Shockwave Therapy Edmonton

Shockwave therapy: a non-invasive physiotherapy solution for chronic musculoskeletal pain

The most common indications for shockwave therapy include painful shoulder/rotator cuff syndrome, epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow), low back pain, achilles tendon pain (tendinopathy, enthesopathy, calcific tendinopathy), plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and trigger points.

Shockwave Therapy Edmonton

How Does Shockwave Therapy Treatment Work?

During the treatment, a transmitter is placed in contact with the skin and a metal projectile is repeatedly accelerated towards the affected area creating a vibratory sensation. This produces an acoustic wave which carries high energy to the treated area/painful spot. This energy provokes healing, regenerating and reparative processes in soft tissues.  Shockwave has also been shown to disintegrate calcifications in tendons and muscle. Shockwave will not remove or break up bone spurs that are attached to bone. The therapy is an ideal solution without medication that has virtually no side-effects for various soft tissue conditions that cause chronic pain.

Shockwave therapy presents a fantastic option for a non-invasive, non-medication treatment.  When radial shockwave therapy is performed, it is typically a standalone treatment. It is not usually done alongside other interventions to the same body part at the same time (IMS, dry needling, manual therapy etc.).

Can radial shockwave therapy be direct billed?

Yes! Radial shockwave therapy can be.

At REP Physio in Edmonton, radial shockwave therapy is performed by our expert physiotherapists as part of a physiotherapy treatment program. As such, it can be direct billed to insurance companies and extended health care plans. Radial shockwave therapy is only performed by our expert physiotherapists. Radial shockwave therapy is not performed by massage therapists, kinesiologists and/or personal trainers, as it is not part of their scope of practice. Contact us today to book a consultation.

A Demonstrated Healing Process

Shockwave therapy creates a healing environment in the body targeted towards breaking the cycle of chronic pain and inflammation. As the injured area is returned to normal, functionality is restored and pain is relieved. 

For pain relief, a course of 3-5 sessions is typically recommended, however, this varies on a case by case basis. Shockwave therapy is typically incorporated alongside a therapeutic exercise program in order to maximize recovery.

At REP Physio in Edmonton, clients have experienced significant improvement with radial shockwave therapy for a number of conditions and ailments. We have had great success rates with this intervention when shockwave is selected as one of our many treatment options in conjunction with education and a therapeutic exercise program.

Interested in shockwave therapy?

Get in touch today to book a consultation.

What Disorders Are Candidates For Shockwave Therapy?

There are many disorders and injuries that are candidates for shockwave therapy. Typically shockwave is used for disorders of tendons and fascia. It can also be used for muscle pain and dysfunction as well. Typically, shockwave therapy is used for:

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis / epicondylopathy

  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylities / epicondylopathy)
  • Patellar tendinitis (aka jumper’s knee)
  • Plantar fasciitis and/or heel spurs
  • Shoulder tendinitis
  • Achilles tendinitis / Achilles tendinosis / Achilles tendinosis
  • Tendinopathies
  • Tendinosis
  • Calcific tendinitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Hip pain
  • Painful shoulder syndrome 
  • Low back pain
  • Chronic pain

Is there research evidence that supports the use of shockwave?

Yes! Radial Shockwave therapy is supported by research literature as an effective treatment for many conditions.

What Side Effects Can You Expect?

One of the many benefits of shockwave therapy is the lack of side effects and/or adverse events.

The most common side effect of shockwave is some mild procedural soreness and/or increased sensitivity to the treated area.  This typically lasts for no more than 24 hours and can be managed by heat and gentle stretching. Other side effects may include some small bruising and/or “petechia” which is s a small temporary red spot on the skin due to a disturbed blood vessel. Shockwave cannot be used on pregnant women, over areas that are fractured or have had recent surgery, malginancy, over the field of the lungs, brain genitals and eyes.

Book Your Radial Shockwave Therapy Appointment At One Of Our Edmonton Clinics

We direct bill radial shockwave to your extended health care plan.

Your shockwave sessions will be completed only by a registered physiotherapist who has received special training in this approach. While shockwave therapy does help with a lot of common injuries, not everyone is necessarily a candidate for shockwave. Your physiotherapist will discuss your suitability for shockwave therapy with you on your initial assessment.

Interested in shockwave therapy?

Get in touch today to book a consultation.

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