Shockwave Therapy in Calgary

• Plantar fasciitis, heel pain & heel spurs
• Elbow pain (tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow)
• Shoulder pain (frozen shoulder)
• Achilles tendon pain (Achilles tendonopathy)
• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee, runners’ knee, or Osgood-Schlatter disease)
• Myofascial trigger points and muscle tension
• Chronic neck and lower back pain
• Trigger points
• Sprain and strains
• Shin splints
• Whiplash
• Bursitis
• TMJ pain
• Stress fractures
• Non-healing ulcers
• Scar tissue treatment
• Rotator cuff tendonitis

There are many benefits related to shockwave therapy. Depending on the ailment that brings you in for treatment, the benefits can be endless! Some of the most beneficial advantages for shockwave therapy include:

• A non-surgical treatment option
• Accelerates healing which reduces pain and discomfort rapidly
• No known side-effects
• Coverage available through most insurance companies
• Treatment does not require anesthesia
• Patients can be treated on both sides of the body at the same time
• Fast, safe, and effective
• Decrease pain and increase function
• No incision, no risk of infection at the treatment site, no scarring
• Future treatment options are not limited
• Treatment is very cost-effective

Shockwaves are audible high-energy sound waves. They have been employed in the medical world since around 1980, initially used to disintegrate kidney stones, for instance. With our modern pain therapy, the shock wave generator conducts energy to the painful body regions, where healing capacities then take place.

The healing process is accelerated by activating the body’s self-healing powers. The shock waves stimulate new vessel blood formation, or neovascularization, to the damaged area leading to blood circulation and metabolism, where the damaged tissue will gradually regenerate and eventually heal.

The extracorporeal wave has virtually no risks or side effects. In some cases, patients may experience some minor discomfort, which may continue for a few days. Similar to what you may experience after a full day’s work or intense exercise.

The beneficial effects of shockwave therapy are often experienced after only 3 to 5 treatments. Some patients report immediate relief after the treatment although it can take potentially up to 4 weeks for pain relief to begin and between 9 to 12 weeks to see the positive benefits. Studies demonstrate the most significant healing is between 6 and 9 weeks. This procedure can possibly reduce pain and potentially restore mobility.

The pain region is localized and discussed with the patient. A coupling gel is then applied to the treatment area, where the handpiece will be placed on the region to generate shock waves. The applicator is moved in a circular motion over the pain region for the duration of the treatment. The shock waves are converted into sound energy once the kinetic energy hits the body’s immovable tissues. Each session takes between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the disorder being treated and is scheduled at weekly intervals.

Shockwave therapy has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional methods and without the risks, complications and lengthy recovery time. Shockwave therapy does not require anesthesia, requires a minimal amount of time, patients can weight bear immediately, and return to normal activity within a few days of the procedure.