Yes—non-invasive, outpatient, with minimal risk. No anesthesia needed for radial therapy.

Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy in Ottawa by Physiocare

Q: Is shockwave therapy painful?

Most patients feel a tapping sensation—tolerable and often followed by rapid pain relief.

Q: How many sessions are needed?

Typically 3–6 weekly sessions, with some conditions resolving after one or two.

Hands-on radial shockwave sessions from Physiocare’s expert physiotherapists to boost healing and relieve chronic pain.

Physiocare's Experience in Action

Understanding Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy

Therapeutic shockwave—especially radial pressure wave therapy—is a non-invasive biomechanical modality that delivers acoustic pulses to stimulate mechanotransduction in tissues. These pulses catalyze stem cell proliferation, neovascularization, and inflammatory modulation—jumpstarting regeneration and reducing pain. A recent trial with knee osteoarthritis patients is examining its effects on bone metabolism and function when paired with conservative therapy.

How does Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy work?

Radial shockwave therapy disperses energy superficially, generating micro-cavitation and mechanical stress on cells. These biomechanical impulses dissolve calcium deposits, enhance local blood supply, deplete nociceptive transmitters, and stimulate collagen production. Clinical studies show significant reduction or resorption of calcific deposits in shoulder tendinopathy, with functional gains at 4–6 weeks and durable effects up to one year

Benefits of Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy

Dissolves calcific tendon deposits, especially in rotator cuff conditions
Alleviates chronic pain, including plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and heel spurs
Promotes tissue regeneration via stem cell activation and angiogenesis.
Improves metabolism and range of motion, benefiting osteoarthritis patients

Reduces muscle tone, increases microcirculation, and speeds healing

Conditions Treated with Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy

Therapeutic shockwave therapy targets chronic soft‑tissue pain and calcific disorders, focusing on regeneration, pain reduction, and recovery.

This modality is indicated for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, heel spurs, and chronic neck or back pain. It also aids bone healing and recovery from non-union fractures when conventional therapies fail

Major Conditions Treated With Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy

Calcific Tendinitis (Shoulder): High dissolution rates of calcific deposits; 85% radiographic resorption at 6 weeks.
Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spurs: Up to 81% pain relief, with enhanced tissue recovery.
Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow: Reduces muscle tone and inflammation; effective in chronic lateral epicondylitis.
Achilles & Tendon Pathologies: Improves collagen synthesis and vascular response.
Non-Union Fractures & Bone Healing: Promotes callus formation and increases bone density in animal models.
Chronic Back/Neck Pain: Modulates nociceptors and improves microcirculation.

How Physiocare Helps with Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy in Ottawa

At Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre, our certified specialists apply evidence-based protocols using the latest radial shockwave technology. We uphold accreditation standards through memberships with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and Shockwave Therapy Society—ensuring best practices in physiotherapy in Ottawa.

Session flow:

Comprehensive assessment: condition, imaging, and motion evaluation.
Precise localization and energy calibration for target structures.
Radial shockwave application: 2000–3000 pulses at clinician‑determined intensity.
Gentle palpation to assess pain tolerance and tissue response.
Home guidance: stretching and load-modulation drills.
Reassessment after 2–4 sessions to optimize dosing.

Experience performance-grade rehabilitation—book shockwave therapy in Ottawa now for deeper healing!