Shockwave Therapy on Salt Spring Island

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses focused acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in tendons, muscles, and fascia that have become resistant to recovery. These sound waves increase local circulation, promote tissue regeneration, and help modulate pain signals in the nervous system.

 

It is non-invasive, drug-free, and safe, making it a strong option for patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments.

​

How Does It Work?

Shockwave therapy activates stalled tissue repair by:

• Stimulating cellular activity in chronic injury sites

• Improving circulation and metabolic activity in damaged tissues

• Breaking down calcific deposits in tendons

• Reducing pain sensitivity by calming overactive nerve endings

 

By targeting deeper tissue layers, Shockwave Therapy often succeeds where stretching, massage, or rest have not provided full relief.

​

What Can It Help?

Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic soft tissue and tendon-related conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain

• Achilles tendinopathy

• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)

• Rotator cuff tendon irritation

• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

• Gluteal tendinopathy and hip bursitis

• Shin splints and other overuse injuries

 

Many patients who have experienced persistent symptoms for months or even years often notice meaningful improvements after just a few sessions.

​

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients benefit from a series of three to five sessions, spaced approximately 3-7 days apart. Each treatment typically lasts 30 minutes.

A key feature of Shockwave Therapy is its ongoing effect, tissue healing often continues for several weeks after each session due to its lasting biological stimulation.

 

What Does It Feel Like?

The treatment feels like a series of gentle pulses or taps over the affected area. Intensity is adjusted to your comfort, and while mild soreness afterward is common (similar to post-exercise soreness), it usually resolves quickly. There is no downtime, and most people return to regular activity immediately.

Evidence and Effectiveness

Shockwave therapy is widely used in physiotherapy and sports medicine, and is supported by strong clinical research. Documented outcomes include:

• Up to 90% success rate in plantar fasciitis

• Over 75% effectiveness in treating tennis elbow

• Over 90% improvement in calcific tendonitis of the shoulder

 

Its benefits have been recognized globally, and it is now available locally at Gulf Islands Chiropractic.

 

Integrated With Neuro-Release Therapy

At Gulf Islands Chiropractic, Shockwave Therapy is a core component of our Neuro-Release Therapy system. It is often used alongside:

• Vibration therapy to reduce tension and calm nerve sensitivity

• Dynamic cupping (Vacuator or Theracup) to improve circulation and lymphatic flow

• Laser therapy to enhance cellular energy and reduce inflammation

• TENS and EMS to modulate pain and retrain muscle function

 

This multi-modality approach addresses not just the injured tissue, but also the surrounding structures that support recovery and movement.

​

Is It Right for Me?

Shockwave Therapy may be suitable if:

• You are dealing with chronic tendon or soft tissue pain that has not improved with stretching or rest

• You want to avoid injections, medications, or surgery

• You are looking for a proven, non-invasive treatment option with minimal downtime

 

We always screen carefully to ensure this treatment is safe and appropriate for your condition and goals.