What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged soft tissue. It effectively treats most adhesion problems involving muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Rather than masking pain, shockwave works at the source, treating multiple layers of adhesion at once, restoring ranges of motion twice as fast. Patients typically resolve their soft tissue problems in half the number of visits compared to conventional treatment. Shockwave can target degenerative tissue directly, removing old damaged cells and replacing them with new healthy stem cells.
What to expect during your shockwave therapy session
Your session at Revive begins with a brief assessment so your provider can confirm the treatment area and adjust the intensity to your comfort level. A handheld device is then applied directly to the skin over the injured tissue, delivering a series of rapid acoustic pulses. Most sessions take between 15 and 20 minutes. You may feel a pulsing or tapping sensation, and some mild discomfort is normal, particularly over areas with significant adhesion or inflammation. There is no freezing, no needles, and no recovery time. Most patients walk out and return to their regular activities the same day.
Why choose shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and tendinitis?
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is one of the most well-supported applications of this technology. The acoustic waves stimulate blood flow, break down scar tissue, and promote natural healing in the heel and arch. Similarly, shockwave therapy for tendinitis, including Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff injuries, and tennis elbow, delivers targeted energy directly to the damaged tendon tissue, reducing pain and accelerating recovery without surgery or downtime.
If you've tried other treatments without lasting relief, shockwave therapy at our St. Albert clinic may be the next step.
Conditions treated with shockwave therapy
Our St. Albert shockwave therapist uses this treatment to address a wide range of musculoskeletal pain conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis (and heel pain)
- Osteoarthritis
- Disc bulge/herniation
- Sciatica
- Fibrous adhesion
- Nerve impingement
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Trigger finger
- Tendonitis and tendinopathy
- Runner's knee/jumper's knee
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff pain and shoulder injuries
- Hip pain
- Low back pain and soft tissue back pain
- Neck pain
- Nerve pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients see meaningful improvement within 3 to 6 sessions, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Your therapist will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition during your initial visit.
Some patients experience mild discomfort during treatment as the acoustic waves work on the injured tissue. The sensation is typically tolerable and brief. Most people find it manageable, and there is no downtime after a session.
Yes. Shockwave therapy for back pain targets the soft tissue and adhesion patterns that contribute to chronic low back pain. By stimulating tissue repair and breaking down fibrous adhesions, it can provide relief when other conservative treatments have fallen short.
Yes. Shockwave is often used alongside chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy, or massage therapy for a more complete recovery. Your provider at Revive will assess your condition and let you know whether a combined approach makes sense for your specific injury.
