One-on-One Physio
At Mimico Medical our physiotherapists are committed to evidence-based treatments that eliminate pain, improve body mechanics and prevent future injury. Scientific studies have shown that shockwave therapy is effective in treating specific injuries – even when more traditional manual therapies haven’t worked.
As part of our efforts to expand access to care in our community, we are proud to offer shockwave therapy to our patients that have treatment-resistant injuries and conditions. Make an appointment with our team of physiotherapists in Etobicoke and we will consult on whether shockwave therapy is the right choice for you.
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is an effective treatment for:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which chronic degenerative changes under the foot (plantar fascia) cause pain near its attachment to the heel bone (calcaneus).
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Patients often experience a stabbing pain that is most severe during their first few steps in the morning. There is significant chronic pain while walking and running. The condition is notoriously difficult to treat with a high rate of recurrence.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition commonly found in runners. Other at-risk groups are people who are overweight or spend many hours working on their feet.
Shockwave therapy is effective in reducing the pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Randomised controlled trials have shown it to be an effective long-term therapy when compared to placebo. Most patients can expect a significant reduction in heel pain – and no further need for pain medication. Dry needling for plantar fasciitis has also shown good results for patients.
Achilles Tendinitis Treatment
Achilles tendinitis is a condition in which chronic degenerative changes cause pain of the achilles tendon. It is often caused by overuse, and is a common injury for active people, especially those in middle-age. Runners can develop the condition when increasing the intensity of their runs. Also at risk are ‘weekend warrior’ athletes who play sports like basketball and tennis.
The main symptom of achilles tendinitis – sometimes referred to as achilles tendinopathy – is pain at the back of the leg or heel of the foot. It will typically start as an ache after exercise. If left untreated it will develop into a persistent pain. Tenderness and stiffness along the achilles tendon is a common symptom also.
Achilles tendinitis is further classified as insertional or non-insertional. Insertional means pain is at the site where the achilles tendon is attached to the heel bone (calcaneus). Non-insertional means pain is located higher up in the body of the tendon.
Randomised controlled trials have shown shockwave therapy to be an effective long-term therapy for insertional achilles tendinitis when compared to placebo. Positive outcomes are seen even when other treatments have failed. Patients can expect a reduction in achilles pain and increase in functionality. Physiotherapists will often treat tendinitis with a combination of shockwaves and loading exercises.
Tennis Elbow Treatment
Tennis elbow is the common term for the condition lateral epicondylitis. Chronic degenerative changes cause pain at the attachment of muscle onto the elbow. The tendons in the elbow – which work to bend the wrist – have become damaged from overuse. Symptoms include pain that radiates from the elbow, and weakness of the hands that affects everyday life.
It can cause significant pain and distress with simple movements of the affected arm. It is considered an injury that is relatively more difficult to treat. For this reason patients sometimes turn to alternative treatments – such as making an appointment at our acupuncture clinic.
As the name suggests, playing racquet sports can be a risk factor for developing tennis elbow. It is also common among people whose jobs require working with the hands and forearms. Trades like plumbers, painters and carpenters are at risk for developing this painful condition.
Randomised controlled trials have not shown shockwave therapy to be an effective long-term therapy for tennis elbow when compared to placebo. But it is still considered as a treatment option when conservative measures have failed. For patients that respond to shockwave therapy, they can expect a significant reduction in pain. This corresponds with an increase in wrist and hand function.
Most patients can expect to receive treatment over several weeks before experiencing benefits. However, once experiencing a reduction in pain, treatment is halted and the patient can monitor their own symptoms.
Other Common Injuries and Conditions for Shock wave Therapy
Patellar Tendonitis of the Knee
Calcific Tendonitis of the Shoulder
Shockwave Therapy - FAQs
How does shockwave therapy work?
Does shockwave therapy have side effects?
How much does shockwave therapy cost?
Can I exercise after shockwave therapy?
Is shockwave therapy covered by OHIP? Is it covered by private insurance?
Shockwave therapy is not covered by OHIP. Like other physiotherapy treatments, it is covered by many private insurance policies offered by employers.
Our team at Mimico Medical Physiotherapy is committed to expanding access to care in our community of Etobicoke. We offer a full range of physiotherapy services. We are committed to women’s health and can help new mothers with postpartum physiotherapy.