other chronic soft-tissue injuries. It stimulates healing by improving blood flow, reducing pain, and promoting tissue regeneration. Most treatments require 3–5 sessions, and side effects are minimal. This therapy is an effective option for patients who haven’t responded to rest or standard physiotherapy.

Why use Swiss Swiss DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy?

Not all shockwave machines are the same, and it is essential that your treatment is delivered in line with international best practice. At Institute of Sport Physiotherapy Grafton, we use Swiss DolorClast® shockwave devices, which are backed by robust clinical research for their safety and effectiveness.

Shockwave therapy is dose dependent, meaning the quality of your results relies on how precisely energy can be delivered. Many devices and handpieces cannot maintain consistent energy at higher frequencies, which can reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

The Swiss DolorClast® systems used in our clinic provide superior, reliable energy output at higher frequency settings compared with many other devices used in New Zealand, ensuring you receive the most effective shockwave therapy we can offer.

How the Swiss DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy Works

The device generates radial and focused shock waves that pass through the skin into the underlying tissues. Compressed air in the handpiece drives a small projectile, creating shock waves that stimulate cellular activity, improve blood flow, and promote tissue regeneration.


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Why Swiss DolorClast® Stands Out

  • Proven clinical results: Backed by large randomized trials showing higher success rates, particularly for chronic plantar fasciitis.
  • Radial and focused waves: Offers both radial and focused shock wave options, allowing truly tailored treatment.
  • Non-invasive and safe: Well established for safety, with typically mild, transient side effects and rare complications.
  • Effective for multiple conditions: Widely used for stubborn tendon and soft tissue problems that have not responded to other treatments.

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Benefits

  • Reduces pain through nerve desensitisation
  • May help break down calcifications and fibrosis
  • Improves mobility and can speed up recovery
  • Increase local blood circulation
  • Stimulate cellular repair and regeneration
  • Improve tissue metabolism
  • Break down poorly healing scar tissue

This process encourages the body’s natural healing response and can help restart recovery in areas that have become slow to respond to loading or rehabilitation alone.


Conditions Commonly Treated

This therapy is commonly used for:

  • Chronic plantar fasciitis/ heel pain
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
  • Chronic tendon or soft-tissue pain that has not responded fully to exercise-based rehabilitation
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip pain)
  • Calcific shoulder problems
  • Myofascial trigger points

Shockwave is most effective when combined with appropriate loading, strength, and movement-based rehab, rather than used as a standalone treatment.


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Effectiveness

Studies, including large randomized trials, show higher success rates and significant pain reduction for conditions such as chronic plantar fasciitis. Systematic reviews support its effectiveness and safety when appropriate treatment protocols are followed.

What to Expect From Treatment

  • Assessment: Your physiotherapist will assess whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.
  • Treatment: Shockwave pulses are delivered via a handheld device directly to the affected area.
  • Session length: Treatment typically takes 5–10 minutes per area.
  • Sensation: Some discomfort is normal, but intensity is adjusted to remain tolerable.
  • Course of care: Most people require 3–6 sessions, usually spaced one week apart.

Some post-treatment soreness is normal and usually settles within 24–48 hours.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?

Shockwave therapy is considered safe when applied appropriately. It may not be suitable in certain situations, including:

  • Pregnancy (over the treatment area)
  • Active infection or tumour at the treatment site
  • Blood clotting disorders or anticoagulant use
  • Acute fractures

Your physiotherapist will screen for contraindications before commencing treatment.


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Shockwave Therapy at Institute of Sport Physiotherapy

At Institute of Sport Physiotherapy Grafton, shockwave therapy is not offered in isolation. It is integrated into a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, alongside:

  • Detailed clinical assessment
  • Progressive strength and loading programs
  • Movement retraining
  • Sport-specific or activity-based rehab

Our focus is not just pain relief, but long-term recovery and return to performance.

Treatment Costs

Private
Single site$130.00
Multi site$200.00

Book an Appointment

If you’re dealing with a persistent tendon or soft-tissue injury and would like to know whether shockwave therapy is suitable for you, Book an appointment with Physio Garth Van Der Merwe to revolutionise your recovery with DolorClast® Shockwave.