Shockwave Therapy Christchurch

Lasting relief for foot, heel and lower limb pain

Is persistent foot or lower leg pain keeping you from your favourite sport, walking or hiking, or just getting through each day? Pain should not limit your everyday life, and the Merivale Podiatry team can help you get back to all the things you enjoy.

We're excited to offer extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in our Christchurch clinic, a science-backed, advanced, non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate your body's natural healing processes.

Our expert podiatrists use the industry-leading EMS DolorClast® shockwave therapy system to help you recover from tendon, fascia and soft tissue conditions in your feet or lower legs.

Get back to doing what you love

Ready to start finding relief? Give us a call on 03 355 9481 or email reception@merivalepodiatry.co.nz.

What can shockwave therapy help with?

Shockwave therapy may be particularly effective for acute and chronic soft tissue injuries that have not responded well to traditional treatments.

We use shockwave therapy to treat various lower limb issues, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
  Persistent arch and heel pain that's often worse first thing in the morning.
• Achilles tendinopathy
  Stiffness, swelling, or aching in the tendon behind your ankle.
• Posterior tibial tendonitis
  Pain along the inside of your foot and ankle.
• Peroneal tendinopathy
  Aching along the outer edge of the foot and ankle.
• Heel spurs
  Chronic soreness linked to bony growths under your heel.
• Metatarsalgia
  Pain in the ball of the foot.
• Sesamoiditis
  Pain under the big toe joint.

Wondering whether shockwave therapy could be right for you? Call us on 03 355 9481. All our staff are familiar with the technology and can answer many of your questions.

How EMS DolorClast® shockwave therapy works

At Merivale Podiatry Christchurch, we want the best for our patients. That's why we use the Swiss-engineered EMS DolorClast® system, which is backed by extensive clinical research.

The EMS DolorClast® device delivers high-energy acoustic (sound) waves directly into the affected tissues via a handheld applicator. Shockwave therapy does not just mask or temporarily relieve your symptoms. The kinetic pulses help to reactivate your body's natural healing mechanisms. In chronic conditions, shockwave therapy can:

What happens during treatment?

First, your podiatrist will assess you and review your imaging. If they're confident shockwave therapy could work for you, they'll recommend it as part of your personalised treatment plan.

Once the treatment area has been confirmed, they'll apply some gel to your skin and place the DolorClast applicator over the area.

You'll hear the machine working and may feel slight discomfort as the shock waves are delivered. Your podiatrist will adjust the treatment according to your comfort levels.

Shockwave therapy generally involves a course of treatments. The number and frequency of sessions will depend on your condition and how you respond. Your podiatrist will discuss this with you.

Each treatment usually only takes 10 to 15 minutes and there's no downtime afterwards.

Shockwave therapy is not the only thing we use to help you recover. Depending on your diagnosis, we might also recommend exercise, footwear, orthotics/braces or other podiatry treatments.

Want to know what shockwave treatment feels like or how many sessions you might need? Call us on 03 355 9481 or email reception@merivalepodiatry.co.nz.

Why choose Merivale Podiatry for shockwave therapy?

If you're considering shockwave therapy in Christchurch, the technology is only part of the picture. The most important thing is to get the diagnosis right, because this determines which treatments will work for you.

At Merivale Podiatry, your feet are in expert, caring hands. Clinic owner and founder Sophie has carefully chosen our team members for their expertise, enthusiasm and attention to detail. Every one of our experienced podiatrists is dedicated to helping you get the best possible outcomes.

• All our podiatrists keep up to date with current research, treatment approaches and technology.
• We take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and deliver care tailored to your lifestyle. We'll only recommend treatments that we're confident will help you.
• Our team has completed comprehensive, specialised training on the EMS DolorClast® system to ensure every session is administered safely, comfortably, and effectively.
• We're the trusted partners of leading Christchurch health professionals, including physiotherapists, GPs and specialists.

How to get started with shockwave treatment in Christchurch

We follow a step-by-step process to help ensure shockwave therapy is safe and effective for you.

1. Initial podiatry assessment
   We evaluate your medical history, lower limb and foot mechanics and anything else that's relevant to your symptoms.
2. Imaging review
   We need a recent ultrasound or X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and ensure shockwave treatment is appropriate. If you don't have imaging yet, we can help you arrange it.
3. Tailored treatment plan
   Your podiatrist will design a custom shockwave protocol (typically 3 to 6 sessions spaced a week apart) alongside therapies like custom orthotics, footwear and graded return to activity.

Have questions about whether shockwave therapy is right for you? Give us a call or send an email, even our receptionists are educated about the technology and are happy to guide you.

Contact us on 03 355 9481 or email reception@merivalepodiatry.co.nz.

Shockwave therapy FAQs

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to deliver mechanical energy to targeted tissues. This stimulation can produce biological responses associated with pain reduction and tissue repair. At Merivale Podiatry Christchurch, we use the EMS DolorClast® system for shockwave therapy.

How many sessions will I need?

No single treatment schedule is right for everyone, but chronic lower limb conditions often respond best to a course of 3 to 6 sessions, scheduled 7 to 10 days apart. The number of sessions depends on your diagnosis, symptoms and response to treatment. Your podiatrist will recommend an individual treatment plan.

Is there any downtime?

No. You can walk straight out of the clinic and return to light activities right away, but we recommend avoiding high-impact exercise for 48 hours after a session.

Is shockwave therapy suitable for plantar fasciitis?

Shockwave therapy is an option for some people with persistent plantar fasciitis or plantar heel pain. However, not every case of heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis. That's why it's important to have an assessment and appropriate imaging before you start treatment.

Can shockwave therapy help heel pain?

Shockwave therapy is used for conditions such as plantar fasciopathy that commonly cause persistent heel pain. Your podiatrist will first work out what's causing your heel pain and determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.

Can shockwave therapy help Achilles tendon pain?

Shockwave therapy can be suitable for people with Achilles tendinopathy, including insertional and mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Several things can cause pain in the Achilles tendon, so it's crucial to get it assessed by a professional.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

You may feel some discomfort while the shock waves are being delivered, particularly if we're treating a very sensitive or painful area. Your podiatrist can adjust the treatment according to your response. Mild pain, discomfort, redness or swelling can occur following treatment and generally settle relatively quickly.

Do I need a referral for shockwave therapy?

No. Merivale Podiatry accepts appointments without a referral. You will need a podiatry assessment before starting shockwave therapy to determine whether it's suitable for you.

Do I need imaging before shockwave therapy?

Yes. We need imaging to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether shockwave therapy is right for you. We will usually have access to your recent imaging.

Is shockwave therapy suitable for everyone?

No. Shockwave therapy isn't appropriate for every condition or every person. Your podiatrist will assess your symptoms, medical history, diagnosis and imaging before recommending treatment.

Can shockwave therapy be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Shockwave therapy often forms part of a broader treatment and rehabilitation plan. Depending on your condition, this may include exercises, footwear advice, orthotics, activity modification or other podiatric treatments.

How do I book shockwave therapy in Christchurch?

The first step is to book a podiatry assessment with Merivale Podiatry in Christchurch. Our friendly reception team is familiar with the EMS DolorClast® technology and can answer many of your questions about shockwave therapy before your appointment.

Call 03 355 9481 or email reception@merivalepodiatry.co.nz to get started.