How does Shockwave Therapy work?

A shockwave is an intense but very short energy wave travelling faster than the speed of sound. These energy pulses are applied to the affected area and the pulses occur for short periods of time, creating micro-cavitation bubbles that expand and burst. The force created by these bubbles penetrates tissue and stimulates cells in the body that are responsible for bone and connective tissue healing.

What conditions can Shockwave Therapy help with?

Achilles Tendinopathy
Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Shoulder Pain
Golfers Elbow
Hamstrings
Hip Pain
Jumpers Knee
Plantar Fasciitis
Scar Tissue Treatment
Shin Splints
Stress Fractures
Tennis Elbow

Does the treatment hurt?

Conditions that have patients considering Shockwave Therapy are already painful. During treatment there will be some discomfort as the area is treated. It can be described as being “comfortably uncomfortable” for the few minutes of treatment.

Are there any contraindications that would preclude me from treatment?

Shockwave Therapy should be avoided in the following circumstances:

Over implanted metal devices
Bleeding disorders (i.e. Hemophilia)
Taking blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin or Heparin)
In the presence of bone tumours
In the presence of pacemakers
Over growth plates in growing children
Pregnant patients
In the presence of cancer
Over neurovascular bundles

How long do treatments take?

Treatment is between 4-10 minutes.

How many treatments will I need?

For maximal improvement, treatment is performed once per week for three or possibly four consecutive weeks.

Amazed at the improvement

I have been wearing orthotics due to plantar fasciitis for years. I was mostly pain free for most of that time. However, over the last year the pain started to return. I put up with this pain much longer than I should have.

I finally decided to get treatment. Dr. Hoover proposed shockwave treatment. I was amazed at the improvement after the first treatment. The pain did return during the next few weeks but to a much lesser degree. I had a total of 4 treatments. It has been about a month since my last treatment. Just a few days ago I noted that I am virtually pain free. Thanks Dr. Hoover

~ R.M.

It worked for me

After injuring my shoulder playing golf, and undergoing various treatments - acupuncture, needling, massage and exercise - after a year I was still in pain and nowhere near 100%. Dr. Hoover suggested shockwave therapy.

Dr. Hoover walked me through the process and encouraged me to research the technique. Each session took less than 15 minutes from start to finish, was pain free and covered under my health care insurance. After three sessions, I felt fully recovered and am still pain free six months later. I would highly recommend shockwave therapy - it worked for me!

~ F.B.

I would highly recommend

I had been suffering horribly with Plantar Fasciitis for months trying everything - physio, ice, foam rolling, stretching, and trying to rest my feet, but got very little relief. I had heard about shockwave treatment and researched it online, hearing that it has a good success rate. I was willing to try anything I was in so much pain. Dr Hoover did 4 treatments over 4 weeks. I felt better after 3. It was amazing! He was very good about explaining the shockwave therapy and making sure during treatment that pain level stayed at a 4 out of 10. Shockwave treatment is quick - about 5 min a foot and very affordable. I would highly recommend Dr Hoover and shockwave treatment to any one suffering from PF. I only wish I had done it sooner!

~ V.M.

Calgary Shockwave Therapy Clinic

Calgary Shockwave Therapy Clinic

About Shockwave Therapy

How much does Shockwave Therapy cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Testimonials

Amazed at the improvement

It worked for me

I would highly recommend

Marda Loop / Altadore Shockwave Therapy Clinic

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