What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a pneumatic generator to deliver high-density, high-powered sound waves directly to an injury to treat a variety of issues, including tendinitis.
Our trained physiotherapists provide shockwave therapy treatments at our clinic in St. Albert, serving Edmonton, Morinville, Gibbons, Legal and other surrounding areas. Like all of our treatments, this treatment may be just one part of a larger, customized wellness plan made just for you.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Radial shockwave therapy, also referred to as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a physiotherapy treatment for a variety of injuries, specifically musculoskeletal conditions, injuries involving tissues and ligaments, and chronic conditions.
A pneumatic generators delivers high-density, high-powered sound waves to stimulate blood flow, break up irritating calcium deposits, and speed up healing. Unlike the name implies, there is no shock in shockwave therapy. Instead, you’ll experience a deep, vibrating wave.
Shockwave therapy is a safe, effective, and fast treatment. We use the EMS Swiss Dolorclast machine. It has a handheld device that your physiotherapist will press into the affected area to deliver the sound wave. In as little as 3 sessions clients can begin to feel better.
Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for:
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Rotator cuff tendinitis (Supraspintaus Tendinitis), with or without calcium deposits
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Wrist tendinitis or De Quervain’s Syndrome/tenosynovitis
- Athletic injuries
- Shoulder pain
- Big toe joint pain
- Knee pain
- Gout
- Injuries caused by trauma
- Heel spurs/plantar fasciitis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- TMJ
- Trigger finger
- Shin splints
- Scar tissue (due to surgery, trauma or injuries)
- Hip bursitis
- Shoulder bursitis
If you’re experiencing pain, book a consultation with one of our knowledgeable physiotherapists. Our team has over 13 years of experience in using shockwave therapy in clinical practice. We will be able to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.
What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?
1. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment.
Shockwave therapy is a safe and simple treatment that is administered in our clinic. Your physiotherapist simply presses a small tool into the area where you’re experiencing pain or where the pain is coming from. The tool sends a strong wave, which you’ll feel as a vibration across your skin and in your muscles.
2. Shockwave therapy treatment sessions are quick to complete!
We know how hard it can be to fit treatment into your busy schedule. Shockwave therapy is such a great option since it’s so quick to administer.
Shockwave therapy treatments can be completed in just 15 minutes per session, so you can get on with your day. In most cases, there is very little post-treatment soreness.
3. Only 4-5 shockwave therapy treatments are needed.
Few treatments see such fast success as shockwave therapy. You may need as few as three treatments to see a marked improvement in your mobility and pain. Most of our clients need 4-5 sessions on average. It’s unlikely that you’ll need more than five.
4. No effort is required by the client.
Sit back and relax. A key aspect of most physiotherapy is active participation, but shockwave therapy requires no effort by you at all. Our therapists will also provide knowledgeable instruction on what should be done or not following a shockwave treatment.
5. Shockwave therapy treats a variety of conditions.
Shockwave therapy has been successful in treating many conditions from tendinitis and arthritis to heel spurs and frozen shoulder. Because it’s so effective at breaking up irritating calcium deposits and stimulating greater blood flow, you will see faster healing times for all kinds of injuries and recurring conditions.
6. Shockwave therapy has a high success rate!
We’ve seen amazing success in treating our clients with shockwave therapy. It’s an effective tool in our physiotherapy arsenal because of its ability to speed healing. We feel confident recommending shockwave therapy to a variety of people because of its strong track record.
Let’s build your customized treatment plan!
If you’re experiencing any type of pain, our team can help. After an assessment with a trained physiotherapist, you’ll receive a customized treatment plan. Shockwave therapy may be part of that plan, but we’ll only recommend the treatments that are right for your unique body and injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Shockwave therapy is extremely safe. It simply delivers a high-density sound wave directly to your tissues muscles, and bone. It is not invasive or aggravating. It simply stimulates your body’s natural healing processes.
Can shockwave therapy treat plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Shockwave therapy is extremely successful in treating plantar fasciitis, sometimes referred to as heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the ligament that connects your heel and your toes. This strain happens over time due to things such as improper footwear, repetitive impact, or excessive pronation.
In combination with shockwave therapy, your physiotherapist may recommend other effective treatments to work hand-in-hand to assist in recovery and to help prevent future injuries. Custom orthotics and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) are two common treatments we provide for treating plantar fasciitis.
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave therapy works by sending high-density sound waves. They are delivered by a pneumatic generator and the resonant frequency of the sound waves in relation to the targeted tissue breaks up calcium deposits and encourages blood flow. This results in an increase in your body’s ability to heal.
How is shockwave therapy performed?
A physiotherapist uses the handheld device attached to the pneumatic generator and presses it against the area of your body that requires treatment. The tool is moved around in a steady motion to consistently treat the entire area.
The entire treatment takes around 15 minutes and may be repeated 4-5 times over a month or so.
How much does shockwave therapy cost?
Shockwave therapy is usually covered by most medical benefits plans as it’s considered to be a form of Physiotherapy. At Summit Physiotherapy, we bill at $150.00 per session for the first 4 sessions or $499.00 for 4 treatments. If further sessions are needed, we charge $100.00 per treatment thereafter.