Shockwave therapy in Toronto
Acoustic-wave treatment for persistent tendon problems that have not settled with loading alone.
Overview
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy delivers acoustic pulses through the skin to a painful tendon or insertion point. A session takes a few minutes.
I use it for persistent tendon and plantar heel problems (such as the Achilles, the plantar heel or the outer elbow) that have not settled with a well-run loading programme alone.
What is shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy delivers acoustic pressure waves through the skin to a painful area, using a hand-held applicator and contact gel. Nothing goes through the skin.
How does shockwave therapy work?
The pressure waves provide a strong mechanical stimulus to the tissue. They are thought to encourage a healing response in tendons and to reduce pain sensitivity, which is why shockwave is used for tendon problems that have been slow to settle.
How I use shockwave therapy in treatment
Shockwave is added to a loading programme, not used instead of one. I consider it when a tendon problem has persisted despite a well-run exercise programme, so that it supports the work the tendon is already doing.
What happens in a session?
Treatment of an area takes a few minutes. It can be uncomfortable, and the intensity is adjusted to what you can tolerate. It is usually given as a short course of sessions about a week apart, alongside your exercises.
Who can shockwave therapy help?
Persistent tendon problems such as Achilles tendinopathy, plantar heel pain, tennis elbow, and tendon pain around the hip, knee and shoulder.
Is shockwave therapy safe, and what should I expect afterwards?
Soreness or redness for a day or two afterwards is common. Before using it I screen for reasons not to, including pregnancy, blood clotting problems or blood thinners, infection or tumour in the area, a pacemaker, growth plates in children, a recent steroid injection in the area, and areas over the lungs, major nerves or blood vessels.
Every plan starts with a full assessment, so the treatment fits what is actually driving your problem. Shockwave therapy is one tool within that plan, not the whole plan.
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Related programs of care
Where I practise
- Athlete's Care Yonge & Eglinton: Mon/Wed/Fri, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Push Pounds Downtown Toronto: Tue/Thu, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Runner's Academy St. Clair West: Mon/Wed/Fri, 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Country Lane Home office & virtual: Sat, By appointment only
Booking for a specific treatment? Mention it when you book so we can confirm which location suits it.
Before you book
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist in Ontario?
No. In Ontario you can book directly with a registered physiotherapist, no referral needed. Some extended health plans, and motor vehicle or workplace injury claims, have their own requirements, so it is worth checking your plan before your first visit.
Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
OHIP only covers physiotherapy for certain eligible groups at OHIP-funded clinics. Appointments with me are private, not billed to OHIP. Most extended health benefit plans cover registered physiotherapy, and you receive a receipt after every visit to submit to your plan.
Can my appointment be billed directly to my insurance?
Direct billing depends on the clinic and on your insurer. Ask when you book and the clinic will confirm whether they can bill your plan directly.
Other physiotherapy services
- Exercise therapy and strength rehabilitation
- Contemporary medical acupuncture and electroacupuncture
- Dry needling
- Joint mobilisation and spinal manipulation
- Trigger point and soft tissue release
- IASTM soft tissue release
- Static and dynamic silicone cupping
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
- Movement and running gait assessment
- Virtual and in-home physiotherapy
Book an appointment
Start with a proper assessment
A full history, a physical examination and a written plan you leave with. Book online at the clinic nearest you, send me a message, or call me directly.