our services:

Shockwave Therapy
Vancouver

Evidence-based acoustic wave therapy for tissue, tendon, and
bone conditions as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy
treatment plan.

The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers high-energy acoustic waves to injured tissues, triggering biological responses that accelerate healing in chronic conditions. Shockwave therapy addresses underlying issues by stimulating new blood vessel formation, breaking down calcifications, and reactivating stalled healing processes for lasting results.

At VanCity Physio, we use the Zimmer Shockwave Enpulse 2, a focused shockwave system that delivers precise, high-intensity acoustic pulses to targeted tissues. This non-invasive modality is particularly effective for chronic tendinopathies and soft tissue conditions that haven't responded adequately to conventional physiotherapy.
Shockwave therapy isn't a standalone treatment. We integrate it strategically within our comprehensive Vancouver physiotherapy programs that include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and load management. This multimodal approach creates optimal conditions for tissue regeneration and functional recovery.

Clinic-Quality Care in Your Space

Lower extremity conditions:

  • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
  • Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (hip bursitis)
  • Shin splints and tibial stress syndrome
  • Morton's neuroma

Upper extremity conditions:

  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer's elbow
  • Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy
  • Biceps tendinopathy

Other applications:

  • Myofascial trigger points
  • Scar tissue mobilization
  • Non-union bone fractures
  • Stress fractures (under medical supervision)
Shockwave therapy is most effective for conditions present for more than 3
months that have shown inadequate response to conservative treatment.

Shockwave Therapy Treatment Protocol

Initial assessment

Your physiotherapist will determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition based on:

  • Duration of symptoms (chronic conditions respond better)
  • Previous treatment response
  • Imaging findings if available
  • Clinical presentation and examination

If suitable, shockwave therapy is integrated into your comprehensive treatment plan.

Treatment session

Each shockwave application takes 5-10 minutes:

  • The treatment area is identified through palpation
  • Ultrasound gel is applied
  • The shockwave handpiece delivers 1500-3000 pulses at controlled intensity
  • Energy levels are adjusted based on tissue response and tolerance
  • Multiple tender points may be treated in one session

Sensation during treatment

You'll feel a series of rapid pulses or taps. Discomfort is normal and expected, particularly in highly sensitive tissues. We adjust intensity to keep treatment tolerable while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Treatment frequency

  • Standard protocol: 4-6 sessions over 2-3 weeks
  • Typically administered twice per week
  • Allows time for your body to heal between treatments
  • Some conditions may require additional sessions

Sensation during treatment

Healing continues for 8-12 weeks after your final session as new tissue forms and matures. Early pain relief (within 24-48 hours) is common, though some patients experience temporarily elevated symptoms before improvement.

What Makes VanCity Physio’s Shockwave Therapy in Vancouver Effective

Equipment quality

The Zimmer Enpulse 2 is a focused shockwave system (not radial), delivering higher energy density to deeper tissues with greater precision

Clinician expertise

Our physiotherapists have specialized training in shockwave therapy application, including proper energy dosing, treatment protocols, and integration with rehabilitation

Comprehensive approach

We don't just apply shockwave and send you away. It's one component within a complete treatment strategy addressing all factors contributing to your condition

Evidence-based protocols

Treatment parameters (energy level, pulse frequency, number of sessions) follow research-validated protocols for specific conditions

Preparing for Shockwave Therapy Treatment

Medication considerations
  • Inform your physiotherapist if you take:
  • Blood thinners (may increase bruising risk)
  • NSAIDs (some evidence suggests they may interfere with healing response)
What to wear
  • Clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area.
Pre-treatment activity

No special preparation needed. Continue normal activities up to your appointment.

Shockwave Therapy Fees & Booking

Shockwave therapy is administered as part of your physiotherapy session. To book, select "Clinical Physiotherapy" from our online platform.

All treatment modalities, including shockwave application, manual therapy, and exercise prescription, are included in your session fee.

Most extended health plans cover shockwave therapy when included in physiotherapy treatment. Direct billing is available.

Typical investment: 4-6 sessions over 2-3 weeks, with effects continuing for months after treatment completion

testimonials

Results that speak for themselves

Active Rehabilitation Vancouver: Patient Success Stories
VanCity Physio's vast knowledge brought me great results. When I began working with them I was on crutches, and today I am so much stronger and can function so much better. I feel that I have jumped leaps and bounds, and I am very excited to utilize my new knowledge.

My therapist put a great deal of time and effort into my rehabilitation, and gave me the tools I needed to move onward and forward.
— Deborah H.
I recently suffered an injury from playing sports. I had a lot of trouble walking without pain but working with VanCity Physio helped me quickly return to what I love doing most. Injuries don't just affect a person physically, but can take an emotional toll.

Having a physiotherapist who is knowledgeable in their practice, patient with explaining my condition and being personable to work made all the difference in my full recovery
— Matt S.
I attribute my personal physical success to VanCity Physio's knowledge, personality, and example.

Not only did VanCity Physio help me to reach my personal physical goals, but they also empowered me with the knowledge of a healthier lifestyle which has allowed me to greatly surpass those goals.
— Matt S.

FAQs About Registered Massage Therapy

HOW IT WORKS

Our initial assessment with include a thorough interview to learn and understand your personal journey with running, regardless of your running experience, whether new, novice or highly experienced.

Followed by a screening of your individual joints which may be relevant to you, we put you through a battery of tests to create a picture of how you run.

At Vancity physio, we’re simplifying the use of technology. With runEasi – we can catch things you can’t see. Simply put, you don’t’ need to be an elite athlete to receive industry leading guidance and care. You don’t need to be in a university lab with scientists and 3D cameras.

We’re utilising research backed, evidence based technology as part of your personal running assessment. Using a high end, AI based sensor that attaches securely to your sacrum, we can reliably measure impact on your body and how your body responds to that impact. Wireless transmission means you can display your data in real-time on our tablet and provide summary reports based on your performance. Embedded processing allow you to capture remotely up to 2 hours.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• One on one, 60 minute assessment
• A consultation to discuss your needs, goals, journey with running and injuries
• A physical assessment and screening
• Introduction to RunEasi technology and testing
• Run testing on our Landice treadmill
• A tailored exercise program for your specific needs based on the assessment results
• Post run consultation and feedback

HOW TO PREPARE

Bring your running shoes, a water bottle, towel, and all running apparel to assist us with our assessment.Water and towels are also provided.

POST-SESSION

Your physiotherapist will provide you with a management plan moving forward relevant to your personal goals, and what specific interventions will be most beneficial moving forward.

View our Resources

FEES

To book, please select RUN Physiotherapy from our online booking platform. To maximize your session’s value, and take advantage of our diverse treatment options, fees are inclusive of all treatment modalities used during your session.

VanCity Physio offers direct billing.