Shockwave Therapy Edmonton

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Wondering If Shockwave Therapy Is Right for You?

Are you dealing with chronic pain that hasn’t improved with physio or massage?
Do you have tendon pain that flares with movement or load?
Have you tried “resting it” for weeks, but it keeps coming back?
Did imaging show calcification, thickening, or tendon wear and tear?
Has your pain been labelled “stubborn” or “degenerative”?

If you’re nodding “yes,” it might be time to try shockwave therapy treatment—a proven way to reset tissue healing and finally make progress.

Persistent pain doesn’t always respond to stretching, rest, or standard treatment. That’s where shockwave therapy comes in—a non-invasive option that targets the source of pain, stimulates healing, and helps you move forward when recovery has stalled.

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we offer shockwave therapy in Edmonton using both Radial and Focused techniques, structured to the specific needs of your injury.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy (also called ESWT shockwave therapy, or Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate your body’s natural repair process.

It’s a fast, effective, and non-surgical technique used to treat long-standing conditions where the tissue has stopped healing on its own. The treatment works in stubborn areas like tendons and fascia.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

The treatment works by sending high-energy sound waves into injured tissues. These waves create microtrauma, which helps:

  • Increase local blood circulation
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Break down scar tissue or calcifications
  • Interrupt pain signals

It sounds intense, but most people describe it as uncomfortable at worst and often feel significant relief within a few sessions.

Shockwave Therapy Techniques We Use at West Henday

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we offer two types of shockwave therapy treatment, selected based on the depth and nature of the tissue being treated:

Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)

This method uses pressure waves that spread across a broader surface area, which is ideal for treating larger muscle groups or tendon issues closer to the skin. It’s often chosen when the pain is diffuse or involves multiple surrounding structures.

What to expect:

  • Gentle-to-moderate pressure
  • Coverage across a wide region
  • Often used in early-to-mid stages of rehab

Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT)

Focused shockwave delivers energy deeper into the tissue, pinpointing chronic or deeply embedded injuries. This technique is especially effective for long-standing pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

What to expect:

  • Targeted delivery to a specific point
  • Higher precision and depth
  • Useful for conditions involving calcification or deeper tendon involvement

Conditions We Commonly Treat with Shockwave Therapy

Whether you’re dealing with a new injury or a long-term issue that just won’t go away, shockwave therapy in Edmonton can be highly effective in treating the following:

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs

cause stabbing heel pain that worsens with walking — treatment helps break down scar tissue and stimulate repair in the fascia.

Achilles tendinopathy

leads to tightness and irritation at the back of the ankle — therapy supports tendon healing and improves mobility.

Patellar tendon pain (jumper’s knee)

creates strain just below the kneecap — energy waves reduce inflammation and promote stronger tissue remodelling.

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

result in forearm pain and grip weakness — the treatment targets overloaded tendons to restart the healing process.

Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder

limits range of motion due to calcium buildup — therapy helps break down deposits and ease tension.

Rotator cuff-related shoulder pain

affects overhead movement — stimulation improves circulation and encourages tendon recovery.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)

causes pain along the outer hip — inflammation in tendons and bursae is reduced to restore comfort.

Gluteal tendinopathy and hip bursitis

make walking, climbing stairs, or lying on your side painful — treatment supports tissue repair and lowers chronic discomfort.

Hamstring tendon pain or deep gluteal discomfort

often stems from sitting, running, or overuse — therapy helps release tightness and improve healing in deeper tissues.

Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)

create aching or burning in the lower leg — treatment improves tissue regeneration and reduces repetitive strain.

Chronic upper trap or neck muscle tension

can lead to stiffness or tension headaches — muscle tone is improved by releasing trigger points and increasing blood flow.

Deep myofascial trigger points

cause localized pain or referred symptoms — the treatment interrupts tension patterns and restores muscle flexibility.

Subacromial bursitis

results in painful shoulder impingement — swelling is reduced, and movement becomes more comfortable.

Chronic shoulder, hip, or foot pain from repetitive movement

builds gradually over time non-invasive therapy helps re-activate healing in fatigued tissues.

Delayed healing in tendon injuries or postural muscle strain

slows down recovery — therapy encourages cell activity and kickstarts tissue repair when progress has stalled.

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy Treatment

Each shockwave session lasts 10–20 minutes and is performed by a trained physiotherapist. Here’s what the process looks like:

  1. We identify the exact site of your pain or tissue damage
  2. A hand-held device is used to deliver shockwaves directly to the target area
  3. You may feel a deep tapping or pulsing sensation—mildly uncomfortable but tolerable
  4. Afterward, you might feel soreness for 24–48 hours as your body begins healing

Typically, we recommend 3–6 treatments spaced one week apart, depending on the condition and how your tissue responds.

How We Ensure a Safe and Comfortable Treatment Process

When Shockwave Therapy Is Part of Your Care Plan

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we offer Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) as part of our treatment options for soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, and delayed healing.

When delivered by trained physiotherapists, shockwave therapy is safe, well-tolerated, and effective for many patients.

Mild, Short-Term Side Effects You May Notice

Following treatment, it’s normal to experience some mild and temporary side effects. These may include:

  • Light redness or swelling in the treated area
  • A dull ache or soreness, similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue
  • Mild bruising in rare cases, especially in areas with less soft tissue coverage

These effects typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours and are a natural part of the body’s healing response.

Tailoring Treatment to Fit Your Condition

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Before starting any treatment, your physiotherapist will perform a full assessment to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition.

If it’s not the best option for your recovery, we’ll explain why and recommend a treatment plan that’s more suited to your needs. Our goal is always to help you recover safely, effectively, and with a clear understanding of every step.

Common Questions About Shockwave Treatment

Not always. A thorough clinical assessment is usually enough to determine if you’re a good candidate. If imaging is already available, we’ll use it to guide treatment.

Some people notice improvement after the first session, but full benefit typically builds over 3–6 treatments.

Yes—shockwave is often combined with manual therapy, exercise rehab, and posture correction for long-term improvement.

Book Your Shockwave Therapy in Edmonton Today

If pain is holding you back and nothing else has worked, it’s time to try something that targets the source.

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we use shockwave therapy in Edmonton to help restart healing and give you back the mobility and comfort you’ve been missing.

Book your consultation today—your recovery may be just a few sessions away.