Shockwave Therapy or Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is a non-surgical technique developed for the treatment of localized musculoskeletal pain. This treatment involves the application of a series of high-energy percussions to the affected area. The shockwave is a physical shock, not an electric one.

Radial Shockwave Therapy works by producing an inflammatory response. The body responds by increasing metabolic activity around the site of pain, therefore stimulating and accelerating the healing process. Shockwave therapy can also help break down scar tissue and calcified areas as well.

• An initial assessment must be conducted to determine if Shockwave Therapy is an appropriate treatment option for your condition
• Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is used when all other treatments have been exhausted.
• It is for a chronic injury that has persisted more than 3 months.
• It is most effective for conditions resulting from connective tissue attachments to bone. See the list above.
• It is usually booked as 3 - 5 treatments 1X/ week for 3 - 5 weeks. Then we wait an additional 3 weeks without treatment to allow for healing to take place

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Heel spurs
• Patellar Tendonitis/tendonosis (Jumper’s knee)
• Achilles Tendonitis/tendonosis
• Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
• Rotator Cuff tendonitis including calcifying tendonitis
• Muscular trigger points

This therapy works without the use of X-rays or drugs; it stimulates the body’s natural self-healing process. There is usually an immediate reduction of pain and improved ease of movement. Secondary effects are minor. Shockwave therapy may also eliminate your need for surgery. It is also especially effective for chronic conditions.

The Shockwave Therapy is approximately 5 minutes per point, or approximately 2000 shocks per session. Shockwave is used as an adjunct to Physiotherapy. A one-hour initial assessment plus treatment will be conducted by one of our trained Physiotherapists.

Typically 3 treatments sessions are necessary at weekly intervals. There is a possibility that 2 additional treatments may be necessary if your condition is very chronic.

Treatment can be uncomfortable, but it is usually well tolerated. It is an intense 5 minutes that most people are able to tolerate.

As you leave the clinic, you will most likely be feeling no pain but you may experience throbbing pain 2-4 hours following the treatment. This throbbing pain may occur for up to 24 to 48 hours.

The shockwave will trigger an inflammatory response, which is the body’s natural process of healing. For this reason, refrain from using anti-inflammatory medications or ice.

Even if it feels good, we recommend decreased activity for 48 hrs following the treatment.

You will be invoiced under physiotherapy. If you have physiotherapy benefits it should be covered, but check with your provider.

• Tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)- up to 91%
• Calcifying tendonitis of the shoulder- up to 91%
• Plantar Fasciitis- up to 88%
• Patellar Tendonitis/tendonosis (Jumper’s knee)- up to 87%
• Achilles Tendonitis/tendonosis- up to 87%

Although the short-term effects alone are exceptional, the long-term benefits of this treatment may take up to 3 to 4 months.

YES

• Cortisone injections (within the last 6 weeks)
• Hemophilia or any blood coagulation disorder
• Blood thinning medications such as Heparin or Coumadin
• Heart or circulatory problems
• Cancer, Diabetes, Pregnancy
• Growing children (Growth Plates)
• Blood or nerve supplies too close to the affected area
• Shockwaves are generally not applied to target areas located above air filled tissue (lungs), large nerves and blood vessels, the spinal column or the head

Ask your physiotherapist if Shockwave Therapy can treat your condition and book your treatment sessions today!