Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a Health Canada Licensed and FDA cleared therapeutic treatment that uses an acoustic sound wave to carry high energy to painful spots and myoskeletal tissues. This accelerates the healing of subacute, subchronic and chronic conditions, and accelerates tissue regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues. Shockwave Therapy was developed from studying the side effects from an ultrasound procedure that disintegrates kidney stones, as well as other calculus from outside the body (extracorporeal). It was discovered that patients receiving this treatment experienced reduced back pain as well as increased bone density and new tissue growth in the treated area. SWT was soon developed for the orthopedic arena to treat conditions such as tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis/heel spurs, stress fractures and other conditions. It has been used successfully for over 25 years for these indications.

Shockwave is ideal for a variety of physical conditions and ages, with adjustable setting for various needs and patient tolerance. A few things to consider before booking:

-Shockwave is not for directly treating the thyroid, eyes, malignant or benign tumours -As the therapy involves mechanical energy in the form of vibrations, it is not suitable directly over pacemakers or analgesic pumps **Please keep in mind that our Class IV Laser (cellular energy) can safely treat over pacemakers and anelgesic pumps and is a good choice for folks with surgical stables, pins, rods, bone fractures, ligament/muscle pulls or tears!

Shockwave therapy involves directing a short series of high-energy sound waves (mechanical pressure waves) at injured tissues. This treatment produces an inflammatory response in the body, which increases metabolic activity around in the area of pain and discomfort, stimulating and accelerating the natural healing process, breaking down scar tissue and calcifications while reducing chronic inflammation. Shockwave therapy offers virtually immediate improvement of range of motion and long-term relief from chronic pain and discomfort in the affected area.

This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. Shockwave delivers about 2,000 pulses per area, approximately 5-minutes each. For some acute conditions 1 to 3 treatments with intervals of 5-7 days may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 4 to 8 (or more) treatments with intervals of 3-5 days, allowing body ‘rest & repair’ time to allow for natural, accelerated healing.

Although the treatment has a cumulative effect and you can safely be treated daily, spacing treatment out in intervals is recommended for optimal results. In the cases of chronic issues (conditions that have been a challenge for a while), we have a little more 'chipping away at the problem' to do than with acute (newer) conditions or flare-ups. -Acute conditions: require 1-3 treatments with intervals of 5-7 days -Chronic conditions: 4-8 treatments with intervals of 3-5 days, allowing body ‘rest & repair’ time to allow for natural, accelerated healing

Shockwave therapy generates virtually immediate results, so you may feel improvement in your condition (usually pain reduction and/or range of motion) after the very first treatment. Sometimes you will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that the condition is not improving. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after a few sessions.

Yes! Shockwave Therapy is often combined with Chiropractic, physical therapy, massage and even following surgery. Class IV Laser Therapy is another healing modality that can be used in conjunction with Shockwave to increase the effectiveness of the treatment and accelerate healing.

As Shockwave Therapy and Class IV Laser Therapy are modalities within Chiropractic under the guidance of Dr. Sacco, your treatment can be direct billed to your insurance plan under Chiropractic coverage.

The typical treatment is 1-5 minutes per region, depending on the size of the area being treated, focussing on the chief complaint. You may be treated in more than one area per session if recommended and time permitting. Follow-up sessions target therapy to up to 3 regions of the body and are designed to accelerate tissue healing in between Chiropractic visits.

Treatment may be mildly uncomfortable, since it lasts only about 5-minutes, most are able to tolerate it well. Additionally, intensity can be adjusted throughout the session. You may notice the sounds change as we adjust the intensity, earplugs are available if needed (ie. if we're treating neck, upper shoulders, TMJ). Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction - not to worry, this is normal and indicates that your body is responding to the positive changes we are making.

Trigger points are the principal cause of pain in the back, neck, shoulder and limbs and commonly relieved with Shockwave Therapy. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment. Similar to a therapeutic/deep tissue massage experience, you will likely have improved range of motion and reduced pain lasting for several hours following treatment, with mild tenderness as the body's natural healing response takes place. If interested, feel free to inquire with reception about purchasing epsom bathsalts, joint/muscle nutritional supplements and Biofreeze pain reliver products for home use in between treatment.

Yes! There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy. Among these, there are many rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of this treatment for many clinical conditions.

Powerful modalities such as Class IV Laser and Shockwave Therapy (available in our clinic) are often preferred to various treatments or surgeries due to their effectiveness and non-invasiveness. We are thrilled to provide patients access to these amazing tools.

Prior to your first visit, please take a few moments to complete the appropriate New Patient Intake paperwork found within your confirmation email or arrive 10-minutes early to complete a paper version, as this will provide our team with the required information to evaluate your health needs to ensure the utmost care. During your assessment visit, you will share information about your health, such as any injury or surgery, medications, family health history and your reasons for seeking Shockwave Therapy at this time. A physical assessment may include: posture, range of motion, reflexes, vitals, and other orthopaedic and neurologic tests. Often, the first recommended course of care will be Chiropractic or massage for best results. If Shockwave is determined to be the best course of care for your specific needs, we will then proceed with the Shockwave treatment.

During your Shockwave Treatment The device will generate a clicking sound and the therapy will feel a bit like a mini jackhammer, intensity adjusted based on patient tolerance. Gown or shorts are provided if needed. Should you be interested in Chiropractic adjustment, gentle manual, Activator, Flexion-Distraction or drop-table adjustments may take place as well as some soft tissue techniques for enhanced range of motion. Your required treatment plan will be outlined for your optimal results. Some patients may require x-rays in order to provide greater insight into their condition, at that point in time we will provide you with the required referral information.​ After your treatment, some homecare recommendations may have been suggested to you including gentle stretches or exercises, water/diet/lifestyle modifications, ice/heat application and various follow-up treatment. Expect to book a several consecutive treatments at first for best results (especially for addressing chronic conditions) or on occasion for the pain reduction of acute flare-ups. As they have accumulated over time, chronic conditions may require additional time to correct. Your compliance with our team's recommendations will ensure optimal results!