How Shockwave Therapy Can Help Treat Chronic Pain in Common Musculoskeletal Conditions

How Shockwave Therapy Can Help Treat Chronic Pain in Common Musculoskeletal Conditions

As National Pain Week (July 21-27) shines a spotlight on chronic pain across Australia, innovative treatments like Guided DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy offer new possibilities for those who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments. 

Chronic pain is more common than you think

If you’re living with chronic pain, you’re not alone. 3.6 million Australians experience chronic pain daily.1 That’s someone’s parent, partner or friend navigating life with discomfort that impacts everything they do.

You might have been told to “push through it” or that pain is “just part of getting older.” Perhaps you’ve had to make difficult choices about work, weekend plans or simple things like grocery shopping. The reality is that chronic pain affects every aspect of life, from your sleep and mobility to your mental health.

a different approach: guided DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy

There’s a treatment approach that’s been gaining attention for its effectiveness in addressing specific types of musculoskeletal pain conditions. Guided DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), takes a different approach – instead of only managing symptoms, it helps to activate your body’s own repair system.

how does Shockwave Therapy work for pain relief?

Here’s what happens:

what does a Shockwave Therapy session look like?

Each treatment session follows a simple process:
Dolorcast shockwave therapy treatment being applied to patient's shoulder for chronic musculoskeletal pain relief.

the research behind Shockwave Therapy

The EMS DolorClast® Radial Shockwave device we use is a safe, clinically proven, non-surgical and non-invasive treatment backed by extensive clinical research. Evidence shows that 90% of patients with certain musculoskeletal conditions experience significant pain relief.3

Studies have found this treatment to be an effective pain treatment for common conditions, such as:

Because we know that no two people experience pain the same way, the team at GO2 Health always start with an assessment. We take the time to understand your individual situation to determine whether this treatment aligns with your health needs before recommending treatment.

is Shockwave Therapy right for you?

Pain Week has got us thinking about how many people are quietly dealing with chronic pain every day. If you’re experiencing one of the conditions listed above and are curious about whether shockwave therapy could help, our Brisbane-based integrated healthcare team is here to explore options with you.

Book an initial consultation with our team to discuss how shockwave therapy could fit into a comprehensive care plan tailored to your needs.

Shockwave Therapy FAQs

Are there any side effects? Is shockwave therapy painful?

Shockwave Therapy is a clinically proven, safe and non-invasive treatment option for pain relief with no significant side effects.4 You may experience some tenderness post-session. Treatment tolerance varies significantly between individuals and depends on the condition being treated. Your practitioner can adjust the intensity, and you can always pause or stop treatment if needed. It's important to communicate your comfort level during the session.

How many sessions will I need?

Treatment plans typically involve 3 to 8 sessions. Your practitioner will discuss a personalised plan based on your specific condition and how you respond to initial treatments.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

References

1 Chronic Pain Australia. (2025). Welcome to Chronic Pain Australia. https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au/

2 Simplicio, C.L., Purita, J., Murrell, W., Santos, G.S., Santos, R.G., & Lana, J.F.S.D. (2020). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy mechanisms in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics & Trauma, 11(Suppl 3), S309-S318. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7275282/

3 EMS Australia and New Zealand. (2025). https://ems-dolorclast.com.au/

4 Dedes, V., Stergioulas, A., Kipreos, G., Dede, A.M., Mitseas, A., & Panoutsopoulos, G.I. (2018). Effectiveness and Safety of Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathies. Mater Sociomed, 30(2), 131-146. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6029898/ 

Originally posted 25 July, 2025.

How Shockwave Therapy Can Help Treat Chronic Pain in Common Musculoskeletal Conditions

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