Shockwave Therapy in Surrey, BC
Chronic pain can be frustrating, especially when it limits your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy daily activities. If you've been dealing with persistent heel pain, tendon injuries, or stubborn muscle and joint discomfort that hasn't fully responded to rest or traditional treatments, shockwave therapy may be an option worth considering.
At WellCare Physiotherapy & Rehab, we offer shockwave therapy in Surrey as part of a personalized physiotherapy treatment plan. Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), uses acoustic sound waves to create a mechanical stimulus in injured tissues.
Our clinic is conveniently located in Little India Plaza, in the heart of Surrey, and serves patients from Newton, West Newton, Strawberry Hill, Fleetwood, North Delta, and surrounding communities.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic waves to injured tissues. These sound waves create a controlled mechanical stimulus designed to help support local blood circulation and assist with the body's natural rehabilitation processes.
Shockwave therapy is commonly used for chronic tendon conditions and persistent musculoskeletal pain that has not fully resolved with rest or activity modification alone.
As part of a comprehensive physiotherapy program, shockwave therapy may help improve pain levels, mobility, and overall function.
Conditions Shockwave Therapy May Help Treat
Following a thorough assessment, your physiotherapist may recommend shockwave therapy for conditions such as:
Plantar Fasciitis and Chronic Heel Pain
Persistent heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning, is one of the most common reasons patients seek shockwave therapy.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain, stiffness, or tenderness in the Achilles tendon can make walking, running, and exercise difficult. Shockwave therapy may be incorporated into a rehabilitation program to support your physical therapy goals.
Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow
Chronic elbow pain caused by repetitive gripping, lifting, or sports activities may respond well to a combination of shockwave therapy and progressive exercise.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Calcific Tendinitis
Chronic shoulder pain and limited range of motion may benefit from shockwave therapy when appropriate following assessment.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)
Pain below the kneecap commonly affects runners, volleyball players, basketball players, and other active individuals.
Shin Splints
Ongoing lower leg pain can interfere with running and exercise. A detailed assessment helps determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Hip Pain)
Persistent pain on the outside of the hip can affect walking, sleeping, and daily activities.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
When clinically appropriate, shockwave therapy may offer several benefits, including:
- Reduced chronic tendon pain
- Increased local blood circulation
- Intended to support tissue rehabilitation processes
- Improved mobility and function
- Support for long-term rehabilitation goals
- A non-surgical treatment option for certain chronic conditions
- Designed to support a safe transition back to work, sport, and daily activities
Why a Physiotherapy Assessment Is Important
Not every injury or painful condition is suitable for shockwave therapy. Before recommending treatment, a registered physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive assessment to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.
Your assessment may include:
Medical History Review
We screen for factors that may make shockwave therapy unsuitable, including pregnancy, active infections, certain medications, recent corticosteroid injections, or other medical considerations.
Injury Assessment
Shockwave therapy is generally most appropriate for chronic or longer-standing conditions rather than acute injuries.
Movement and Functional Evaluation
We assess how your joints, muscles, and surrounding tissues move to identify contributing factors that may be driving your symptoms. By understanding the root cause of your pain, we can develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
Many patients are unsure what shockwave therapy feels like before their first treatment. During your session:
- A treatment gel is applied to the affected area.
- The shockwave applicator is positioned over the target tissue.
- Acoustic waves are delivered to the treatment area.
- Treatment intensity is adjusted based on your comfort and clinical needs.
Most sessions take approximately 5 to 10 minutes per treatment area. You may experience mild discomfort during treatment, particularly in sensitive tissues. Some temporary soreness, redness, or tenderness afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.
Shockwave Therapy Works Best Alongside Exercise
While shockwave therapy can be a valuable tool, it is only one part of a successful rehabilitation plan. Tendons and muscles need progressive loading to regain strength and resilience. For this reason, shockwave therapy is often combined with:
- Therapeutic exercise
- Strengthening programs
- Mobility training
- Activity modification
- Home exercise programs
- Education on injury management
This combination helps address both symptoms and the underlying factors contributing to your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shockwave therapy right for everyone? No. Suitability depends on your medical history, diagnosis, and individual circumstances. A physiotherapy assessment is required to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for you.
How many shockwave therapy sessions will I need? Many conditions respond well to a series of 3 to 6 treatments, although the exact number depends on the condition being treated and your response to care.
Does shockwave therapy replace exercise? No. Exercise remains one of the most important components of long-term rehabilitation. Shockwave therapy is often used alongside a structured rehabilitation program.
Is shockwave therapy painful? Most patients describe the sensation as a tapping, pulsing, or deep pressure feeling. Some mild discomfort is normal, but treatment intensity can be adjusted throughout the session.
Shockwave Therapy in Surrey
WellCare Physiotherapy & Rehab provides shockwave therapy in Surrey using the Storz Medical MP100 system as part of individualized physiotherapy treatment plans.
Our clinic is located in Little India Plaza, in the heart of Surrey, and serves patients from Newton, West Newton, Strawberry Hill, Fleetwood, North Delta, and surrounding communities. All physiotherapy services are provided by a registered physiotherapist licensed to practice in British Columbia.
Book a Shockwave Therapy Assessment
If you are dealing with chronic heel pain, tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendon pain, or other persistent musculoskeletal conditions, we can help determine whether shockwave therapy is right for you.
WellCare Physiotherapy & Rehab Suite 203 – 8078 128 Street Surrey, BC V3W 4E9 Phone: 236-480-8395
Contact our clinic or book online to schedule your shockwave therapy assessment in Surrey.