Extracorporeal Radial Shockwave Therapy is a series of high-energy soundwaves that stimulate the metabolism and enhance blood circulation when applied to areas of pain. A projectile in the handpiece of the device is accelerated by compressed air, and the motion and weight of the projectile produce kinetic energy. This energy is converted to sound energy, and the resulting acoustic pulse is transmitted into the tissue being treated, with the assistance of a conductive gel. The shockwave is a physical sound wave “shock” and not an electric one.
Shockwave energy pulses are focused on areas of damaged tissue and pain, creating micro-cavitation bubbles. These bubbles in turn create a force that penetrates tissue and produces an inflammatory response. Stimulating the cells related to connective tissue and bone healing increases metabolic activity around the treatment site to accelerate the healing process.
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Spurs
Tennis Elbow
Morton’s Neuroma
Bursitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Trigger Point Therapy
Jumpers Knee
Stress Fractures
Osteoarthritis
Elbow pain
Frozen shoulder
Hamstring issues
Hip Pain
Knee Pain
Neck Pain
Overuse injuries
Scar tissue treatment
Shin Splints
Shoulder pain
Stress Fractures
Tendon Injuries
Sports Injuries
Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Chronic cervical and lumbar back pain
This therapy is non-invasive and carries no risk of infection or scarring. It is cost-effective and affordable. It stimulates the body’s natural self-healing process. There may be an immediate reduction of pain and improved ease of movement. Side effects are minor. Shockwave therapy may also eliminate your need for surgery.
Shockwave treatments are only recommended for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Young children, pregnant women, patients with pacemakers, patients taking anticoagulants, or patients being treated for cancer are not permitted to have this therapy. Please see the consent form for a complete list of contraindications and side effects.
2000 shocks are administered per session, which last approximately 5 minutes.
3-6 treatments are necessary at weekly intervals. Three treatments are usually the minimum treatments needed to determine if treatments are effective
Individual treatments cost $75 each.
You will need to ask your extended health benefits provider about the details of your coverage. This may be Alberta Blue Cross, a benefits plan provided by your employer, or an independent coverage plan. Please note, we do not direct bill insurance companies for treatment. You are responsible for payment at the time of treatment, and a receipt will be issued to you for submission to your insurer for reimbursement.
This will depend on the area of your body being treated. For ease of access to lower body areas, bring a pair of shorts to wear during treatment. For upper body areas, a tank-top or sports bra would be appropriate. The Shockwave needs to be applied directly to the skin and not through clothing.
You may book your appointment with your usual chiropractor, either Dr. Collin Watson or Dr. Ron Barlot. Both are qualified to administer the treatment.
Treatment may be uncomfortable but most people are able to tolerate it. Adjustments on the machine can be made to decrease or increase the pressure you feel to an appropriate comfort level while still ensuring you receive the full benefit of the Shockwave therapy.
There may be no immediate pain, but some discomfort may be experienced for a few hours after the treatment.
The shockwave will trigger an inflammatory response, which is the body’s natural process of healing. For this reason, do not use anti-inflammatory medications. Do not use ice. The pain should subside within 24-48 hours. Use Tylenol if necessary, provided you have no trouble with this medication.
Even if it feels good, we recommend decreased activity for 48 hours following the treatment.
Most patients experience beneficial effects after 1 or 2 treatments, with some reporting immediate pain relief. Clinical studies indicate success rates at around 90% (patients reporting being pain-free or having significant reductions in pain levels).
Short-term effects should be noticeable soon after the first 1 to 3 treatments. Long-term benefits of this treatment may take up to 3-4 months. If after the third treatment there has not been any marked improvement, you should be reassessed by your chiropractor for further treatment options.
