Strong, fast tapping
It feels like firm tapping on the sore spot. It can be uncomfortable, so we adjust the intensity to what you can handle.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy sends strong acoustic pressure waves into a painful tendon or soft-tissue area through a handheld applicator.
It’s used for problems that have hung on for months, where rest, stretching or massage haven’t helped. The waves are thought to boost blood flow and kick-start the body’s repair process in tissue that has stalled.
It’s non-invasive, with no needles or injections, and you can usually go straight back to your day afterwards.
Used alongside exercises that load the tendon, which is what makes the change last.
What to expect
Shockwave is usually done as a short series of sessions.
A few minutes
The shockwave part takes only a few minutes of your visit. The rest is hands-on work and exercises.
Back to your day
The area may feel tender for a day or two. Your physiotherapist will tell you how to adjust activity in the meantime.
Shockwave may suit you if
- You’ve had tendon or heel pain for months
- Rest, stretching or massage haven’t helped
- You want to avoid injections or surgery
- Pain flares when you walk, run or grip
It’s usually not used if you
- Are pregnant
- Have a blood-clotting disorder or take blood thinners
- Have an infection or tumour in the area
- Have a pacemaker near the treatment area
What shockwave is often used for
Mostly tendon and soft-tissue problems that haven’t settled.
- Plantar fasciitis
- Heel spurs
- Achilles tendon pain
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Shoulder tendon pain
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis
- Jumper’s knee
- Hip and gluteal tendon pain
- Hamstring tendon pain
Don’t see your problem? Call 604-428-3266 and ask.
What a session looks like
- 1
Check in
We ask how the pain has been and re-test the area.
- 2
Find the spot
We locate the most tender part of the tendon or tissue.
- 3
Shockwave
A few minutes of treatment, at an intensity you can handle.
- 4
Exercises
We finish with loading exercises to strengthen the tendon.
Often combined with
Shockwave therapy questions
Here are some of the most common questions patients ask.
If you don’t find the answer you need, feel free to contact us!
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Shockwave is usually done as a series of sessions spaced out over a few weeks. Your physiotherapist will give you an estimate after your assessment, based on your problem and how long you’ve had it.
How long is a shockwave session?
The shockwave itself takes a few minutes. It’s part of a regular physiotherapy visit that also includes re-testing, hands-on work and exercises.
Can I exercise after shockwave?
Usually yes, with some adjustments. Your physiotherapist may ask you to go easier on hard activity for a day or two and will tell you what’s fine to keep doing.
Who shouldn’t have shockwave therapy?
It’s usually not used during pregnancy, if you have a blood-clotting disorder or take blood thinners, or if there’s an infection or tumour in the area. Your physiotherapist checks this before starting.
Ready to find out what’s going on?
Same week appointments available. Most insurance accepted.