Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT CONDITIONS DO YOU TREAT?

We treat quite a number of conditions, mainly:
Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Achilles tendonitis
Rotator cuff - Shoulder tendonitis (often calcific deposits are present)
Trochanteric bursitis of the Hip
Tennis elbow/ golfers elbow
Patellar tendonitis
Dequervains

We DO NOT however treat any areas around the spine, nor do we treat any arthritic problems. We are a dedicated tendon clinic.

DO YOU TREAT SPINAL/BACK PAIN OR ARTHRITIS?

No, we do not treat areas around the spine or arthritic problems. We are a dedicated tendon clinic, treating conditions such as Plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles tendonitis, Rotator cuff - Shoulder tendonitis (often calcific deposits are present), Trochanteric bursitis of the Hip, Tennis elbow/ golfers elbow, Patellar tendonitis Dequervains.

Read more information about our Treatment and Conditions treated here

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE - AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Our Clinic provides lithotripsy treatment - using the only dedicated, ultrasound guided machine in Queensland. The Dornier EPOS Ultra equipment is specifically designed to treat shallow depths where the tendons lie and is focused using ultrasound scanning to determine the exact position/depth of the tendon. The machine produces a soundwave through a small water cushion which is then focused onto the tendon area. There is often a small “core” of inflammation that is worse within that area so we also position with patient feedback as to where their pain is usually at its greatest. 

You can read in more detail how the Machine works here

HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION TAKE & HOW MANY WILL I NEED?

Your initial visit includes a detailed consultation  to explain in detail what to expect and how it all works, then your will proceed with your first treatment, so allow about 45 mins for the first appointment. Each session after that should take about 30 minutes per area. You will need to allow longer if you require e.g both feet treated as we can only treat one tendon at a time as it focuses specifically on the area of problem.

WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT DO TO THE SPUR; WILL IT GO AWAY?

The spur is usually the end product of the problem and NOT the cause of the pain, and therefore has no reason to be removed..
The cause of your heel pain is the inflammation which can cause the plantar fascia to swell and can feel like there is a stone bruise or something in it.
So, we treat the cause - the inflammation.

WILL I BE ABLE TO GO BACK TO RUNNING / SPORT?

Our aim is to remove the inflammation / calcium so you can go back to doing normal activities.

WILL I BE ABLE TO PLAY GOLF OR SPORT DURING TREATMENT?

If golf aggravates it in any way then no, you will be asked to stop for a few weeks.

IS IT GUARANTEED TO WORK?

No, nothing in medicine is guaranteed but we do have very good/ consistent success in treating these problems. This is why we continue to get regular referrals from our Doctors and allied heath base.

WILL I SEE IMPROVEMENTS EACH WEEK ON THE ULTRASOUND SCREEN?

No,  most of your improvement happens after completion of treatment, over a few weeks, so we will do follow-up calls to you over a period of weeks post treatment to assess how you are progressing.

WHY DOESN'T MY GP KNOW ABOUT THIS?

Our GPs get a vast amount of literature thrown at them each week so it is impossible to read it all. There are thousands of GPs throughout Qld, many of which it is impossible to visit, so word of mouth is very important and we also try to inform them through their GP divisional bases. We also do conferences to help get information to them.

WHAT IS THE COST OF TREATMENT?

We usually do 3 treatments, roughly a week apart. Cost is $495 if you pay for your treatments at the first visit (this will also include a 4th treatment if necessary) or $185 per session if paying weekly. This wont include a 4th visit.
Please feel free to call us to discuss treatment regime and why we do a series of treatments for you. Please click here for our Contact details

WHY IS THERE NO MEDICARE REBATE?

When the orthopaedic lithotripsy was set up they opted out of the medicare system similar to dentists, so rebate from health funds is also very variable, but some oblige. You will need to call your fund and ask, as it will depend on the fund and what cover you have with them. Some will not rebate.

IS TREATMENT COVERED THROUGH WORKCOVER OR VETERAN AFFAIRS?

Yes, they will cover on a case by case basis so your doctor will need to get approval for the treatment from them before we can go ahead.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL?

Yes. We do not take self referrals, so a referral from your doctor or allied health professional (physio or podiatrist) is required.

HOW CAN I ENQUIRE OR MAKE A BOOKING?

It is easy to make an Enquiry: telephone us on (07) 3834 6448, or complete our online Enquiry Form here. You can make a booking through the enquiry number or by phoning the bookings office on 07 3834 6112.

Please note, we do not take self referrals, so you will need a referral from your Doctor or allied health professional (physio or podiatrist) to make an Appointment with us.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Queensland Lithotripsy Services is at:
Brisbane Private Hospital
259 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000
Telephone (07) 3834 6448
Bookings (07) 3834 6112

We are based at Brisbane Private Hospital on the well known medical strip - Wickham Terrace - in Spring Hill, Brisbane.

Click here for a Map and more details on our Location.

A direct Link to Google Maps can be found here (opens in a new window).

CAN I FIND YOU EASY WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

* TRAINS: Trains come into Roma Street and Central stations. Central Station is slightly closer and is approx 10-15 minutes walk from the Hospital, up the hill to Wickham Terrace.

* BUS: Buses come into Adelaide Street mainly, although there is a Free circle line that then takes you up to Wickham Terrace every half hour or so.

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?

Parking is available (fee payable) under the hospital which you can enter via Birley Street. There is also a Multi-Storey car park in Bartley Street, down the hill after the hospital on Wickham Terrace - turn left just after the round shaped tower Mill Metro Hotel.

Queensland Lithotripsy Services makes every effort to stay in contact through many online sources if you're interested in staying in touch with our news & updates. Please connect with us and let us know you dropped by!
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