Shockwave therapy has emerged as a powerful treatment option for chronic musculoskeletal conditions that haven't responded to traditional treatments. This non-invasive therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain. At M.O. Therapy in Markham, we utilize shockwave therapy as part of our comprehensive treatment approach.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Definition
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers acoustic pressure waves to targeted tissue, stimulating the body's natural healing response without surgery or medication.
Types of Shockwave
Radial Shockwave (RSWT):
- Most common type
- Waves spread radially
- Superficial tissue treatment
- Commonly available
- Lower energy
Focused Shockwave (FSWT):
- Waves converge at focal point
- Deeper tissue penetration
- More intense
- Specialized equipment
- Higher energy
How It Works
Mechanisms:
- Mechanical pressure waves enter tissue
- Stimulates cellular response
- Increases blood flow
- Promotes tissue regeneration
- Reduces pain signaling
- Breaks down calcifications
The Science Behind Shockwave
Tissue Effects
Biological Responses:
- Neovascularization (new blood vessel formation)
- Increased growth factors
- Collagen production stimulation
- Stem cell activation
- Inflammation modulation
Pain Relief
How Pain Decreases:
- Disrupts pain receptors
- Releases substance P (then depletion)
- Gate control mechanism
- Neurological effects
- Cumulative benefits
Healing Promotion
Regenerative Effects:
- Kick-starts stalled healing
- Breaks chronic pain cycle
- Stimulates tissue repair
- Remodels damaged tissue
Conditions Treated
Highly Effective For
Tendinopathies:
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Hip tendinopathy (gluteal)
Calcific Conditions:
- Calcific tendinitis of shoulder
- Heel spurs
- Other calcifications
May Help
Other Conditions:
- Chronic muscle pain
- Trigger points
- Stress fractures (off-label)
- Bone healing (specialized use)
What to Expect
Before Treatment
Preparation:
- Consultation and assessment
- Diagnosis confirmation
- Discussion of expectations
- Review of contraindications
- Treatment plan established
During Treatment
The Session:
- Area identified and marked
- Gel applied to skin
- Applicator placed on area
- Pulses delivered (2000-4000 typically)
- Duration: 5-15 minutes per area
Sensations:
- Rapid tapping/pulsing feeling
- Can be uncomfortable
- Intensity adjusted to tolerance
- Discomfort brief
- Communication important
After Treatment
Post-Treatment:
- May have temporary redness
- Possible soreness 24-48 hours
- Ice if needed
- Normal activities usually fine
- Avoid anti-inflammatories (may reduce effect)
Treatment Protocol
Typical Course
Standard Protocol:
- 3-6 sessions
- 1-2 weeks apart
- Effects build over time
- Full benefits may take weeks to months
Response Timeline
What to Expect:
- Some immediate pain relief possible
- Full effects develop over 12 weeks
- Improvement continues after treatment ends
- Some conditions respond faster than others
Success Rates
Research Shows:
- 70-80% success for plantar fasciitis
- 65-80% for tennis elbow
- Variable for other conditions
- Best when combined with exercise
Who Should Avoid Shockwave
Contraindications
Absolute:
- Over malignancy/tumors
- Over infections
- Over growth plates (children)
- Pregnancy (in treated area)
- Blood clotting disorders
- Over major nerves/blood vessels
Relative:
- Blood thinners
- Pacemakers (nearby)
- Acute inflammation
- Cortisone injection (recent)
Shockwave vs. Other Treatments
Shockwave vs. Injection
Shockwave:
- No needles
- Non-invasive
- Stimulates healing
- Multiple sessions needed
- Cumulative effects
Injection:
- Invasive procedure
- Quick relief possible
- Doesn't address cause
- May weaken tissue (steroids)
- Limited number recommended
Shockwave vs. Surgery
Shockwave:
- Non-invasive
- No anesthesia
- No recovery time
- Lower risk
- Try before surgery
Surgery:
- Invasive
- Anesthesia required
- Significant recovery
- Higher risk
- Usually last resort
Evidence and Research
What Studies Show
Strong Evidence For:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis
- Lateral epicondylitis
Moderate Evidence For:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Greater trochanteric pain
Best Outcomes
Success Factors:
- Correct diagnosis
- Appropriate condition selection
- Combined with exercise program
- Patient compliance
- Adequate treatment course
Combining Treatments
Best Results With
Complementary Approaches:
- Exercise therapy (essential)
- Manual therapy
- Load management
- Lifestyle modifications
Why Exercise Matters
Critical Addition:
- Shockwave stimulates healing
- Exercise provides appropriate load
- Combined effect superior
- Progressive loading important
Cost Considerations
Insurance Coverage
Varies By:
- Insurance provider
- Specific plan
- Province/territory
- Diagnosis
Investment
Consider:
- May reduce need for surgery
- Fewer ongoing treatments
- Return to activity value
- Cost-effectiveness
Shockwave at M.O. Therapy
Our Approach
Comprehensive Care:
- Proper assessment
- Combined with exercise
- Individualized protocols
- Progress monitoring
Equipment
Modern Technology:
- Quality shockwave equipment
- Evidence-based protocols
- Trained practitioners
- Safe application
Integration
Part of Treatment Plan:
- Not standalone treatment
- Combined with physio
- Exercise prescription
- Holistic approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is shockwave therapy? Shockwave can be uncomfortable but is tolerable for most patients. Intensity is adjusted to your comfort level. Any discomfort is brief during the treatment session.
How many treatments will I need? Typically 3-6 sessions spaced 1-2 weeks apart. Some conditions may require more or fewer treatments based on response.
When will I feel better? Some patients notice immediate improvement, but full benefits typically develop over 12 weeks as tissue remodels. Patience is important.
Can I exercise after shockwave? Usually yes, though you may want to avoid intense activity on the treated area for 24-48 hours. Your practitioner will provide specific guidance.
Why should I avoid anti-inflammatories? Shockwave works partly through inflammation signaling. Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce this effect. Discuss medication use with your practitioner.
Is Shockwave Right for You?
If you have a chronic tendon problem that hasn't responded to other treatments, shockwave therapy may help. Contact M.O. Therapy in Markham for an assessment.
Contact Us:
- Call (905) 201-5827
- Book online
- Direct billing available
Discover if shockwave therapy can help you return to pain-free activity.