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What is shockwave therapy?

This non-invasive medical treatment utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. The therapy promotes tissue regeneration, reduces pain and inflammation, and improves blood circulation, making it an effective approach for pain management and tissue repair.

At the Adelaide Health Clinic, our dedicated team of therapists use shockwave therapy to address musculoskeletal conditions, such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy, as well as chronic pain conditions.

When can shockwave therapy help?

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal and chronic pain conditions, including, but not limited to:

- Tendonitis: conditions like Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy: breaks down calcium deposits in the shoulder tendons, reducing pain and improving mobility
- Chronic pain: for conditions like myofascial pain syndrome, shockwave therapy offers pain relief and promotes tissue repair
- Stress fractures: may assist in the healing of stress fractures by improving blood flow to the affected area
- Hip pain: it can be used to address hip pain conditions, such as trochanteric bursitis
- Wound healing: it has applications in non-healing wound management by stimulating tissue repair
- Foot pain: can help to treat conditins like Morton's neuroma and metatarsalgia
- Osteoarthritis: in some cases, it's used to manage osteoarthritis pain
- Trigger points: can target trigger points in muscle tissue to alleviate pain and tension

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process in the body by stimulating the metabolism and enhancing blood circulation to regenerate damaged tissue.

Strong energy pulses are applied to the affected area for short periods of time, creating micro-cavitation bubbles that expand and burst. The force created by these bubbles stimulates cells in the body that are responsible for bone and connective tissue healing.

In many instances, shockwave therapy is most effective in cases where the human body has not been able to heal itself on its own.

Does the treatment hurt?

The soundwaves will be felt but our therapists are trained to gradually increase the intensity as your body accommodates.

How many treatments will I need?

Upon completion of your assessment, your therapist can advise you if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your injury.

2 – 3 treatments are often advised, each treatment being 1 week apart.

Will I feel pain after my treatment?

Yes, you may feel increased soreness post-treatment for 48 – 72 hours, but that should subside.

Please refrain from icing post-treatment. You may use heat to increase blood flow to the area.

Are there restrictions after the treatment?

You may perform light aerobic activity and stretching but should refrain from heavy weight training or explosive type exercises.

Is shockwave therapy covered by OHIP or my insurance?

Shockwave therapy is not covered under your OHIP but may be covered by your extended health insurance plan. Please check your individual plans for more details. 

Do I need a referral to get shockwave therapy at the Adelaide Health Clinic?

No referral is necessary for shockwave therapy to be part of your treatment plan. Upon completion of your assessment, your therapist can advise you if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your injury. 

Is the Adelaide Health Clinic accepting new patients for shockwave therapy?

Yes! Please call 416-367-5200 or click here today to book your appointment.