Have A Stubborn Injury That Won't Fully Heal?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, clinically proven treatment for chronic tendon injuries and soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to traditional care.
You Might Be a Candidate for Shockwave If...
Some injuries don't follow the rules. You rest, you stretch, you try physiotherapy, massage, maybe a cortisone shot, and things improve for a while, then quietly drift back to where they were. The pain becomes something you manage around rather than something you fully resolve.
This is one of the most common stories we hear from patients who end up responding exceptionally well to shockwave therapy. If any of the following sounds familiar, it's worth a conversation:
- Heel pain that's worst first thing in the morning (plantar fasciitis)
- Persistent Achilles tendon pain that flares with activity
- Shoulder pain that limits your range of motion (rotator cuff tendonitis)
- Elbow pain from repetitive strain (tennis elbow)
- Knee pain that worsens with jumping or running (jumper's knee)
- Sacroiliac joint or tailbone pain
- Scar tissue causing restriction or discomfort
- Any chronic tendon or soft tissue condition that hasn't fully resolved
A Different Approach to Healing Chronic Injuries
Radial Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves — delivered through the skin to the affected area — to stimulate the body's natural healing response in injured or degenerated tissue.
It's particularly effective for chronic conditions because of what it does at a tissue level. Many stubborn injuries persist not because the body can't heal, but because the affected tissue has become chronically inflamed, calcified, or scarred in a way that conventional treatment can't fully reach. Shockwave disrupts that cycle and restarts the healing process.
Sessions are short, typically 15 to 20 minutes, and most patients begin to notice meaningful improvement within five sessions.
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What's Actually Happening During Treatment
When radial shockwaves travel through the skin into the affected tissue, several things happen simultaneously:
Increased blood flow
delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissue that may have been chronically under-supplied
Stimulated cell regeneration
triggering the body's natural repair mechanisms at a cellular level
Breakdown of calcifications and adhesions
addressing the structural changes in tissue that often cause chronic pain to persist
Reduced pain sensitivity
modulating the nerve signals that have been keeping the pain cycle active
Promotion of long-term healing responses
not just temporary relief, but structural improvement in the affected tissue
The result is a genuine healing response, not symptom management, but tissue repair.
What We Use It For
Shockwave therapy is clinically indicated for a range of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis — heel and arch pain, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest
- Rotator cuff tendonitis — shoulder pain and restricted range of motion
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — outer elbow pain from repetitive arm movements
- Achilles tendonitis — pain and stiffness at the back of the heel and lower leg
- Jumper's knee (patellar tendonitis) — knee pain aggravated by running, jumping, or climbing stairs
- Sacroiliac joint and tailbone pain — deep pelvic and lower back discomfort
- Scar tissue — restrictions and pain caused by scar tissue adhesions following injury or surgery
If you've been curious about acupuncture but have been putting it off because of the needles, come in for a consultation first. We'll walk you through everything and you can decide at your own pace.
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Why Patients Choose Shockwave
- Non-invasive — no needles, no incisions, no surgery
- No downtime — nyou can return to your normal activities following treatment
- Fast results — most patients see meaningful improvement within five sessions
- Effective for chronic pain — works precisely where other treatments have plateaued
- Stimulates real healing — ddresses the tissue-level cause of your pain, not just the sensation of it
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What to Expect During a Session
Most patients tolerate shockwave therapy very well, but honesty matters, so here's what you can actually expect:
During treatment, you'll typically feel a tapping or deep pressure sensation in the treated area. Areas that are particularly inflamed or irritated may feel tender or achy during the session, similar to the sensation of a deep tissue massage on a tight muscle.
Some patients experience a temporary worsening of symptoms in the first 24 to 48 hours after treatment, along with mild redness, warmth, swelling, soreness, or minor bruising at the treatment site. These are normal responses, signs that the tissue is responding and the healing process has been activated. They are mild and temporary.
The good news: discomfort during and after sessions typically decreases as the tissue heals and each subsequent treatment becomes progressively more comfortable.
Sessions last 15 to 20 minutes. Most patients complete a course of five sessions.
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Are You Eligible for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is safe and well-tolerated for most patients, but it is not appropriate for everyone. We will review your full medical history before recommending treatment. Shockwave is not recommended for:
- Pregnant individuals
- Patients with a pacemaker or implanted electronic device
- Those with a history of blood clots or who are taking anticoagulant medications
- Active infections or open wounds in the treatment area
- Cancer or tumour disease
In some cases, children and adolescents - Patients who have received a cortisone injection in the treatment area within the last six weeks
- Individuals with severe nerve disorders affecting sensation
If you have any of the above, let us know when booking and we'll assess whether treatment is appropriate or recommend an alternative.
Your Shockwave Treatment at Brightpath
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Consultation first
Before any shockwave treatment begins, Dr. Ho will assess your condition, review your health history, and confirm that shockwave therapy is the right fit for what you're dealing with. If it is, he'll walk you through exactly what to expect so there are no surprises.
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The treatment itself
Each session takes 15 to 20 minutes. A handheld device is applied to the treatment area, delivering acoustic waves to the affected tissue. Most patients find the sensation manageable and notice an improvement in comfort as their course of treatment progresses.
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A typical course
Most patients complete five sessions, spaced approximately one week apart. Many begin to notice meaningful improvement before the course is complete.
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Integrated with your broader care.
At Brightpath, shockwave therapy doesn't exist in isolation. Where appropriate, Dr. Ho may combine it with chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, or refer you to one of our massage therapists to support your recovery from multiple angles.
What Our Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients complete a course of five sessions, typically spaced one week apart. Some conditions resolve sooner; others may benefit from additional sessions. Dr. Ho will give you a clear expectation at your consultation based on your specific condition and how long it has been present.
How quickly will I see results?
Many patients begin noticing improvement within the first few sessions. Significant results are typically apparent by the end of a five-session course, with continued improvement in the weeks following as the tissue continues to heal.
Is shockwave covered by insurance?
Yes, shockwave therapy at Brightpath Health could be covered by your insurance if your plan covers seeing a Chiropractor. For more information, call us / text us at 647-931-8108 or email us at info@brightpathhealth.ca
I've had cortisone injections before. Can I still have shockwave?
You'll need to wait at least six weeks after your most recent cortisone injection before shockwave treatment can begin. Let us know your injection history at your consultation.
What if my condition isn't on the list?
The conditions listed are those with the strongest clinical evidence for shockwave therapy, but the list isn't exhaustive. If you have a chronic tendon or soft tissue condition that hasn't responded to other treatment, bring it to us, we'll assess whether shockwave is a reasonable option for your situation.
That Injury Has Had Long Enough to Heal on Its Own.
If you've been managing a chronic tendon or soft tissue condition and you're ready to try something that actually addresses the underlying cause, shockwave therapy may be exactly what's been missing from your care plan.
Consultations are available now. No referral required.