Shockwave Therapy in North Vancouver
Targeted treatment for persistent heel, tendon and soft-tissue pain.
If plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy or another stubborn musculoskeletal condition is limiting you, Shockwave Therapy may be an appropriate part of your rehabilitation program.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Shockwave Therapy
Plantar Fasciitis
Persistent heel pain, often worse with the first steps after rest or with prolonged walking and standing.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness around the Achilles tendon during walking, running or exercise.
Tennis Elbow
Outer elbow pain associated with gripping, lifting and repetitive upper-limb activity.
Shoulder Tendinopathy
Persistent shoulder pain related to rotator cuff or other tendon-related conditions.
Patellar Tendinopathy
Patellar tendon pain associated with jumping, running, squatting or sport.
Gluteal Tendinopathy
Outer hip pain that may be aggravated by walking, stairs or lying on the affected side.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Persistent heel pain can make walking, standing, work and exercise difficult. Shockwave Therapy may be considered as one component of a comprehensive physiotherapy program for persistent plantar heel pain.
At Zone 4, we can also assess factors that may contribute to symptoms, including:
- Foot and ankle mobility
- Calf flexibility and strength
- Foot biomechanics
- Walking and running mechanics
- Footwear and activity levels
- Need for custom orthotics when clinically appropriate
Want to See the Research Behind Shockwave Therapy?
Review our evidence summary on Shockwave Therapy for plantar fasciitis, including references to PubMed-indexed research.
What Happens During Your Appointment?
Assessment
We review your symptoms, history, activity level and functional limitations.
Examination
Movement, strength, mobility and relevant contributing factors are assessed.
Shockwave Treatment
If appropriate, controlled acoustic waves are applied to the targeted treatment area.
Rehabilitation
Your plan may include exercise, progressive loading, activity modification and other physiotherapy techniques.
More Than a Modality
Shockwave Therapy works best when it is used for the right clinical presentation and integrated into a broader rehabilitation plan.
- Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapy care
- Individualized assessment and treatment planning
- Exercise-based rehabilitation when appropriate
- Access to IMS / dry needling, high-power laser, manual therapy and kinesiology
- Custom orthotics available when clinically appropriate
What Our Patients Say
Shockwave Therapy Questions
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
You may feel some discomfort, particularly over sensitive areas. Treatment intensity can be adjusted based on your tolerance and clinical presentation.
How many sessions will I need?
The appropriate number of sessions depends on your condition, symptom duration, severity, response to treatment and overall rehabilitation plan. Your physiotherapist can provide a recommendation after assessment.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
A physician referral is generally not required to see a physiotherapist in British Columbia. Some extended-health plans may still require one for reimbursement.
Is Shockwave Therapy covered by extended health insurance?
When provided as part of a physiotherapy visit, reimbursement may be available through physiotherapy benefits depending on your individual policy. Check with your insurer if you are unsure.
Can Shockwave Therapy be combined with exercise?
Yes. For many tendon-related conditions, strengthening and progressive loading are important parts of rehabilitation. Shockwave Therapy may be incorporated alongside those strategies when clinically appropriate.
Is Shockwave Therapy appropriate for everyone?
No. Shockwave Therapy has precautions and contraindications. Your physiotherapist will review your health history and treatment area before recommending it.
Find Out if Shockwave Therapy Is Right for You
Book an assessment at Zone 4 Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre in North Vancouver.