Accepting New Patients Every Day! Same-day & walk-in appointments welcome at all our clinics.Same-day & walk-in appointments welcome at all our clinics.
Physiotherapy Clinical Pathway
Shockwave Therapy delivers high-energy acoustic pulses directly to chronic, stubborn tendon pain and calcifications. For conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy that have resisted traditional rest and manual care, shockwaves stimulate local blood flow and break down microscopic scar tissue, helping re-trigger the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a non invasive treatment that delivers focused acoustic pulses through the skin directly into a chronic, stubborn area of tendon pain or soft tissue calcification. The word extracorporeal simply means the shockwaves are generated outside the body and delivered through a handheld applicator, without any needles or incisions. It is most commonly used for chronic tendon conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and tennis elbow that have not fully responded to rest, stretching, and standard physiotherapy after several weeks or months.
Chronic tendon conditions are notoriously slow to heal on their own because tendons have relatively poor blood supply compared to muscle, which means the body's natural repair process can stall out, leaving the area in a persistent state of degeneration rather than active healing. Shockwave therapy works by essentially creating a controlled, localized micro trauma that increases blood flow and re triggers the body's healing response in an area that has become stuck. For patients who have tried rest, stretching, and manual therapy without lasting improvement, shockwave therapy offers another non invasive option before considering injections or surgery.
Consider this program if you are experiencing any of the following clinical signs or conditions:
We use structured clinical steps to ensure safety and target your recovery goals effectively:
We confirm your diagnosis and screen for any contraindications, since shockwave therapy is not appropriate for certain conditions such as active infection, some blood clotting disorders, or pregnancy in treated areas.
A handheld applicator delivers focused acoustic pulses directly to the affected tendon or tissue for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, with intensity adjusted to your comfort level.
Shockwave sessions are typically combined with a broader physiotherapy assessment addressing contributing factors such as biomechanics, footwear, or loading patterns.
Most protocols involve a series of sessions spaced roughly a week apart, with your response monitored and the plan adjusted as your tendon responds.
Many patients report reduced pain and improved movement within 3 to 4 treatment sessions, though a full course is often 3 to 6 sessions depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition. Some patients notice a temporary increase in discomfort in the treated area for a day or two after each session, which generally settles quickly.
Tissue regeneration: Stimulating local circulation and cellular healing.
Microscopic scar tissue reduction: Helping break down dense, calcified tissue.
Non-invasive relief: A clinical alternative to invasive treatments for chronic tendon pain.
Shockwave therapy is a well studied treatment for chronic tendinopathy with a strong safety profile when appropriate screening is completed beforehand. Treatment intensity is adjusted to your comfort and is delivered by physiotherapists trained specifically in shockwave application protocols.
You may feel a tapping sensation or mild discomfort, which we adjust to your tolerance during the session.
The shockwave application itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes, usually combined with a standard physiotherapy assessment.
Many patients report reduced pain and improved movement within 3 to 4 treatments, though a full course is often 3 to 6 sessions.
Most treatment courses involve 3 to 6 sessions spaced about a week apart, depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition.
Yes, it has a strong safety profile for appropriate candidates, though certain conditions such as active infection, some blood clotting disorders, or pregnancy in the treated area are contraindications.
Chronic tendon conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and calcific shoulder tendinitis tend to respond well, particularly when other treatments have plateaued.
We generally recommend avoiding high impact activity on the treated area for a day or two after each session, though light normal activity is fine.
For many chronic tendon conditions, shockwave therapy is tried as a non invasive option before considering more invasive treatments like injections or surgery.
It is usually most effective when combined with a broader physiotherapy plan addressing the biomechanical or loading factors contributing to your tendon condition.
It is often billed as part of a physiotherapy treatment session under your standard physiotherapy benefit, though coverage details vary by insurance plan.
8386 120 St #103, Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
15122 72 Ave #104, Surrey, BC V3S 2G2
