Shockwave therapy – treatment for pain or injury

Did you know that Shockwave therapy has been safely treating muscle, ligament and bone injuries for decades? Shockwave machines can be found at Olympic events, at the World Cup, at athletic events and at major medical institutions around the world, including the Mayo Clinic.
Shockwave therapy has been well studied in hundreds of medical research papers and is capable of treating a number of leg and foot disorders. Some examples include:

• Plantar Fasciitis/ Heel Spurs
• Achilles Tendon Problems
• Shin Splints
• Neuroma

Myths?

It is very painful. If discomfort is felt, this typically means that the area of concern is being targeted. The discomfort felt is often described as tolerable and if it is intolerable or painful, we can adjust the settings immediately.

You cannot treat long-standing problems with shockwave. The opposite is true, shockwave treats chronic/long-standing problems better than most other treatments, but can still be used to treat new conditions.

Treatments are costly and not covered by insurance. Treatment is not covered by OHIP, but is usually covered under a third party insurance plan. Every plan is different, so you would need to inquire with your benefit provider. Often times, coverage will be listed as Chiropodist/Podiatrist services. The good news? It is still affordable for those without coverage; the average cost per visit is less than $100.

Process?

The wand is placed against the skin and short, high energy pulses are created. This causes a ripple effect (think of a stone hitting pondwater), transferring energy to the damaged tissues, stimulating repair, healing and reducing pain with time. Each treatment typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the area being treated. You can expect to have 3-5 treatments.

Safety?

The use of shockwave is very safe in adults. It has been successfully used in Europe for decades. It is a great alternative to surgery as there is no anesthesia, no medications, no downtime and less risks.

Conditions that would preclude you from obtaining treatment include, pregnancy, some heart conditions (e.g. artificial valve, pacemaker), clotting disorders, taking blood thinners, cancer, infection in the immediate area, age (<16 years). You will want to speak with your lower limb clinician to determine if this is the right treatment for you.