Finding Relief With Shockwave Therapy

Are you experiencing nagging pain? If so, shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. 

This form of treatment uses a series of high-energy percussions that are applied to the affected area(s) of the body. For more information on how this treatment may benefit you, contact Heal Physiotherapy & Chiropractic North York today!

What exactly is shockwave therapy?

A shockwave, by definition, uses “acoustic pulses,” meaning there is no electricity involved in the treatment. It is pneumatically generated and applied directly to the affected tissue(s). When a shockwave is administered, the body responds by increasing metabolic activity around the painful area. 

This alters the chemical environment in the local area, allowing for a re-absorption of irritative calcium deposits in the tendons. As a result, the shockwaves work to relieve pain and stimulate the healing process.

What does shockwave therapy treat?

This treatment has been proven to provide relief for a large number of patients, each with varying degrees of pain severity. Some of the most common conditions it treats include:

  • Chronic heel spurs
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Jumper’s knee
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Calcific shoulder tendinitis
  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Chronic low back pain
  • Chronic shoulder pain

What should I expect from treatments?

With each treatment, approximately 2,000 shocks are administered per session. While this may sound like a lot, it typically only takes about 5 minutes to complete. Your total treatment time should only take approximately 15 minutes. 

Many patients find relief after only 3 to 6 short sessions, with each one spaced a week apart. Time between each treatment should not exceed 10 days, as they will start to become less effective the longer the patient waits.

Are there any side effects?

While the treatments may not be the most comfortable, the process is definitely tolerable. No patient should experience pain during treatments. 

It is likely that you will not notice any side effects during or directly after your treatment, but it is normal for irritation and swelling to occur in the affected area(s) 2 to 4 hours after the shockwaves have been administered. You may also experience a dull throbbing pain in that area, but it should all disappear within the next couple of days following your treatment.

If you are experiencing pain after treatments, it is important to make sure that you do not use ice or take any anti-inflammatory medication, as the shockwaves are meant to trigger the body’s natural inflammatory healing response. If you need something to manage the pain, we recommend Tylenol or magnetic biostimulation. Our trained physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you achieve a pain-free life.

How will radial shockwave therapy benefit me?

Many patients prefer shockwave therapy because it is fast and effective. In many cases, it also eliminates the need for harmful drugs or surgical correction. 

Most patients report an immediate reduction of pain and improved mobility in the affected area(s) following treatments. It works by speeding up the body’s natural healing process, allowing for less recovery time and immediate relief. In fact, many patients notice a difference after just one session!

If you are in pain and looking for relief, contact Heal Physiotherapy & Chiropractic North York today to inquire about shockwave therapy. One of our dedicated practitioners will be happy to meet with you for a consultation and discuss how this course of treatment may benefit you!