Chronic tendinopathy
Achilles, patellar, tennis/golfer's elbow, gluteal tendinopathy. The classic shockwave wins.
Shockwave Therapy in Toronto
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for chronic tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and calcific conditions that haven't responded to conservative care alone.
Since 2009Hospital-Affiliated Spine CareWomen's HealthRunning & SportsWSIB & MVA ClaimsLGBTQ+ FriendlyDirect Billing to Insurance
What it is
High-energy pressure waves, built for stubborn tendinopathy.
Shockwave therapy delivers focused high-energy acoustic pulses to a targeted area. The mechanical stimulus triggers a cascade of healing responses: increased local blood flow, breakdown of calcific deposits, stimulation of collagen remodeling, and (for some patients) immediate pain relief through nerve fibre desensitization.
It's particularly well-evidenced for chronic tendinopathy that hasn't responded to 6–12 weeks of conservative care alone, Achilles, patellar (jumper's knee), tennis/golfer's elbow, plantar fascia, and rotator cuff. We use the Storz Medical MP50, a clinical-grade focused shockwave system.
- Strong evidence for chronic Achilles, patellar, and elbow tendinopathy
- Often the right tool when 6–12 weeks of standard care has plateaued
- Most protocols are 3–5 weekly sessions of 5–10 minutes each
What it treats
The conditions shockwave is genuinely good for.
Plantar fasciitis
Heel pain that hasn't budged after 8–12 weeks of stretching and orthotic work. Shockwave is one of the best tools we have for chronic cases.
Calcific shoulder
Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff. Shockwave can break them down and dramatically reduce pain.
What to expect
5–10 minutes per session. 3–5 weekly sessions typical.
A shockwave session is short, usually 5–10 minutes of treatment. The sensation is intense but tolerable; we adjust the energy level to what you can handle. Most protocols run 3–5 sessions, one per week. You can train and walk normally between sessions, in fact, gentle loading is part of the plan.
Pair with manual therapy + a graded loading exercise program for the best results. Shockwave alone rarely solves a tendinopathy; shockwave plus structured loading is what moves the needle.
- Storz Medical MP50 clinical-grade focused shockwave
- Always paired with a tissue-loading exercise program
- Direct billable under chiropractic at most insurers
5–10 min
Per session
3–5
Sessions typical
1/week
Standard cadence
Storz MP50
Equipment
Frequently asked questions
About shockwave therapy
It's intense, not painful. We adjust the energy level to your tolerance, and you'll likely feel sore for 24–48 hours afterward, that's part of the healing response. Most patients tolerate it without issue.
About the clinic
Reviews
What patients say
A few words from people we've helped get back to what they love.
“Steps from College station and they direct-bill my insurance, so it's an easy visit. Real assessment, no pressure, and a plan I could actually follow at home.”
“I saw Dr. Clarke through my pregnancy for pelvic pain. Gentle, knowledgeable, and reassuring the whole way. It made a real difference to how I felt day to day.”
“Booked for a running gait analysis before a half marathon. The video breakdown of my stride was eye-opening and the exercises sorted out the knee pain that kept derailing my training.”
From the blog
Latest from the blog
Patient-language guides on the conditions and care we see most.
Book your first visit
Tell us what you need from shockwave therapy and the front desk will match you with the right practitioner.
- Same-day appointments usually available
- Direct billing to most major insurers
- Prefer to call? (416) 660-9932