Shockwave Therapy at Evidence Sport and Spine

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (commonly called shockwave) is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing in damaged tissue. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as an effective alternative to more invasive treatments, for a variety of chronic pain conditions.

How does Shockwave Therapy work?

Shockwave therapy involves the use of a special device that introduces intense, short sound waves into the affected area. These sound waves stimulate the body's natural healing process, to promote tissue regeneration.

The sound waves pulsate the tissue just enough to create a "stress reaction" without causing damage, initiating your body's healing cascade.

The beneficial events of a healing cascade include the breakdown of calcification and tissue adhesions, leading to a decrease of pain, increased bloodflow and increase of function.

The treatment is performed by a trained medical professional and typically takes less than 10 minutes per session. Patients may require multiple sessions depending on the severity of their condition.

What conditions can Shockwave Therapy treat?

Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of chronic pain conditions, including:

• Chronic neck and back pain
• Connective tissue pain
• De Quervain Syndrome
• Epicondylosis
• Golfer's Elbow
• IT band syndrome
• Lateral Hip pain
• Plantar fasciitis (with or without heel spur)
• Rotator cuff tendonopathy (with or without calcification)
• Tendonitis (of the Achilles, patella, supraspinatus etc)
• Tennis Elbow

Is Shockwave Therapy safe?

Because the device only creates sound waves, shockwave therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment that has been used for over 30 years to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Originally designed to disperse kidney stones, this modality is now used in soft tissue treatment.

Compressed air fires into a cylinder in the machine, moving a projectile, or "bullet" back and forth between the transmission head and handle of the machine. This action transmits high-energy bursts, or shockwaves in a focused area to break up tissue adhesions.

The treatment has minimal side effects, and most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure.

Your clinician will modify the intensity to a medically appropriate level for you, during your sessions and we have ear protection available, as it is loud!

Patients with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders or pregnancy, may not be suitable candidates for shockwave therapy. It's important to discuss any concerns with us before undergoing the treatment.

What are the benefits of Shockwave Therapy?

The benefits of shockwave therapy include:

• Non-invasive: Unlike many other medical treatments, shockwave therapy does not involve surgery or injections, which can be painful and have a longer recovery time
• Effective: Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of chronic pain conditions, often providing relief where other treatments have failed
• Quick: Treatment sessions typically last less than 10 minutes, making it a convenient option to add to your existing appointment
• Short-term: Most conditions require 4-6 visits to acquire significant benefits and can show marked improvement after the first visit

Billing for Shockwave in Calgary

Shockwave can only be provided to patients who have received an assessment or diagnosis from a qualified practitioner within our clinics.

Shockwave is added on to an existing assessment or treatment session for a nominal cost.

This cost can be billed under the discipline providing the treatment and is covered by most insurance plans, meaning it is added to your bill under Physiotherapy.

Availability and locations for Shockwave 

Shockwave Therapy is available at both of our Calgary locations so you are certain to be able to find shockwave near you.

If you're suffering from chronic pain and have tried other treatments with little or no success, shockwave therapy may be a safe and effective option to consider. Talk to us at your next appointment to determine if shockwave therapy is right for you.

The Most Common Questions we get about Shockwave Therapy - FAQs

Q: Are Shockwave Therapy Results Permanent?

A: Because the shockwave "resets" the healing process, it is applied to create a "micro-trauma" to the area that has failed to heal properly. Therefore, it is a useful tool in your rehabilitation process when combined with appropriate exercise to prevent that injury from recurring.

Q: Who does the Shockwave Therapy?

A: We provide shockwave as part of an existing appointment. It will be delivered by a  phyisotherapist.