Treatments

Shockwave therapy

Do you have a stubborn tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis injury that won’t go away? Have you tried other forms of conservative treatment with minimal to no change in your symptoms? Have you been told that you have chronic tendonitis or bursitis? If you answered YES, to any of the above questions, Radial Shockwave Therapy might be right for you!

Shockwave therapy is a highly effective and non-invasive treatment used to treat various bone, tendon and muscle conditions. Shockwave therapy uses high-energy mechanical sound waves creating strong impulses that trigger anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the body while inducing tissue regeneration. Shockwave therapy increases the production of nitric oxide, which aids in the down regulation of inflammatory cells in the injured area, removes scar-tissue, stimulates the growth of new blood vessels to provide greater blood flow to the affected area and stimulates new nerve cell formation. The latest research indicates that the healing process can be further accelerated when shockwave therapy is used in conjunction with Physiotherapy techniques such as Intramuscular Stimulation, Acupuncture and Active Release Technique.

I saw Kaitlyn yesterday for a Physiotherapy assessment/ shockwave therapy appointment. Kaitlyn put together a plan for my Achilles Tendinitis. I didn’t have much knowledge about my Tendinitis but very confident that she will help me get rid of this as soon as possible. She took the time to explain the issue and answered all my questions and gave me exercises to do to strengthen my tendon.

Heather Brown

Shockwave therapy at Integral

At Integral Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic in downtown Edmonton, we offer comprehensive physical therapy programs, including shockwave therapy. We’re passionate about helping people, like you, get back to good health. Meet with an Integral Physiotherapist to determine if this type of therapy is a good solutions for you and your lifestyle.

How does shockwave therapy work?

Shockwave therapy is an acoustic wave that carries high energy to painful spots and musculoskeletal tissues with acute, subacute and chronic conditions. The energy promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.

Shockwave therapy is characterized by high amplitude changes in pressure which increases circulation and begins the healing process. The kinetic energy of the projectile, created by pneumatically generated air, is transferred from the applicator deep into the affected soft tissue.

What can we expect during a session of shockwave therapy? Edmonton clients typically find the treatment painless, although some may feel a slight discomfort from the physical pulses. The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted for your comfort. There is no recover time required after a shockwave therapy treatment.

What conditions can shockwave therapy resolve?

How many shockwave therapy treatments do I need?

A course of shockwave therapy typically consists of three to four visits. Most clients report noted improvements after the first treatment, however some clients do not notice until completion of the third treatment. Extremely severe issues may require one or two booster treatments which are typically administered at a six to twelve-week follow-up appointment.

Has shockwave therapy been clinically proven?

Shockwave therapy has been subjected to vigorous scientific study and the results to date far exceed other types of modalities. The findings have been published in numerous well respected medical journals:

“91% success rate of calcific tendonitis of the shoulder” – Journal of American Medical Association, 2003

“90% success rate of plantar fasciitis” – The Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2005

“77% success rate of tennis elbow” – The Journal of Orthopaedics, 2005

What is the cost of shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is administered by a trained physiotherapist and is an affordable treatment option. In addition, the clear majority of extended health insurance plans will cover all or a portion of the treatment. Call 587-401-2371 to schedule an appointment.