At Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres we have two shockwave therapy systems to assist in the treatment of soft tissue conditions. Shockwave therapy is a medical device used to treat and relieve the pain associated with soft tissue conditions such as tendonitis and heelspurs.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is available at our downtown Toronto location at Athlete's Care - King & Yonge
During this treatment, an acoustic pusle is transmitted into the affected bone or soft tissue, reinjuring the area on a cellular level. The controlled reinjuring of tissue stimulates the body's natural healing process resulting in faster healing and reduced pain.
Recent literature is currently showing a 75-95% success rate with such conditions as:
New medical advances also show promising results in promoting the recovery of non-healing ulcers. Shockwave is a non-invasive treatment that promotes and accelerates the recovery of injured tissue. It is often used in conjuction with physiotherapy, massage therapy or chiropractic treatments and offered as an alternative to surgery.
Athlete's Care - Adelaide & York in downtown Toronto Athlete's Care - Brampton Athlete's Care - Empress Walk at Yonge & Empress Walk, north of Sheppard Ave Athlete's Care - Keele & Steeles
Athlete's Care - King & Yonge in downtown Toronto Athelete's Care - Leaside in midtown Toronto Athlete's Care - Markham Athlete's Care - Mississauga in One Health Clubs Athlete's Care - Scarborough at Consilium Athlete's Care - Yonge & Eglinton in midtown Toronto Athlete's Care - York Mills & Leslie in North York Athlete's Care - Vaughan
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process in soft tissues and bone. It helps reduce pain, improve blood flow, and promote tissue repair in chronic or stubborn injuries that have not responded well to other treatments.
The shockwave device sends high-energy pulses into the injured area, creating controlled micro-trauma at the tissue level. This reactivates inflammation and healing, encourages collagen formation, and helps break down painful or abnormal tissue, leading to faster recovery and reduced pain in many patients.
Shockwave therapy is especially effective for chronic tendon and soft-tissue conditions, including:
Shockwave therapy is considered safe when performed by trained professionals. Some people feel mild to moderate discomfort during the treatment, and there may be temporary redness, swelling, or soreness in the treated area, which usually settles within a day or two. It is non-surgical and typically does not require downtime or anesthesia.
Most people need between 3 and 6 sessions, usually spaced about a week apart, depending on the condition and how your body responds. Your therapist will create a treatment plan tailored to your injury, pain level, and goals.
A typical shockwave session lasts only about 5 to 10 minutes per treatment area. The treatment is brief, and you can usually return to normal daily activities immediately afterward, though your clinician may advise you to avoid heavy loading or high-impact exercise for a short period.
Yes. At Athlete’s Care, shockwave therapy is used alongside physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and other treatments as part of a comprehensive plan to heal and strengthen the injured area. Your therapist will first assess your condition and may combine shockwave with strengthening, stretching, and activity modification to optimize your recovery.
Shockwave therapy at Athlete’s Care is administered by registered physiotherapists and chiropractors who are trained in shockwave techniques and application. They adjust the intensity of the waves to your comfort and monitor your response throughout treatment.
Shockwave therapy is usually covered under your physiotherapy or chiropractic benefits when delivered by a registered provider, but coverage depends on your specific plan. We recommend checking with your insurer or speaking with our clinic team to confirm what your policy covers.
Your clinician will review your symptoms, perform a physical assessment, and consider your response to previous treatments before deciding if shockwave is appropriate. It is most often recommended for chronic tendon or soft-tissue injuries that have not improved with standard care and may be considered as a non-surgical alternative or bridge to surgery when needed.
Shockwave therapy is part of a physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment plan at Athlete’s Care. You can book by contacting your preferred Athlete’s Care location, https://www.athletescare.com/, and requesting an initial assessment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor who offers shockwave therapy. After your assessment, the clinician will explain whether shockwave is appropriate for your condition and schedule the sessions as needed.