If you’re dealing with chronic pain or a stubborn injury that just won’t heal, shockwave therapy may be the key to lasting relief. At Mint in Vancouver, our chiropractor Dr. White uses this advanced, evidence-based therapy to help patients recover from a variety of musculoskeletal conditions without surgery or downtime.

Whether you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or chronic shoulder pain, shockwave therapy helps accelerate the body’s natural healing process, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy tissue function.

Below, we answer the most common questions about shockwave therapy, what it feels like, and what to expect before and after treatment.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate tissue repair, reduce pain, and promote healing. It’s especially effective for chronic conditions where other treatments like rest, stretching, or medication haven’t provided full relief.

What Conditions Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?

Shockwave therapy is used to treat a wide range of soft-tissue and tendon-related conditions, including:

Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
Achilles tendonitis
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Shoulder tendonitis or rotator cuff injuries
Patellar tendonitis (“jumper’s knee”)
Hip pain (gluteal or trochanteric bursitis)
Chronic muscle tension or trigger points

It’s also used as part of rehabilitation for old injuries or postural strain.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?

The treatment delivers focused sound waves into the affected tissues, increasing blood flow and stimulating cell regeneration. Over time, this helps break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and trigger the body’s natural healing response.

Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?

Most patients find the treatment only mildly uncomfortable. It often feels like fast, repetitive tapping on the skin, and the intensity can be adjusted for your comfort. Any discomfort usually decreases as the area heals.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Feel Like?

You’ll feel rhythmic pulses in the treatment area. Sensitivity may vary depending on inflammation, but the sensation is brief and tolerable, often followed by a feeling of looseness or lightness in the treated muscle or tendon.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Plantar Fasciitis?

Most patients need 3–6 sessions, spaced one week apart. The number of treatments depends on the severity of your condition and your body’s response to therapy.

How Soon Will I See Results?

Many patients notice improvement after the first or second session. Pain reduction and mobility gains typically continue to build over several weeks as the healing process progresses.

How Long Does a Shockwave Therapy Session Last?

Each session takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on the treatment area and condition.

How Often Can I Do Shockwave Therapy?

Sessions are generally booked weekly to give your body time to heal between treatments.

How Long Do the Results of Shockwave Therapy Last?

The benefits of shockwave therapy can be long-lasting. Most patients experience sustained pain relief and improved mobility for months or years, especially when combined with personalized strengthening and stretching programs.

What Can I Expect After Shockwave Therapy?

Mild soreness or redness in the treated area is normal and typically subsides within a day or two. You can return to most daily activities immediately, but avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours.

Can You Exercise After Shockwave Therapy?

Gentle movement and stretching are fine, but avoid high-impact or strenuous activity for up to two days after each session. This allows your body to fully benefit from the therapy’s healing effects.

What Should I Avoid After Shockwave Therapy?

Skip icing, anti-inflammatory medications (like NSAIDs), and vigorous workouts immediately after treatment. These can interfere with the body’s natural repair process triggered by the therapy.

Is Shockwave Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Coverage depends on your extended health benefits. Many plans that include chiropractic, physiotherapy, or naturopathic services may cover shockwave therapy. We recommend checking with your provider for details.

Can Shockwave Therapy Cause Nerve Damage?

When performed by a trained practitioner, shockwave therapy is extremely safe. Serious side effects like nerve damage are very rare. Temporary tenderness, mild bruising, or swelling are more common and short-lived.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Compare to Other Treatments?

Unlike cortisone injections or surgery, shockwave therapy addresses the root cause of pain by promoting tissue repair rather than masking symptoms. It’s a powerful option for patients seeking a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to conventional treatments.

What Is the Success Rate of Shockwave Therapy?

Clinical studies show 70–90% success rates for chronic tendon and fascia-related pain, including plantar fasciitis. Results are best when treatment is combined with supportive exercises and professional aftercare.

Who Should Not Get Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is not recommended for:

Those with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants
Individuals with cancer in the treatment area
Patients with open wounds, infection, or acute inflammation in the target tissue

What Appointment Types Do You Offer?

For new patients who have not seen Dr. White before, please book an Initial Chiropractic Visit.

For returning patients, we offer:

- 15-minute sessions – for treating one area
- 30-minute sessions – for treating more than one area or one area plus regular adjustments