At Toronto Wellness & Physio Center in Richmond Hill, we use shockwave therapy (ESWT) to target chronic pain that hasn’t improved with rest or basic care. It’s non-invasive and commonly used for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, and tennis elbow.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that sends acoustic waves to irritated tendons and soft tissue to reduce pain and support healing—especially when symptoms are stubborn or keep returning.
Radial vs. Focused Shockwave
Radial shockwave is commonly used for more surface-level issues like plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, and tennis elbow.
Focused shockwave targets deeper tissue and is often used for chronic pain and conditions like calcific shoulder tendinitis.
Part of Your Richmond Hill Rehab Plan
At Toronto Wellness & Physio Center in Richmond Hill, we often combine shockwave therapy with physiotherapy-based exercise and hands-on care to help you recover faster and move better.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) can be a great option for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain—especially when symptoms keep coming back.
- Non-invasive & drug-free
No surgery or medication—just targeted acoustic waves. - Helps reduce stubborn pain
Often used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, and tennis elbow. - Supports tissue healing
Helps improve circulation and tissue repair over time. - Improves mobility
Can decrease stiffness so movement feels easier. - Works well with rehab
Best results when combined with physiotherapy-guided exercise. - Minimal downtime
Most people return to normal activity the same day.
What to Expect From Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Most sessions are quick and straightforward. Your clinician will assess the area, apply gel, and deliver focused pulses to the painful tendon or soft tissue. Treatment is usually 5–10 minutes per area, and many people continue normal daily activity afterward.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
You may feel tapping, pressure, or mild discomfort during treatment—especially over very sensitive spots. We adjust the intensity to keep it tolerable.
Common Side Effects (Usually Mild & Temporary)
- Some people experience:
- soreness for 24–48 hours
- mild swelling or stiffness
- redness or warmth in the treated area
- temporary increase in pain before improvement
- small bruising (less common)
When Shockwave Therapy May Not Be Appropriate
Shockwave therapy isn’t suitable for everyone. Tell us if you:
- are pregnant
- have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners (as advised by your provider)
- have a pacemaker/implanted device near the treatment area
- have an active infection, open wound, or tumor in the area
- recently had a cortisone injection in the same area
- have a suspected fracture or acute tear
Shockwave Therapy Conditions We Treat in Richmond Hill
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is often used for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain—especially when symptoms haven’t improved with rest, basic care, or exercise alone.
Foot & Heel Pain
- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
- Heel spur–related pain
- Achilles tendinopathy / Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle tendon irritation (selected cases)
Hip & Pelvis
- Hip bursitis
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)
Shoulder
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Shoulder tendon pain with lifting or reaching
Elbow & Arm
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Forearm tendon pain from repetitive work (selected cases)
Knee & Shin Pain
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
- IT band–related lateral knee pain (selected cases)
- Shin splints / medial tibial stress syndrome (selected cases)
Other Chronic Tendon Pain
- Chronic trigger points / myofascial pain (selected cases)
- Stubborn tendon pain that limits work, sport, or daily movement
Book Your Shockwave Therapy Appointment in Richmond Hill
Ready to get started? Book online or call our Richmond Hill clinic to confirm availability and see if shockwave therapy (ESWT) is right for your condition.
Why Patients Choose Us for Shockwave Therapy in Richmond Hill
Evidence-Informed Care, Not Guesswork
We assess your pain, movement, and tendon health first—then use ESWT only when it fits your condition and goals
Focused + Radial Shockwave Options
We tailor treatment depth and intensity based on what you’re treating—whether it’s heel pain, Achilles issues, tennis elbow, or shoulder tendon pain
State-of-the-Art Equipment
We use cutting-edge devices like the DUOLITH® SD1 Ultra and MASTERPULS® Ultra, which are globally recognized for their accuracy and effectiveness in treating soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, and non-healing conditions. These systems allow for customizable energy levels and penetration depths to treat everything from surface-level trigger points to deep calcific tendinitis.
Clear Plan & Expectations
You’ll know what we’re treating, how many sessions are commonly recommended, what to avoid after treatment, and how progress is measured.
Convenient Richmond Hill Scheduling
Flexible appointment times and a smooth booking process so you can start care without long delays.
Insurance-Friendly Support
We work with most extended health plans and can provide the documentation you need for reimbursement
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is commonly used for stubborn plantar fasciitis and heel pain, especially when symptoms have lasted for weeks or months. It can help reduce pain and support the body’s healing response so walking and standing become easier.
Many people start with a short plan of 3–6 sessions, depending on the condition, how long you’ve had it, and how your tissue responds. We reassess progress and adjust the plan based on your results.
It can feel like tapping, pressure, or mild discomfort—especially over sensitive tendon areas. Treatment intensity is adjustable, and we keep it tolerable while still effective.
Some people notice improvement within a few sessions, but many feel the biggest change over several weeks as the tissue responds and you build tolerance through rehab. Chronic cases may take longer.
For the first 24–48 hours, avoid heavy impact or aggressive training on the treated area. Most people can continue normal daily activity, and we’ll guide you on safe exercises and activity progression.
ESWT is often used for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), hip bursitis/GTPS, and calcific shoulder tendinitis.
Most side effects are mild and temporary, like soreness, redness, or small bruising. Rarely, symptoms can flare for a few days. We screen for safety and adjust treatment to reduce risk.
Shockwave therapy may not be appropriate if you’re pregnant, have an active infection or open wound in the area, a suspected fracture, certain bleeding disorders, or if the area has a tumor. If you take blood thinners or recently had a cortisone injection, tell us—your provider will confirm if ESWT is safe for you.
Shockwave Therapy Fees
Insurance receipts provided. Direct billing may be available.
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Shockwave Therapy (60 min) $120
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Shockwave cupping for Celulite $250