Shockwave.
It Works.When other treatments haven't.
Evidence-based shockwave therapy for chronic tendon pain, overuse injuries, and conditions that haven't responded to rest alone.
We use the BTL-6000 SWT — one of the most powerful clinical shockwave devices available — to deliver targeted acoustic energy to damaged tissue. It stimulates the body's natural healing response, breaks down calcification, and is used as part of a structured rehabilitation program. A typical course of treatment involves 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart.
Acoustic Energy.
Real Healing.
Shockwave therapy — formally called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) — delivers high-energy acoustic waves to injured tissue. These waves stimulate the body's natural repair processes at a cellular level, breaking down scar tissue, promoting new blood vessel formation, and reactivating healing in tissue that has become chronically degenerated.
It's particularly effective for tendon conditions — structures that notoriously have poor blood supply and therefore struggle to heal on their own. Shockwave essentially gives the body a reason to try again.
It's not a new treatment — shockwave has been used in clinical settings since the 1990s and has one of the strongest evidence bases of any physiotherapy modality for chronic tendinopathy and calcification.
The Science Behind It
Three mechanisms. One outcome — tissue that was stuck in a chronic pain cycle starts healing again.
Acoustic waves stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in the treated area. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients delivered to healing tissue — the critical missing ingredient in chronic tendinopathy.
Shockwave triggers fibroblast activity — the cells responsible for producing collagen. New collagen means stronger, healthier tendon structure replacing the degenerated tissue that was causing pain.
For conditions like calcific shoulder tendinopathy, acoustic waves mechanically break down calcium deposits within the tendon. The body then reabsorbs the fragments — often producing rapid, dramatic pain relief.
What We Treat
With Shockwave
Shockwave is most effective for chronic overuse injuries and tendinopathies — conditions where rest alone isn't working and the tissue needs a stimulus to restart the healing process.
Heel pain that's worst in the morning, resistant to rest and stretching. One of the most well-researched shockwave indications.
Mid-portion or insertional Achilles pain in runners and active people. Shockwave is a first-line treatment option for chronic cases.
Jumper's knee — anterior knee pain below the kneecap that limits jumping, running, and sport. Strong shockwave evidence base.
Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff causing significant pain and movement restriction. Shockwave is highly effective at breaking these down.
Deep buttock/sit-bone pain that worsens with sitting, hills, and speed work. A stubborn condition — shockwave offers a meaningful treatment option.
Not sure if shockwave is right for your condition? Book a free call and we'll give you an honest answer before you commit to anything.
BTL-6000 SWT.
Clinical Grade.
Not all shockwave devices are equal. The BTL-6000 SWT is a high-performance clinical unit — the same class of device used in hospital and elite sports medicine settings. It delivers both radial and focused shockwaves with precise pressure and frequency control.
Maximum Pressure Output
6 Bar pressure output delivers effective acoustic energy to deep tissue structures — reaching pathology that lower-powered devices can't access.
Maximum Frequency
22 Hz maximum frequency allows efficient treatment delivery — reducing session time while maintaining therapeutic dose.
Industry-Leading Manufacturer
BTL is one of the world's leading medical technology companies, trusted by physiotherapy and sports medicine clinics globally.
Shockwave at SportsFit
Watch our clinicians delivering shockwave treatment for shoulder and Achilles conditions at our Five Dock clinic.
Why Choose Us for Shockwave
We're a sports performance clinic, not a general practice. Our approach to shockwave is clinical, specific, and always combined with the rehabilitation that makes the treatment stick.
The BTL-6000 SWT is a professional-grade device — not a consumer model. The pressure and frequency output make a real difference to treatment effectiveness.
Shockwave alone isn't always enough. We combine it with a structured loading program — the rehab that ensures the stimulus from shockwave actually translates into lasting recovery.
Our team understands the demands of sport and active life. We don't just treat the tendon — we manage your training load, keep you moving, and get you back to doing what you love.
Conveniently located in Five Dock with street parking and easy access from across the Inner West. Shockwave available by appointment.
What to Expect
Shockwave is straightforward. Here's how a typical course of treatment works at SportsFit.
Assessment First
Before any treatment, we assess your condition — confirming the diagnosis, understanding your history, and determining whether shockwave is indicated. Not every tendon condition responds equally to shockwave, and we'll be honest with you about what to expect before we start.
The Treatment Session
Shockwave sessions typically run 15–20 minutes. The applicator is placed on the skin over the treatment area with gel (similar to ultrasound). You'll feel a rapid tapping sensation — it can be uncomfortable over the most painful areas, but this settles quickly. Most people tolerate it well.
Course of Treatment
A typical course involves 3–6 sessions, spaced approximately one week apart. Response to treatment varies between individuals and conditions. The healing process continues for weeks after the final session as collagen remodelling progresses.
Loading Program Alongside
We'll prescribe a specific exercise program to run alongside your shockwave sessions. Tendon loading — done correctly — significantly improves outcomes compared to shockwave alone. This is where most clinics cut corners. We don't.
FAQ
It can be uncomfortable, particularly over the most inflamed or degenerated areas. Most people describe it as an intense tapping sensation that's tolerable for the duration of the session. The discomfort is generally a good sign — it indicates we're in the right location. Post-treatment soreness for 24–48 hours is normal and expected.
A typical course of shockwave therapy involves 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart. Response varies depending on the condition, how long it has been present, and individual factors. We reassess throughout treatment and will give you a realistic picture at your first appointment.
In most cases, yes — though we'll modify your training load around sessions and give you specific guidance on what to avoid in the 24–48 hours after treatment. Staying active (at the right intensity) actually supports the healing process. Complete rest is rarely the right approach.
Shockwave delivered by a physiotherapist is claimable under most Extras health insurance policies as a physiotherapy treatment. The rebate depends on your specific policy and limits. Bring your health fund card and we'll process the rebate on the day.
Possibly — it depends on why it didn't work previously. The most common reasons shockwave fails are: incorrect diagnosis, underpowered equipment, too few sessions, or no loading program alongside treatment. If any of those apply to your previous experience, there's a reasonable case for trying again with the right protocol. We're happy to discuss your history at an initial consultation.
No referral needed. Book directly online and we'll assess and treat at the same appointment where appropriate.
Not Sure If Shockwave Is Right for You?
Book a free call with one of our physios. We'll ask a few questions about your condition and give you an honest answer — no obligation to book an appointment.
Book a Free CallAlready decided? Book an appointment directly →
Five Dock, Inner West Sydney · No referral needed · Health fund rebates available