Shockwave Therapy in NW Calgary: What to Expect
If ramping up fall runs in Sage Hill or winter shovelling in Royal Oak has left you with stubborn heel or elbow pain, you’re not alone. Chronic tendon and soft-tissue injuries are common across NW Calgary’s active communities. At Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic, we offer evidence-based shockwave therapy to help you move comfortably again—without surgery or long recovery times.
Whether you’re searching for physiotherapy near me or a trusted physiotherapy Calgary team, our clinicians are here to guide you through exactly what to expect and how shockwave can fit into your recovery plan.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses acoustic pressure waves delivered through the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These waves increase blood flow, kickstart tissue regeneration, and reduce pain signaling in irritated tendons and fascia.
Conditions Shockwave Therapy Can Help
Shockwave therapy is best for persistent, localized pain and overuse injuries, including:
- Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
- Achilles and patellar tendinopathy
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder pain
- Hip/gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric pain
- Shin splints and chronic hamstring issues
- Chronic trigger points and myofascial pain
If your pain has lasted more than 6-8 weeks despite rest, stretching, or standard care, shockwave therapy near me may be an option. Our team will assess whether it’s appropriate for your specific condition and activity level.
Why Pain Happens: Causes and Symptoms
In our local communities—Nolan Hill, Evanston, Citadel, Hamptons, Royal Oak, Glacier Ridge, Panorama, Carrington, Livingston, Kincora, Sherwood, Sage Hill, and Beacon Hill— common culprits include:
- Rapid increases in training or work demands
- Repetitive sports (running, hockey, pickleball) or manual work
- Footwear and biomechanical issues (flat feet, high arches)
- Prolonged sitting or computer work leading to shoulder and elbow strain
Typical symptoms are localized pain with activity, morning stiffness (especially in the heel), tenderness to touch, and discomfort with gripping, jumping, or climbing stairs.
What to Expect at Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic
We make shockwave therapy calgary nw straightforward and comfortable, from assessment to follow-up.
Before Your Session
- Comprehensive assessment: We’ll confirm the diagnosis, review your medical history, and screen for contraindications (pregnancy, blood thinners, acute infection, fractures, malignancy near the treatment area, or severe nerve/vascular issues).
- Personalized plan: Your therapist will explain expected sessions, exercises, and complementary care.
- What to wear: Clothes that allow easy access to the treatment area (shorts for knee/Achilles, tank top for shoulder).
During Your Session
- Setup: A gel is applied to help the handpiece deliver the waves efficiently.
- Treatment: Most sessions last 5–10 minutes per area, delivering 1,500–3,000 pulses. Intensity is adjustable to your comfort.
- Sensation: You’ll feel a tapping or “pressure-wave” sensation, sometimes mildly sharp at tender spots. Discomfort is temporary and manageable; we can pause or adjust at any time.
- Immediate changes: Many people notice a short-term reduction in pain and improved mobility right after treatment.
After Your Session
- Normal reactions: Mild redness, soreness, or a bruised feeling can occur for 24–48 hours.
- Activity: Avoid high-impact activities for 48 hours but continue light movement and your prescribed home exercises.
- Progression: Most treatment plans involve 3–6 sessions, typically one week apart. Many patients feel meaningful improvement by weeks 3–4.
How Shockwave Fits into a Complete Recovery Plan
Shockwave works best as part of a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach. At Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic, your plan may also include:
- Physiotherapy: Corrective exercises to load and remodel tendon, joint mobilizations, and education. If you’re seeking a physiotherapy clinic near me for stubborn pain, our team delivers targeted, evidence-guided care.
- Massage therapy: Soft-tissue release and recovery strategies. We also offer massage therapy Calgary NW options tailored to athletes and desk workers.
- Chiropractic care: Joint alignment, movement restoration, and return-to-sport planning from chiropractors in Calgary NW.
- Additional modalities: IMS and dry needling, medical acupuncture (from our acupuncture clinic NW Calgary team), and laser physiotherapy NW Calgary for pain modulation and tissue healing.
- Foot and gait solutions: Custom foot orthotics Calgary for plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and gait mechanics.
- Sports injury physiotherapy: Integrated rehab for sprains, strains, and overuse issues, from weekend warriors to competitive athletes.
If your injury is work-related or the result of a motor vehicle accident, we provide WCB physiotherapy Calgary and MVA physiotherapy Calgary support, including documentation, direct billing, and coordinated care.
Benefits of Early Treatment
Starting care early helps you:
- Prevent chronic pain cycles and tendon degeneration
- Reduce time away from work, sport, and family activities
- Improve mobility, strength, and walking/running tolerance
- Return to daily routines around Nolan Hill, Sherwood, and Panorama more confidently and quickly
Early assessment also lets us rule out other causes, set realistic timelines, and start the right loading program promptly.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy is safe for most adults, especially when pain persists despite rest and standard care. It may not be recommended if you are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, use anticoagulant medications, have an acute infection, or have a tumour or fracture in the treatment area.
Unsure? Book an assessment and our clinicians will help you decide if shockwave therapy Calgary NW is the right fit—or if another approach will serve you better.
Why Choose Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic
- Personalized, evidence-based care: We tailor shockwave and exercise progressions to your goals, sport, and schedule.
- Multi-disciplinary team: Access physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, IMS, dry needling, laser therapy, and medical acupuncture under one roof.
- Community-focused: We proudly serve Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Beacon Hill, Evanston, Citadel, Hamptons, Royal Oak, Glacier Ridge, Panorama, Carrington, Livingston, Kincora, and Sherwood.
- Full-spectrum rehab: From sports-related injury rehabilitation and concussion care to pelvic floor physiotherapy Calgary NW and TMJ management, we coordinate your care seamlessly.
- Insurance-friendly: We assist with WCB claims and MVA cases, provide direct billing when available, and guide you through your benefits.
- Convenience: Evening and weekend appointments, ample parking, and timely access to care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions will I need?
Most people complete 3–6 sessions, one per week. Your response and goals guide our plan.
Does it hurt?
You may feel mild to moderate discomfort, especially over tender spots. Intensity is adjustable, and discomfort eases quickly after the session.
Will I need other treatments?
For best, lasting results, we combine shockwave with targeted exercises, activity modification, and—where helpful—massage, chiropractic care, laser therapy for pain, or custom foot orthotics.
Ready to Move Better?
- Book online or call us for an assessment
- Ask about direct billing, WCB and MVA support
- Looking for massage and physiotherapy or concussion treatment near me?