Shockwave Therapy

What does Shockwave Therapy treat?
*    Feet - heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis
*    Elbow, tennis and golfers elbow
*    Shoulder - calcific tendinosis of rotator cuff muscles
*    Knee - patellar tendonitis
*    Hip -  bursitis
*    Lower Leg - shin splints
*    Upper Leg - Iliotibial band friction syndrome
*    Back Pain - lumbar and cervical spine regions and chronic muscular pain

How does Shockwave Technology promote healing?
The high-energy acoustic pulse produced by our Extracorporeal Shockwave unit improves the metabolism in the pain region, increases blood circulation and this effectively stimulates the body's intrinsic repair mechanisms. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals. In other words, Shockwave Therapy is all about activating the body's self-healing abilities.

Shock Waves ?

Facts and Features
Shock waves are audible high-energy sound waves. They occur in the atmosphere, for example during lighting strikes, or when airplanes break the sound barrier. In the medical world, shock waves have been employed since around 1980 to disintegrate kidney stones, for instance.

In modern pain therapy, shock wave energy is conducted from the place of its generation the shock wave generator to the painful body regions, where it unfolds its healing capabilities.

What is a typical visit/treatment like?
Your first visit will be an initial assessment by a registered physiotherapist.
For an acute condition, 3 - 5 separate treatment sessions approximately 1 week apart are required. Severe conditions may require more than 6 - 10 visits, often two visits every week.

Each treatment session lasts approximately 5 - 15 minutes where a trained technician will apply ultrasonic transmission gel to the target area. The shockwave therapy hand piece is then positioned to gently and extensively transmit shock waves over the injured area. The feedback you provide helps us fine tune the position of the applicator and the intensity of the treatment.

Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
The shockwave technology we use does cause mild discomfort. Many patients describe their treatment as "mild sensation" to "moderately uncomfortable" but few report any significant or lasting pain.

Are there any side effects or contraindications?
Shockwave Therapy should not be used if there is a circulation or nerve disorder, infection, bone tumor, or a metabolic bone condition. Shockwave Therapy should also not be used if there are any open wounds or tumors or if the patient is pregnant. Patients who are on blood-thinning medications or who have severe circulatory disorders may also not be eligible for treatment.

After the treatment, patients may experience temporary soreness, tenderness or swelling for a few days following the procedure. Upon completion of your treatment you can return to most regular activities almost immediately. Occasionally, pain or discomfort may persist for a few days following treatment but no serious complications or side effects have been reported.

How many treatments do I need to improve my condition?
Generally, patients require 3 - 6 separate treatment sessions per week. For chronic conditions, patients may require more that 6 - 9 sessions, twice per week.

Does Shockwave Therapy really work?
Provided you are a candidate for this type of treatment, clinical studies suggest there is an 80% - 85% chance this technology will improve your condition. Clinical studies further confirm that 88% of patients treated for calcanial spurs and 95% of those treated for tennis elbow rated the results as "very good" or "good" only weeks after treatment. Numerous clinical trials have been published and are available by study online.

95% of our patients will see an improvement in their condition following their treatment program. One of the most important factors for success is being able to identify and select which patients and conditions are most likely to benefit from this technology. Given our experience we believe we can provide you with an accurate assessment on your candidacy for Shockwave Therapy and the likelihood you will see an improvement in your condition.

Am I a candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
The following criteria must all be meet before treatment may begin:
You have been diagnosed with a condition that Shockwave Therapy has been demonstrated effective in treating
There are no significant or serious side effects or contraindications.
Conservative treatments have failed or did not work.
You understand the procedure, costs and other factors involved in your program of treatment.

How much does the treatment cost?
Your treatment is provided by a registered physiotherapist and costs $100 for each area treated.

What about Private Insurance or Provincial Healthcare?
Patients will receive a official receipt which can be submitted to their insurance re-imbursement and/or a tax deduction.