Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy

"Very painful plantar fasciitis"

Dealing with very painful plantar fasciitis I was referred to Brandon (Chiropodist) who was very understanding of my situation and set me on the road to recovery. Brandon also referred me to a physiotherapist, Martin, for shockwave treatments and exercises. All of these worked and I have been able to resume my walking with very little pain in my foot.

- Patricia L.

"Made a huge difference."

Fixed my plantar fasciitis after struggling with pain for over a year. Shockwave made a huge difference in the hands of these professionals.

- Hussain S.

Shockwave therapy is a multidisciplinary device used in orthopedics, physiotherapy, and sports medicine that provides pain relief and restores mobility. It is an ideal therapy to speed up recovery and cure various indications causing acute or chronic pain.

Contact PhysioPlus Health Group today to find out more about our shockwave therapy and how we can aid you in your recovery process.

Watch this video to learn about Shockwave Therapy!

WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY?

Shockwave therapy is a device that can help reduce pain and has been proven to help a number  of injuries or conditions.  

Shockwave therapy speeds up the body’s natural healing process. It does this by stimulating the body’s metabolism and enhancing blood circulation to regenerate and heal damaged tissue. The device delivers strong energy pulses which produce sound pressure waves that are transmitted to the affected area.

Shockwave therapy has proven to be effective in many types of conditions and injuries where the body is unable to heal itself on its own!

Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation!

How does shockwave therapy work?

Acoustic waves with high energy peaks used in Shockwave therapy interact with tissue causing accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia, and mobility restoration.

  • Reversal of Chronic Inflammation – Mast cells are one of the key components of the inflammatory process. Their activity may be increased by using pervasive acoustic waves.
  • Stimulation of Collagen Production – The production of a sufficient amount of collagen is a necessary precondition for the repair processes of the damaged myoskeletal and ligamentous structures. Shockwave therapy accelerates procollagen synthesis.
  • Dissolution of Calcified Fibroblasts – Calcium build-up is most often the result of micro-tears or other trauma to a tendon. Acoustic waves break up the existing calcifications.
  • Dispersion of Pain Mediator “Substance P” – Substance P is a neurotransmitter that mediates pain information through the C-fibers. This neuropeptide is generally associated with intense, persistent and chronic pain.
  • Release of Trigger Points – Trigger points are a common cause of pain in the back, neck, shoulder and limbs. Delivered acoustic energy unblocks the calcium pump and thus reverses the metabolic crisis in the myofilaments and releases the trigger points.

What Conditions Can Be Treated WITH SHOCKWAVE?

Shockwave Therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, in particular, those involving areas where major connective tissue attaches to bone. There is evidence showing that shockwave is successful in treating the following injuries/conditions:

Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s knee is an inflammation or injury of the patellar tendon felt as pain, tenderness, and functional deficit. This condition may interfere with or even end your sporting career regardless of age and is difficult to treat.

Shoulder or Rotator Cuff Pain

The pain in the shoulder can be caused by e.g. calcifications, impingement syndrome, or frozen shoulder and feel like a dull to severe pain and limit your daily life.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a frequent condition occurring in up to 10% of the general population. Unfortunately, the conservative treatment of epicondylitis can be lengthy (rest) and may include medication (painkillers, steroid injections). Shockwave therapy on the other hand offers a rather prompt pain relief and cure with efficiency of over 70% in just a maximum of 5 treatments.

Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spur

Calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone (heel spur) is closely associated with scarring or inflammation of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis). These conditions can cause significant heel, arch, or foot pain.

Chronic Tendinopathy

Cumulated microtraumas from repetitive overuse can result in chronic tendinopathy (tendinitis or tendinosis). Tendinopathies can happen in various tendons of the body in both active people as well as the general population.

Calcifications

Calcifying tendinitis is a chronic pain disorder that is characterized by calcifications in rotator cuff tendons. Such a condition causes pain and range of motion limitations.

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IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY PAINFUL?

A small amount of discomfort or pain with shockwave therapy is normal.  Your physiotherapist will adjust the intensity of the shockwave during the treatment to ensure that the discomfort you feel is never too much for you.

The treatment usually only lasts a couple of minutes, so the discomfort you may feel will last only a short time.

You may sometimes also experience some mild tenderness or pain in the area that was treated for the 24-36 hours following a treatment. It typically feels like an ache or a bruise.   This pain is actually completely normal and is a sign that all the physiologic processes described above are in action and the healing process is underway.

What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?

  • Pain Reduction
  • Improved Circulation
  • Stimulates Healing
  • Trigger Point & Release
  • Breaks Up Calcifications
  • Breaks Down Scar Tissue and Adhesions

What to expect for a shockwave therapy treatment

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment. The application is simple and easy. Initiate therapy in 3 steps:

  1. Location of the area to be treated – The area to be treated is located using palpation in order to deliver the therapy precisely.
  2. Gel application – Gel is applied to the area located in step 1. Use of gel is necessary to transfer the acoustic waves efficiently and smoothly.
  3. Therapy initiation – The Shockwave applicator is slightly pushed against the area to be treated and the start button is pressed.

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS OF SHOCKWAVE TREATMENTS?

Many people wonder about the potential side effects of shockwave therapy. It’s important to note that while side effects can occur, they are often minor and temporary. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Minor Discomfort

It’s common to feel a bit of discomfort or pain during the shockwave therapy session. However, this is usually manageable, and many people tolerate it well.

  • Temporary Redness 

 After the therapy, you might notice some redness in the treated area. This is like when you get a small bruise or bump, and it usually goes away on its own after a short time.

  • Soreness or Tenderness 

You may feel a bit sore or tender in the treated area, similar to the feeling after exercising. This discomfort is usually temporary.

IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY COVERED BY INSURANCE?

If you have coverage for physiotherapy, chiropractic or podiatry/chiropody treatment, shockwave therapy will be covered under your benefits plan when it’s done by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, podiatrist or chiropodist.   

If you’re unsure about your coverage, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider. They can tell you what your plan includes and if there are any extra costs you need to know about. Getting this information can help you understand how much you might have to pay for shockwave therapy.

Contact us to book an appointment today!

READY TO ADD SHOCKWAVE THERAPY TO YOUR TREATMENT PLAN?

If you have coverage for physiotherapy, chiropractic or podiatry/chiropody treatment, shockwave therapy will be covered under your benefits plan when it’s done by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, podiatrist or chiropodist.   

If you’re unsure about your coverage, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider. They can tell you what your plan includes and if there are any extra costs you need to know about. Getting this information can help you understand how much you might have to pay for shockwave therapy.

If you’re in Bloor West Village and The Kingsway suffering from pain from an injury and would like to see if you are a candidate for shockwave therapy, contact PhysioPlus Health Group to schedule an appointment and find relief today.

MEET OUR SHOCKWAVE EXPERTS!

Sarah DeBoer

Registered Physiotherapist (FCAMPT)

Jennifer McConvey

Registered Physiotherapist, Certified Vestibular Physiotherapist

Lauren Kanko

Registered Physiotherapist

Lauren Rimmer

Registered Physiotherapist

Alex Nica

Resident Physiotherapist

Demetria Correia

Registered Physiotherapist

Martin Petkov

Registered Physiotherapist

Chantelle Blanchette

Resident Physiotherapist

Dr. Jeff Belgue

Registered Chiropractor

QUESTIONS?

Choosing the right physiotherapist can be a big decision. We’re dedicated to answering any questions you have to help you make the best choice. Contact us today and ask us anything!

(416) 760-8280

GET STARTED TO
FIND RELIEF TODAY!

FAQs

How many shockwave treatments will I need?

Typically, most people need 3-6 treatments at weekly intervals however, the number of treatments required can vary depending on how long you’ve had the injury and how severe it is. Our sports doctors or physiotherapists will assess your condition and provide you with an estimate of the recommended number of treatments required to effectively treat your condition and prevent it from coming back.

Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?

Yes, it can be covered. The treatment will be invoiced under the license of the treating therapist. If you have extended health insurance for physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment, it should be covered by your plan.