Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is available in Victoria with our Chiropractor, Physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist. 

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

"Shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process in the body by stimulating the metabolism and enhancing blood circulation to regenerate damaged tissue. Strong energy pulses are applied to the affected area. These pulses occur for short periods of time, creating micro-cavitation bubbles that expand and burst. The force created by these bubbles penetrates tissue and stimulates cells in the body that are responsible for bone and connective tissue healing.

​In many instances, shockwave therapy is most effective in cases where the human body has not been able to heal itself on its own." -Shockwave Canada Inc.
Shockwave initializes your body's natural healing process by creating a controlled inflammatory response and vascularization (increased blood flow) to the treated area. Treatment typically consists of three sessions no more than 1 week apart, but some cases could require additional sessions. Shockwave is especially effective for people suffering from chronic pain conditions that won't heal on their own such as chronic back pain, whiplash,knee pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, elbow pain and TMJ pain. When conditions become chronic, your body's natural healing process may have been stalled for various reasons. Shockwave jump starts the healing process by triggering the repair sequence to begin again. The force emitted from the hand held devise penetrates tissue and stimulates osteoblast (bone cells) and fibroblast (connective tissue cells) which are responsible for healing. Shockwave is also highly effective and indicated for treatment of calcium deposits, such as calcific tendinitis of the achilles or rotator cuff tendons.

Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

 These conditions have been very successfully treated with shockwave therapy . Our chiropractor, physiotherapist or athletic therapist can  assess your symptoms to determine if shockwave therapy is  the best treatment option for you.  We've included the success rate percentage based on clinical trials. 
  • Tendinopathies and tendonitis 
    • Tennis Elbow
    • Bicep,  Hamstring or Achilles Tendonitis
    • Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder/Rotator Cuff (91% success rate)
  • Hamstring Pain    (Chronic tension, trigger points  and restricted range of motion)
  • Myofascial Trigger Points ( A very common cause of back pain, neck pain and headaches)
  • Bursitis
  • Hallux Rigidus/Bunion (Arthritis if the big toe joint)
  • Scar Tissue
  • Jumper's Knee (patellar tendonitis is an overuse injury that results in pain at the front of the knee)    
  • Shoulder Pain (rotator cuff tendonitis, trigger points, calcific tendonitis)
  • Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs
  • Shin Splints​

What are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy has been used successfully by healthcare providers that treat musculoskeletal disorders such as Chiropractors, Athletic Therapist and Certified Shockwave Practitioners. Compared to other treatment methods, the advantages are:
  • Quick pain relief
  • Accelerates healing
  • No side effects
  • No risk of allergies
  • Avoids surgery and anesthesia
  • Effective for chronic conditions
  • No medication is needed
  • Cost effective​

How Many Shockwave Treatments Will I Need?

3-5  Shockwave treatments, ideally 7-10 days apart . The healing process can take up to 3 months to complete.
Shockwave Therapy is typically a 3-5 treatment process with a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist. Each treatment should be scheduled about 7-10 days apart. This does vary slightly depending on what you are having treated, how long it's been there and your tolerance for receiving the treatment. We will always administer the treatment within your pain tolerance and try to make the experience as comfortable as possible, while still being therapeutically beneficial.

​For example, if we adjust the intensity to be lower in order to make it more comfortable for you, this may mean you need 5 treatments, rather than 3 treatments to get the desired affect. 

The healing process after the last treatment is typically 3 months. You should avoid any other manual therapy or treatment directly to this area. You will also be given very specific exercises to do daily, which are an important part of the healing phase and will have a direct impact on your results.

Is Shockwave Therapy Covered By My Extended Health Plan?

Typically, yes, shockwave therapy is covered by most extended health plans. It's still a good idea to call your provider to confirm this. 

Meet Our Shockwave Therapy Practitioners in Victoria