Shockwave Therapy – Information for GPs and Referring Practitioners

At Gateway Osteopathy, we are pleased to offer Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) as part of our treatment options for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. This non-invasive, evidence-based therapy is particularly effective for tendinopathies and persistent soft tissue pain that have not responded to standard conservative care.

Common Conditions We Treat with Shockwave:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Gluteal tendinopathy

• Patellar tendinopathy

• Tennis and golfer’s elbow

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy (e.g. supraspinatus)

• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy

How It Works

Shockwave delivers high-frequency acoustic pressure waves to the affected tissue, promoting increased blood flow, collagen regeneration, and breaking down calcifications or fibrotic tissue. It is well-tolerated and generally requires a short course of 3–6 weekly treatments.

Absolute Contraindications to Shockwave Therapy

While generally safe, there are specific situations where shockwave therapy is not recommended. These include:

• Pregnancy

• Malignancy (in the treatment area)

• Presence of a pacemaker or defibrillator (in the field of treatment)

• Active infection or open wounds

• Bleeding disorders or patients on anticoagulants

• Epiphyseal plates in children/adolescents

• Prosthetic implants in the immediate treatment area

If you’re unsure about a patient’s suitability, feel free to contact us directly—we’re happy to assist in assessing their candidacy.

Fees and Billing

Please note that shockwave therapy is charged at an additional $40 per session, on top of our standard osteopathic consultation fee. This is due to the specialised equipment, consumables, and clinician training involved.  However after an initial consultation many patients that are candidates for shockwave only required short consultations. 

Patients will be informed of any additional costs prior to treatment commencement, and a full treatment plan will be discussed during their initial consultation.

If you would like to discuss whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for a specific patient, or would like referral pads or more information sent to your clinic, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

* Disclaimer:
The information provided above is intended as a general guide for referring practitioners and does not constitute an exhaustive list of clinical considerations or contraindications. Clinical judgment should always be applied on a case-by-case basis. For specific patient enquiries or clarification, please contact our team directly.