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    • Home
    • About Shockwave Therapy
    • Scientific Evidence
    • Blog
    • FAQ
    • Testimonials
    • Contact
  • Home
  • About Shockwave Therapy
  • Scientific Evidence
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Frequently Asked Questions about Shock Wave Therapy

Please reach us at clinic@shelbournephysio.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment modality that uses acoustic waves to deliver high-energy pulses to injured or painful areas of the body to promote healing and pain relief.


It is non-invasive. Gel is applied to the treatment area; shockwaves are then released through the applicator as it is moved over the treatment area.


Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy stimulates the body's natural healing processes by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and breaking down scar tissue and calcifications.


Depending on the intensity of each treatment, it can feel like tapping on the skin to a slight discomfort in the treatment area. Treatment intensity can be adjusted depending on the client's comfort level.


Each session usually takes 15-20 minutes, depending on the injury and body part.


Common conditions include;

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Calcific tendonitis
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Other trigger points

Please consult with your physiotherapist to see if your condition is suitable for shockwave therapy.


Shockwave Therapy is not recommended if you;

  • are pregnant
  • are taking anti-coagulants or have blood clotting disorders
  • have received steroidal treatment within 6 weeks of starting Shockwave Therapy
  • are under 18 (dependent on the injury)
  • are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • have a pacemaker

Shockwave Therapy cannot be done on the following areas;

  • Tumours (benign or cancerous)
  • Air-filled areas (i.e. lungs)
  • Cartilage or small facet joints of the spinal column
  • Metal implants
  • Muscle tears
  • Any area with vasomotor impairment or decreased neural sensitivity/pain reception


Please see the full list of contraindications from the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment on their website by clicking HERE, or on our "ABOUT SHOCKWAVE THERAPY" page by clicking HERE.


Yes, when performed by a trained healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist, shockwave therapy is generally considered safe with minimal side effects.


Shockwave therapy is offered by various healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons, and podiatrists. Book a Shockwave Therapy appointment with one of our physiotherapists by clicking here.


Effects usually last 2-4 hours after the session. Potential side effects include;

  • Minor pain/discomfort during and/or after the session
  • Transient redness of treated skin
  • Local swelling
  • Local tenderness
  • Potentially minor hematomas (bruising)
  • Potentially headaches, migraines, and subsequent syncope


Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days but can generally return to normal activities immediately.


Some patients experience relief after the first treatment, but it may take several weeks to see significant improvement.


Yes, it is often used in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy, orthotics, or some medications.


In many cases, shockwave therapy can reduce the need for surgical intervention by effectively treating the condition non-invasively.


No! Shockwave therapy is performed by a registered physiotherapist. You do not need a doctor's note to attend physiotherapy sessions, however some extended health care plans require a physician note to have physiotherapy expenses covered or reimbursed.


Different injuries can require any number of sessions before there is pain relief. Treatments must be at least 5 days apart from each other, due to the body's normal healing processes. 


Costs can vary widely depending on the provider, location, and number of sessions required. You can view per-appointment pricing on our online booking site by clicking here for our Shelbourne Street location and here for our Cook Street location. 


Yes, if your insurance plan covers physiotherapy treatment. We are able to bill to most extended health plans so please check the details of your plan to see what is covered for you. Some plans do not allow direct billing, so please check with your insurer prior to booking.


Some common insurers that we can direct bill to include;

  • Canada Life
  • Canada Life PSHCP
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • ClaimSecure
  • D.A. Townley
  • Desjardins
  • Empire Life
  • Equitable Life
  • First Canadian
  • Green Shield Canada
  • GroupHEALTH
  • GroupSource
  • Industrial Alliance
  • Johnson Inc.
  • Johnston Group Inc.
  • Manulife
  • Maximum Benefit
  • Pacific Blue Cross
  • Sun Life Financial
  • Medavie Blue Cross* (ONLY for Active CAF members with a referral, VAC, and RCMP).



Clients eligible for the Medical Services Plan Supplementary Benefit can have partial payment of physiotherapy services covered for up to 10 medical services annually. The client must apply for the Supplementary Benefit in order for us to direct bill for services. Check if you are eligible for this additional benefit here.


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