Shockwave Therapy

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy (SWT), also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a safe, non-invasive form of treatment that involves applying a rapid succession of low energy pulses directly through the skin to an area of concern using an applicator.

​Shockwave Therapy stimulates an inflammatory response where applied. This is the body’s natural healing response and is used to heal an injury or chronic pain. Due to this response, you may experience slight discomfort, soreness, or tenderness for a few hours to a couple days following your treatments.

Shockwave Therapy is used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, often involving connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons. Shockwave is a great option for connective tissue conditions that don’t respond well to traditional forms of treatment.

What does Shockwave Therapy do?

The projectile in the Shockwave applicator is repeatedly compressed by air, transmitting a resulting shockwave force to the tissue. This shockwave creates a sudden increase in pressure followed by what’s known as a cavitation bubble. When this bubble of negative pressure collapses, it creates a force that have the overall medical effects of accelerating tissue repair and cell growth, increasing mobility, and analgesia (pain relief).

Shockwave Therapy should not be used if there is any infection, bone tumours, metabolic bone conditions, or any circulation or nerve disorders. Shockwave Therapy should also not be used if there are any open wounds, during pregnancy, or for individuals using blood-thinners.

Medical Effects of Shockwave Therapy

  • New blood vessel formation
  • Reversal of chronic inflammation
  • Stimulation of collagen production (fibroblast production)
  • Break down of calcific deposits
  • Trigger point releasing
  • Analgesia (pain relief)
  • Bone healing (osteoblast production)

Frequently Treated Conditions

  • Feet:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy/tendonitis
- Heel spurs
- Morton’s Neuroma
  • Elbow:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Shoulder:
- Calcific tendinopathy
​- Frozen shoulder
  • Knee:
- Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinopathy)
  • Hip and Leg:
- Bursitis
- Shin splints
- ITB friction syndrome
- Tendinopathies
  • Other:
- Chronic stress/non-union fractures
​- Erectile Dysfunction

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
Shockwave Therapy can cause some temporary discomfort to the area it is being applied to. This is dependent on the area in question, baseline pain levels, and the intensity of the treatment itself. Treatments typically last around 5 minutes and so most find the discomfort tolerable. The intensity of the treatment can also be adjusted accordingly for comfort.

How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments required can vary depending on the issue being treated and each individual's response to treatment. Most will experience improvements after the first treatment. However, since the effect is cumulative, most people will require between 3 and 6 treatments. 
Will there be pain after the treatment is done?
Many experience a decrease in pain following their very first treatment. However, you may experience some initial soreness to the treated area for a few hours following treatment. 
How frequently do I need to get treatments?
Since the effects of Shockwave Therapy are cumulative, treatments are typically done 3 to 10 days apart.
Are there any restrictions or limitations after treatments?
It's recommended that you avoid physical activities involving the treated area for about 2-3 days following each treatment session to allow for best results.