Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy (Shockwave Therapy) is a treatment method whereby acoustic pressure waves are applied to the injured area. The pressure waves stimulate metabolism and circulation, accelerating the body’s natural healing process.

Shockwave Therapy has been proven to help patients with chronic tendinopathies that have been unsuccessful with other conservative treatments. Shockwave technology was first used to breakup kidney stones and gallstones, and continues to be the treatment of choice for these conditions. However, rather than the high pressure shockwave used in medical conditions, a lower pressure shockwave is utilized in physiotherapy treatments.

Is it similar to Ultrasound?

Both Ultrasound and Shockwave Therapy employ acoustic (sound) waves to produce therapeutic benefits.

They are both non-invasive forms of treatment.

Therapeutic ultrasound utilizes high frequency sound waves, while Shockwave Therapy utilizes lower frequency waves.

Ultrasound may produce either thermal or non-thermal effects in tissues, while Shockwave therapy does not result in heating effects.

How does it work? 

• Shockwave stimulates an acute inflammatory response and triggers the body’s natural healing response.
• Shockwave stimulates the action of fibroblasts, which are cells responsible for connective tissue healing such as tendons.
• Shockwave stimulates collagen production. Collagen is necessary for the repair of muscles, tendons and ligaments.
• Shockwave diminishes pain.
• Shockwaves stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the injured area. This brings improved blood supply and oxygen to the area and helps it to heal.
• Shockwave releases trigger points and subsequently, decreases pain.

What conditions can it help?

Shockwave therapy is a good technique for a range of complaints:

• Tendons
• The most common tendon complaints that can be treated are painful Achilles tendons, patellar tendons, tennis elbow, hamstring tendinopathy, shoulder tendinopathies, frozen shoulder.
• Bones
• The most common bone pathologies are medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) and greater trochanteric pain syndrome 
• Muscles
• Treatment of trigger points, muscle pain and muscle hypertonia
• Connective Tissue 
• Plantar fasciopathy, trigger finger, scar tissue.

What happens at a Shockwave treatment?

Your physiotherapist will do a thorough assessment of your problem. If they feel it is appropriate for you, they may prescribe Shockwave therapy. It is always combined with manual therapy or other physiotherapy techniques, advice and exercises specific for your situation.

What does it feel like? Does it hurt?

You may feel mild discomfort from the treatment. However, the intensity can be adjusted to your tolerance, and treatment usually lasts only 3-5 minutes.

What should I do after treatment?

You should continue your regular daily activity, and the exercises and gentle stretches prescribed by your physiotherapist. Heat is helpful. It is recommended to avoid high impact or strenuous activities for 48 hours after shockwave treatment. Do not ice, as it will decrease the inflammatory response.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of treatments required is variable, depending on your injury and your tissue’s response to treatment. Typically it should take between 3-5 sessions, although you may feel relief after the very first treatment. It will take another 6-8 weeks of healing after the treatments have been completed.

How much will it cost?

The shockwave treatment will be an additional $10.00 over the regular physiotherapy visit cost. If you have extended health benefits it will be covered under your physiotherapy coverage.

Is there any preparation I should do prior to treatment?

Yes, you should stop taking anti-inflammatory medication 1 week prior to beginning treatment and stay off anti-inflammatories for 6 weeks once treatment has begun.

Shockwave Therapy treatment is available at our Wilson Centre Clinic   (604) 942-4115