What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that involves creating a series of low energy acoustic wave pulsations that are directly applied to an affected area through a person’s skin via a gel medium.  It is used in the treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions, primarily those involving connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons.

How can shockwave therapy help?

Shockwave therapy is used for conditions that haven’t responded well to traditional forms of treatment. It is suitable for people who have conditions such as tennis elbow, Achilles tenditionis, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, and jumpers' knee.

The appointment will begin with an assessment to ensure that shockwave therapy best meets your individual needs. The clinician will discuss your specific condition and build your treatment plan which may include some activity modification and home exercises.

There may be mild discomfort during the session. Following the treatment, some people experience soreness, tenderness, redness, and localized swelling.

Shockwave therapy has shown to effectively treat the following conditions:

• Feet - heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis
• Elbow – tennis and golfers' elbow
• Shoulder - rotator cuff
• Knee - patellar tendonitis
• Hip – bursitis
• Lower leg - shin splints
• Upper leg – IT band syndrome
• Back pain

To find a Lifemark clinic that offers shockwave therapy, please visit lifemark.ca/locations