Shockwave Therapy Edmonton

Shockwave Therapy Edmonton

If you have been dealing with a tendon injury or chronic pain that has not responded to rest, massage, or other conservative care, shockwave therapy may be the next step. It is one of the few non-invasive treatments that can directly address the tissue-level changes behind stubborn musculoskeletal conditions — particularly tendons, which heal slowly because of their limited blood supply.

At Athlete’s Choice Massage, shockwave therapy is available across all four Edmonton-area clinics. Your first appointment begins with an assessment so your therapist understands your condition, how long you have had it, and what has and hasn’t worked. Treatment is then tailored to your tolerance and adjusted in real time.

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30 min | 45 min | 60 min

• 780-433-0550
• Open daily, Edmonton, Alberta
• Direct Billing Available

Conditions We Treat With Shockwave Therapy

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people book shockwave therapy in Edmonton. The plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot — becomes irritated and inflamed, causing sharp heel pain that is usually worst first thing in the morning or after periods of rest. When the condition becomes chronic, the tissue undergoes structural changes that make it resistant to standard treatment. Shockwave therapy targets this directly, stimulating circulation and cellular repair in tissue that has lost its normal healing capacity.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Chronic Achilles pain — whether at the tendon’s midpoint or where it inserts into the heel — responds well to shockwave therapy. Tendinopathy develops when the tendon’s collagen structure degrades over time, typically from repetitive loading without adequate recovery. Shockwave therapy stimulates a controlled healing response in the degenerated tissue, making it an effective option when stretching and strengthening alone have not resolved the pain.

Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) are both tendon overuse injuries at the elbow, and both are well-supported indications for shockwave therapy. These conditions are common in people who do repetitive gripping, lifting, or computer work — not just racket sports. If elbow pain has persisted for more than a few months and is limiting your grip strength or daily function, shockwave therapy is worth discussing with your therapist.

Calcific Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendons cause a specific type of shoulder pain that can be severe and difficult to treat conservatively. Shockwave therapy is effective at breaking down these calcifications and stimulating the surrounding tendon tissue. It is also used for rotator cuff tendinopathy without calcification — particularly when shoulder pain has persisted through physiotherapy or massage and range of motion remains limited.

Patellar Tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy — commonly called jumper’s knee — causes pain at the base of the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches. It is most common in people who run, jump, or squat regularly, but it also develops in people who are on their feet for long periods. Shockwave therapy promotes tendon remodelling and is typically combined with a guided loading program from your therapist to support lasting recovery.

Chronic Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain

Trigger points that have not responded to manual therapy can be treated with shockwave therapy, which disrupts the contracted muscle fibres and improves local circulation. This is particularly useful for persistent neck, upper back, and hip pain where multiple treatment attempts have produced only temporary relief.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your appointment starts with an assessment — your therapist will review your health history, test range of motion, and identify the specific tissue involved before any treatment begins. This is not a formality; it shapes how the shockwave is applied and at what intensity.

During treatment, a conductive gel is applied to the area and a handheld probe delivers targeted acoustic waves to the affected tissue. The sensation is a deep, repetitive pressure — most clients describe it as intense but tolerable. Your therapist adjusts the intensity throughout the session based on your feedback.

After the appointment, mild soreness in the treated area is normal for one to two days. Your therapist will give you specific guidance on activity, loading, and any exercises that support recovery between sessions. Most conditions respond within three to six sessions, spaced approximately one week apart.

Important Things to Know Before Your Visit

Come prepared to discuss your history. The more your therapist knows about when the pain started, what aggravates it, and what you have already tried, the more targeted the treatment can be.

Wear clothing that allows access to the area. Shockwave is applied directly to skin with gel. Shorts, a tank top, or loose layers work well depending on the treatment area.

Avoid anti-inflammatory medication before your appointment if possible. Shockwave therapy works by triggering an inflammatory healing response — NSAIDs taken before treatment can blunt this effect.

Ease back on intense activity the day after treatment. Some post-treatment soreness is part of the process. Give the tissue 24 to 48 hours before returning to heavy loading.

If you are pregnant, have active cancer, a pacemaker, or an open wound or fracture in the treatment area, let your therapist know before booking. These are contraindications for shockwave therapy.

Shockwave Therapy Locations in Edmonton

Shockwave therapy is available across all four Athlete’s Choice Massage clinics in the Edmonton area:

• West Edmonton — Stony Plain Road, near West Edmonton Mall
• Downtown Edmonton — serving the core and surrounding neighbourhoods
• Old Strathcona — south side of the river, Whyte Ave area
• Sherwood Park — Broadmoor Boulevard, Emerald Hills

Direct billing is available at all locations. Book online or call 780-433-0550.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is shockwave therapy and how does it work?

Shockwave therapy uses targeted acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response in areas of chronic pain and tissue breakdown. It increases blood flow, breaks down calcifications and scar tissue, and promotes cellular repair — particularly effective for tendons and connective tissue that have poor circulation and heal slowly on their own.

What conditions does shockwave therapy treat?

It is most commonly used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), calcific shoulder tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), and chronic myofascial trigger points.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

Most clients feel a deep, pulsing pressure during treatment — intensity is adjusted to your tolerance throughout the session. Mild soreness in the treated area is common for one to two days afterward as the tissue responds and begins to repair.

How many sessions will I need?

Most conditions respond well within three to six sessions, typically spaced one week apart. Your therapist will recommend a treatment plan at your first appointment based on your specific condition, how long you have had it, and how your tissue responds.

Do you offer direct billing for shockwave therapy?

Yes. Direct billing is available at all four Edmonton-area locations. Bring your insurance details and we will submit on your behalf.