Effective pain relief and tissue regeneration for chronic tendon and muscle conditions
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a modern and highly effective treatment method: high-energy sound waves are introduced into the painful areas of the body. With this innovative therapy approach, pathological alterations of tendons, ligaments, capsules, muscles and bones can be eliminated systematically.
In the treatment session, shockwaves are directed at the area of pain, where they cause a controlled mechanical stimulus. Healing processes are caused in deeper tissue areas, just as after external injuries. This results in increased blood circulation and the formation of blood vessels, so that new connective tissue is generated. Degenerated tendon tissue is regenerated and tightened. The intense nature of the stimulation also creates powerful pain inhibition, commonly resulting in immediate reduction of pain.
The beneficial effects of shock wave therapy are often experienced after only 1 or 2 treatments. The therapy eliminates pain and restores full mobility, thus improving your quality of life.
Conditions Treated:
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip Bursitis)
- Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave Therapy is available at our Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, East Vancouver, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows clinics. There are no extra charges for the treatment other than regular physiotherapy fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shockwave Therapy is a very safe treatment modality. There are no adverse effects to the treatment, other than post-treatment soreness that usually decreases within 1-3 days. Relative contraindications would be fractures, bone diseases, active cancer, pregnancy, connective tissue disorders or hemophilia.
Yes, it certainly can be quite uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the treatment itself is quite short (5-10 min) and certainly bearable for 99% of patients. The therapist can easily adjust the intensity, so treatment discomfort can be as per the patient’s tolerance. Also, we would also use V-Actor therapy post-treatment, which decreases the soreness and actually improves treatment outcomes.
It depends on how long you had the condition. Most conditions resolve within 6-12 sessions, provided the patient did the appropriate exercise/rehab home program as provided by the therapist.
All Shockwave treatments are performed by Registered Physiotherapists only. We do not use technicians or assistants to perform the treatment.
They are different forms of energy release. In Focused Shockwave, the energy becomes more intense as it goes deeper, being efficient for treatment of internal conditions such as kidney stones. In Radial Shockwave, the energy spreads out as it goes through the tissue, making it the treatment of choice for tendon/ligament injuries and trigger points. We use Radial Shockwave at our clinic.
The success of treatment depends on accurate assessment. For example, a simple Heel Pain/Plantar Fasciitis may not respond to Shockwave if other contributing factors such as flat arches or stiff ankle joints are not addressed. Only if complete assessment is performed including taking detailed history and thorough physical examination, the therapists can determine what are the success rates from Shockwave Therapy as it relates to you condition.