Shockwave therapy
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What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to help your body heal naturally. This therapy works by sending sound wave pulses to injured or painful areas, which triggers your body's natural healing response. The waves create tiny bubbles in the tissue that burst, increasing blood flow and encouraging the growth of new blood vessels. This process helps reduce pain, break down scar tissue, and repair damaged tissue in areas like tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
The benefits of shockwave therapy
Shockwave therapy offers a powerful, non-invasive way to treat stubborn injuries and chronic pain that haven't responded to other treatments.
Here's how this advanced therapy can help you get back to doing what you love:
Promotes natural healing: Stimulates your body's own healing processes without surgery or medications.
Improves blood flow: Increases circulation to injured areas, which speeds up recovery.
Breaks down scar tissue: Helps dissolve built-up scar tissue and calcifications that can cause pain and limit movement.
Increases mobility: Restores range of motion in affected joints and muscles.
Non-invasive treatment: No surgery or needles required, with minimal recovery time.
Few side effects: Generally well-tolerated with only minor, temporary side effects like mild redness or bruising.
Fast treatment sessions: Each session typically lasts only 15-20 minutes.
Shockwave therapy plus…
Shockwave therapy works well on its own, but combining it with other treatments can enhance your recovery and overall results. Here are some complementary therapies:
Physiotherapy: Combining shockwave therapy with physiotherapy exercises and manual therapy can improve your strength, flexibility, and long-term recovery. Your physiotherapist can create a personalized exercise program to support the healing benefits of shockwave therapy.
Massage therapy: Massage therapy helps relax tight muscles and improve circulation, which can enhance the effects of shockwave therapy and reduce muscle tension in surrounding areas.
Osteopathy: Working with an osteopathic manual practitioner alongside shockwave therapy can address whole-body balance and movement patterns, helping to prevent re-injury and support lasting recovery.
Talk to us about creating a treatment plan that combines these therapies to help you achieve the best possible results for your condition!
Contact us to find out if shockwave therapy can help you.
Your questions about shockwave therapy
What conditions can shockwave therapy treat?
Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective for many chronic musculoskeletal conditions, especially those affecting tendons and connective tissues. Common conditions treated include plantar fasciitis (heel pain), Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, shoulder tendonitis and rotator cuff problems, jumper's knee (patellar tendonitis), and chronic muscle pain. It can also help with calcific deposits in tendons, trigger points, and some cases of chronic back pain.
How does shockwave therapy work?
During treatment, your therapist uses a handheld device that delivers controlled acoustic wave pulses to the affected area through your skin. The waves create pressure changes in the tissue that stimulate healing at a cellular level. This increases blood flow, promotes the growth of new blood vessels, triggers the production of collagen for tissue repair, and has an effect on nerve endings that helps reduce pain. The treatment stimulates your body's natural healing response, helping damaged tissue repair itself over time.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most people experience only mild discomfort during shockwave therapy. Some patients describe it as a tapping or pulsing sensation. Areas that are already painful or inflamed may be more sensitive during treatment, but your therapist can adjust the intensity to keep you comfortable. Any discomfort during treatment is temporary and usually fades quickly after the session ends.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Most treatment plans involve 3 to 5 sessions, typically scheduled about one week apart. Some conditions may improve after just a few sessions, while chronic conditions may require additional treatments. Your therapist will assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
What are the side effects of shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is generally safe with minimal side effects. Some people may experience temporary redness, mild swelling, minor bruising, or increased sensitivity in the treated area. These side effects are usually mild and typically disappear within 5 to 10 days after treatment. Serious side effects are very rare when the therapy is performed by a trained healthcare professional.
Who should not have shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. You should not have this treatment if you are pregnant, have a blood clotting disorder or take blood-thinning medications, have an infection in the treatment area, have a tumor or cancer in the affected area, have certain nerve or circulation disorders, or have open wounds near the treatment site. Your therapist will review your medical history to make sure shockwave therapy is safe for you.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance in Ontario?
Shockwave therapy is not covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan). However, when performed by licensed physiotherapists, chiropractors, or other regulated healthcare professionals, it may be covered under many extended health benefit plans. Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan, so it's important to check with your insurance company to understand your specific benefits. Some plans may require that the treatment be part of a physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment plan.
How long does it take to see results?
Results vary from person to person. Some people notice improvement in pain and function within a few days to weeks after beginning treatment. However, because shockwave therapy works by stimulating your body's natural healing process, it can take several weeks to months to see the full benefits. Most people report the best results about 6 to 12 weeks after completing their treatment sessions.
