What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy — more precisely, radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (RSWT) — is a non-invasive treatment that delivers high-energy acoustic pressure waves through the skin and into the tissue underneath. Those pressure waves stimulate blood flow, encourage the body's natural repair response, and help break the cycle of chronic pain in tendons, muscles, and other soft tissue.
It's a particularly useful option for the kind of nagging, long-standing injuries that haven't fully settled with rest, medication, or exercise alone — and because it's drug-free and non-surgical, it pairs naturally with a hands-on physiotherapy and exercise program.
The MASTERPULS R-SW50. Our clinic uses the MASTERPULS R-SW50, a professional radial shockwave system. A handheld applicator generates precisely controlled pressure waves that radiate into the target area, so your physiotherapist can dial in the right intensity and depth for your specific injury and comfort level.
Conditions We Treat with Shockwave
Shockwave therapy is most effective for chronic, well-localized soft-tissue problems, including:
- Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy ("jumper's knee")
- Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff (shoulder)
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip)
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
- Shin pain and persistent trigger points
How Shockwave Therapy Helps
Chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain often gets "stuck" — the tissue stops healing the way it should, and the area becomes sensitized. The pressure waves delivered by the R-SW50 do a few helpful things at once: they increase local circulation, stimulate cellular repair activity, help remodel disorganized tendon tissue, and can reduce the body's pain signalling in the area. For calcific tendinitis, shockwave can also help break down calcium deposits so the body can reabsorb them.
The goal isn't just short-term relief — it's to restart a stalled healing process so the tissue can recover properly.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your physiotherapist first confirms that shockwave is appropriate for your injury with a thorough assessment. During treatment, a gel is applied to the skin and the handheld applicator is moved over the target area while it delivers rapid pressure-wave pulses. You'll feel a strong tapping sensation; the intensity is adjustable and we work within your tolerance.
Each session is short — typically around 5 to 10 minutes of actual shockwave application — and there's no downtime, so you can return to your day right afterward. Mild soreness over the next day or two is normal and a sign the tissue is responding.
Your Treatment Plan May Include
- A course of three to five shockwave sessions, usually about a week apart
- A targeted loading and strengthening program for the affected tendon
- Manual therapy and other modalities as needed
- Activity modification guidance so the tissue isn't re-aggravated
- A home exercise program to consolidate your progress
Is shockwave right for everyone? Shockwave therapy isn't suitable in certain situations — for example over a fresh fracture, infected tissue, certain circulatory or clotting conditions, or during pregnancy. Your physiotherapist will review your history and let you know if it's a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
You'll feel a strong tapping or pulsing over the treated area, and it can be uncomfortable — but the intensity is adjustable and your physiotherapist will keep it within your tolerance. Any soreness afterward is usually mild and settles within a day or two.
How many sessions will I need?
Most conditions respond to three to five sessions spaced about a week apart, combined with an exercise program. Many people notice improvement early, but tendons often keep improving for several weeks after the final session.
Do I need a referral for shockwave therapy?
No. You can book a physiotherapy assessment directly and we'll determine whether shockwave is appropriate for your injury. Some extended health plans request a physician referral for reimbursement, so it's worth checking your policy.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Shockwave is delivered as part of physiotherapy care, so it's typically covered under the physiotherapy portion of extended health plans. Coverage varies — call us and we can help you understand what your plan includes.
Kingston's Shockwave Therapy Clinic
We're located at 1479 John Counter Boulevard, Unit 201 in Kingston, Ontario. If you've been dealing with stubborn heel, tendon, or joint pain that just won't settle, call us at 613-384-2664 or reach out through our contact form to find out whether shockwave therapy could help.