
Evidence-based shockwave therapy in Vancouver for chronic tendon, tissue, and bone conditions — delivered by certified practitioners as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan.
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.

Your physiotherapist will determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your condition based on:
If suitable, shockwave therapy is integrated into your comprehensive treatment plan.
Each shockwave application takes 5-10 minutes:
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.
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.
The Zimmer Enpulse 2 is a focused shockwave system (not radial), delivering higher energy density to deeper tissues with greater precision
Our physiotherapists have specialized training in shockwave therapy application, including proper energy dosing, treatment protocols, and integration with rehabilitation
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
Treatment parameters (energy level, pulse frequency, number of sessions) follow research-validated protocols for specific conditions
No special preparation needed. Continue normal activities up to your appointment.
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
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers high-energy acoustic waves to injured or degenerated tissue using the Zimmer Shockwave Enpulse 2 handpiece. These pulses stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, break down calcifications, and reactivate the body's natural healing response in chronic conditions. Your physiotherapist identifies the treatment area through palpation, applies ultrasound gel, and delivers 1500–3000 pulses at a controlled intensity over 5–10 minutes. Energy levels are adjusted throughout the session based on tissue response and your tolerance.
You'll feel a series of rapid pulses or taps during treatment. Some discomfort is normal, particularly over the most sensitive areas — this is a sign the therapy is reaching the right tissue. Most patients notice pain relief within 24–48 hours of their first session. A standard course is 4–6 sessions over 2–3 weeks, and healing continues for 8–12 weeks after your final treatment as new tissue forms and matures. Mild tingling or temporary redness at the treatment site is common and typically resolves within a day or two.
No special preparation is required before your shockwave therapy session. Wear clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area. Let your physiotherapist know if you take blood thinners or NSAIDs, as these may affect your treatment approach. Bring a list of any medications to your first appointment, along with relevant imaging results (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound) if available. If you are involved in an ICBC accident claim, ensure you have treatment approval from your adjuster before your first session.
Some patients experience temporarily elevated symptoms in the 24–48 hours following treatment before improvement sets in — this is a normal part of the healing response. Rest the treated area if it feels tender, and avoid anti-inflammatory medications immediately after treatment unless advised otherwise by your physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist will provide guidance on activity modification and any home care between sessions.
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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, with no add-on charges. Most extended health plans cover shockwave therapy when delivered as part of physiotherapy treatment.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.