What Is Shockwave Therapy
High-energy sound waves that trigger the body to heal itself
Radial shockwave therapy uses a pneumatic device to generate high-pressure acoustic pulses that travel through the skin into the underlying tissue. At the treatment site, these pressure waves create microtrauma that triggers a powerful healing response — increasing blood circulation, stimulating collagen production, and breaking down calcific deposits that have built up over time.
Unlike treatments that simply reduce pain temporarily, shockwave therapy addresses the underlying tissue pathology. It's particularly effective for chronic tendinopathies and calcifications that haven't responded to physiotherapy, massage, or cortisone injections.
Most treatment protocols involve 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart. Many patients notice improvement after the first two sessions, with full results continuing to develop over 6–12 weeks as tissue remodelling completes.
How It Works
Acoustic pulse delivery
A handheld applicator delivers controlled radial pressure waves into the target tissue. The depth and intensity are adjusted for each treatment site and patient tolerance.
Controlled microtrauma
The pressure waves create controlled microtrauma in the degenerated tissue — signalling the body to restart the healing process that had stalled in chronic injuries.
Tissue remodelling
Increased blood flow, collagen synthesis, and breakdown of calcific deposits begin immediately. Tissue remodelling continues for weeks after treatment as new healthy tissue forms.
Lasting pain relief
Unlike cortisone injections which suppress symptoms temporarily, shockwave therapy creates durable improvement because it treats the underlying tissue — not just the pain signal.
Conditions We Treat with Shockwave
Particularly effective for chronic soft tissue injuries
Shockwave therapy delivers the best outcomes for conditions where tissue has become chronically degenerated — where the normal healing process has stalled and conventional treatments have plateaued.
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
One of shockwave therapy's most consistently successful applications. Chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn't responded to stretching, orthotics, or cortisone injections responds exceptionally well to acoustic wave treatment. Most patients see significant improvement within 3 sessions.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Chronic Achilles tendon degeneration — whether mid-portion or insertional — responds well to radial shockwave. The treatment stimulates tendon fibre remodelling and reduces the pain that makes running, walking, and stair-climbing difficult.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Chronic shoulder pain from rotator cuff degeneration or calcific deposits. Shockwave is particularly effective for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, where calcium deposits are broken down and reabsorbed over the course of treatment.
Patellar Tendinopathy
Jumper's knee — chronic patellar tendon degeneration common in athletes and active adults. Shockwave stimulates healing in the tendon body and reduces the chronic pain that limits squatting, running, and jumping activities.
Calcific Deposits
Calcium deposits in tendons and soft tissue create localised pain and restrict movement. Radial shockwave breaks down these calcifications mechanically — the fragments are then reabsorbed by the body, restoring normal tissue structure.
Scar Tissue & Trigger Points
Dense scar tissue from old injuries limits movement and causes chronic pain. Shockwave breaks down adhesions and scar tissue while releasing trigger points — tight, hypersensitive bands of muscle that refer pain to distant areas.
Is Shockwave Right for You?
Shockwave therapy is most effective for chronic soft tissue injuries of 3 months or longer. If you've tried other treatments without lasting relief, it may be exactly what your injury needs.
What to Expect
Your shockwave treatment — no surprises
During treatment
Session length
Each treatment session takes approximately 15–20 minutes for the shockwave application. Combined with assessment and setup, allow 30 minutes per visit.
Sensation
Treatment feels like a rapid, firm tapping sensation over the target area. It can be uncomfortable — particularly over calcific deposits or very tender tissue — but should not be unbearable. Intensity is adjusted to your tolerance.
Number of sessions
Most protocols involve 3–6 sessions, spaced approximately one week apart. Your practitioner will recommend a course length based on your condition, its severity, and your response to initial treatment.
After treatment
Temporary soreness
It's normal to experience some increased soreness for 24–48 hours after each session. This is part of the inflammatory healing response being triggered — it's a good sign, not a cause for concern.
Activity
Avoid high-impact activity on the treated area for 48 hours after each session. Normal daily activity and gentle movement are encouraged.
Timeline
Many patients notice improvement after sessions 2–3. Full results continue developing for 6–12 weeks after the final treatment as tissue remodelling completes.
Billing
Shockwave therapy is billed by your treating practitioner. Contact us at 403-280-0945 to confirm coverage and billing details before your first appointment.
Common Questions
What people ask before they book
Is shockwave therapy painful?+
Treatment can be uncomfortable, particularly over inflamed or calcified tissue. Most patients describe it as an intense tapping sensation. Intensity is adjusted to your tolerance throughout the session, and most people find it very manageable — especially knowing it's producing results.
How is it different from ultrasound therapy?+
Therapeutic ultrasound uses continuous low-energy sound waves primarily for warming and mild circulation effects. Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy pressure pulses that create genuine microtrauma and mechanical tissue changes — it's a fundamentally more powerful stimulus for healing in chronic conditions.
How many sessions will I need?+
Most conditions are treated with 3–6 sessions, once per week. Plantar fasciitis and calcific tendinitis often respond well in 3 sessions; more complex or longer-standing conditions may require the full 6. Your practitioner will reassess after each session and adjust the plan accordingly.
Are there any contraindications?+
Shockwave therapy is not appropriate over open wounds, over bone growth plates in children, over the spine or skull, or for patients with certain blood-clotting conditions or who are pregnant. Your practitioner will screen you thoroughly before recommending treatment to ensure it's safe and appropriate for you.
Can I combine shockwave with chiropractic care?+
Yes — shockwave therapy and chiropractic care complement each other very effectively. Chiropractic addresses the spinal and joint alignment issues that may be contributing to your soft tissue injury, while shockwave directly treats the degenerated tissue. Many of our patients receive both as part of an integrated care plan.
Book Shockwave Therapy
Chronic pain that hasn't responded to other treatments may be exactly what shockwave is designed for.
Book online and mention shockwave therapy in your appointment notes, or call us to discuss whether it's the right treatment for your condition. Billed by treating practitioner.
