Shockwave Therapy Now Available at Pain Free Health South Surrey
Persistent tendon and soft-tissue injuries can be frustrating—especially when symptoms have been present for weeks or months and are interfering with exercise, work, or everyday activities.
At Pain Free Health South Surrey, we have added a new Shockwave Therapy unit to give our physiotherapists another treatment option for appropriate musculoskeletal conditions.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses acoustic pressure waves that are applied to a targeted area of the body.
Despite the name, there is no electrical shock being delivered into your body.
Shockwave has been studied extensively for several musculoskeletal conditions, particularly persistent tendon-related problems.
What are the potential benefits?
Depending on the condition, Shockwave Therapy may help:
Reduce pain
For certain chronic tendon conditions, research suggests Shockwave can contribute to improvements in pain and function.
Improve function
Reducing symptoms can make it easier to progressively return to strengthening, work, sport and everyday activities.
Support tendon rehabilitation
Shockwave can be used alongside progressive loading and strengthening programs for persistent tendinopathies.
Provide a non-surgical treatment option
For appropriately selected patients, Shockwave is a non-invasive treatment that can be considered before more invasive interventions.
What conditions can Shockwave Therapy treat?
Shockwave is commonly considered for conditions such as plantar fasciitis/plantar heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow), and calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder.
However, having one of these conditions does not automatically mean Shockwave is the right treatment. Your physiotherapist should assess the injury, determine the likely cause of your symptoms and decide whether Shockwave is appropriate.
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
Patients often describe the treatment as a tapping or pulsing sensation. Some areas can be sensitive during treatment, particularly over an irritated tendon.
The intensity can generally be adjusted based on the area being treated and patient tolerance.
How many treatments will I need?
There isn't one protocol that is appropriate for every patient. The number and frequency of sessions depend on the condition, severity and chronicity of symptoms, response to treatment, and the specific Shockwave system being used.
Your physiotherapist will recommend a treatment plan following your assessment.
Shockwave works best as part of rehabilitation
This is important.
We don't want patients thinking of Shockwave as a machine that simply "fixes" an injury.
At Pain Free Health, Shockwave may be one component of a larger rehabilitation program that can include progressive strengthening, mobility work, activity modification, education and a gradual return to work or sport.
The goal is not simply temporary pain relief. We want to improve your ability to move, load the injured tissue and return to the activities that matter to you.
Interested in trying Shockwave Therapy?
Our new Shockwave Therapy unit is now available at Pain Free Health South Surrey.
If you've been dealing with persistent heel, Achilles, knee, elbow or shoulder symptoms, speak with one of our physiotherapists to find out whether Shockwave Therapy may be appropriate for you.
Pain Free Health South Surrey
Movement is medicine.
