Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that sends rapid acoustic sound waves into injured soft tissues. It promotes healing by increasing blood circulation, breaking down scar tissue or calcium deposits, and stimulating cell regeneration. It is highly utilized for chronic musculoskeletal pain.

non-surgical

quick pain reduction

accelerated healing

effective for chronic conditions

very mild or no side effects

full or partial coverage by most insurance companies

Treatable Conditions

calcific tendinitis
tennis/golfer's elbow
plantar fasciitis
achilles tendinopathy
myofascial trigger points
patellar tendinitis
muscle contractures
fascial restrictions
bursitis
shoulder pain
heel spurs
shin splints
stress fractures
scar tissue
chronic neck, back and pelvic pain
chronic muscle pain

Work with one of our Therapists

Peter Svoboda, RMT offers shockwave therapy treatments for new and returning clients.

The Technology & Science

Shockwaves are intense, but very short energy waves.  Since the 1980's, shockwave has been used by doctors as a routine treatment to break up kidney stones.  The technology has since developed to include treatment of soft tissue, bone and joint injuries with incredibly high success rates.  Shockwave therapy is used by physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists and other health care professionals to treat clients with conditions not responding to more conservative treatments.  Shockwave therapy is also used by orthopedic surgeons as a non-surgical alternative treatment. 

How it Works

Shockwave therapy accelerates healing by stimulating the metabolism and blood circulation to poorly vascularized injured tissues.  This allows the injured tissues to regenerate and heal quickly.  Healing takes place over several treatments and begins by initiating a controlled inflammation at the injury site.  The body responds by increasing metabolic activity in the area which stimulates and accelerates the healing process.  Shockwaves also produce an analgesic effect which reduces pain in the injured area.  Shockwave therapy is most effective in cases where the body has not been able to heal on its own.
 

Shockwave Therapy: FAQ

ow many treatments will I need?  Most conditions require 3 treatments performed 7-10 days apart. However, some conditions may require only 2 treatments, while others may require up to 5.

Does the treatment hurt? 
The treatment can cause some initial discomfort which lessens significantly by the end of the session. Most people find the discomfort tolerable, and adjustments to can be made to make the treatment more comfortable for you.

Will I have pain after the treatment?  Most clients experience pain relief immediately after treatment followed by discomfort beginning 2-4 hours after treatment.  This discomfort may include temporary soreness, mild swelling or tenderness and may last between 24 and 48 hours, and in very rare cases, up to 5 days.  Many clients report no pain at all following treatment.

Is there any downtime?  No. You are actually encouraged to maintain your regular routine and activities during the course of treatment.

Are there any side effects?  Most clients experience no side effects with treatment, but possible side effects of shockwave therapy include redness, swelling, bruising and/or pain.  Side effects are temporary and will usually subside within 2-5 days following treatment.

Are there any post-treatment rules?  Yes. You should avoid taking anti-inflammatories (ie. ibuprofen, aspirin) and using ice applications after treatments, as the therapy triggers a necessary inflammatory response in order to promote healing.

Are there any contraindications or precautions with treatment?  Yes.  We cannot perform shockwave therapy on clients who have cancer, open lesions, hemophaelia or other blood coagulation disorders, heart or circulatory problems, such as thrombosis, and, diabetes with associated polyneuropathy.  Shockwave therapy should also not be applied to clients who are pregnant, certain areas on growing children, clients who are using blood thinning medications, and, clients who have received a cortisone injection within six weeks.  Precaution will be taken with clients with a history of tinnitus, as shockwave may ignite or aggravate symptoms.  Precaution is taken with injuries in close proximity to large nerve or blood supplies.