Shockwave therapy has become a common topic of conversation among active people in Greater Victoria who are looking for ways to stay mobile, manage pain, and get back to the activities they enjoy. At Equilibrium Therapeutics, we offer shockwave therapy as one of several physiotherapy treatment options, and we are careful to use it where it appears most appropriate as part of a broader, patient-centered plan.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy (often called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device, or shockwave therapy machine, to deliver high-energy sound waves to targeted areas of the body. These waves travel through the skin into muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue, where they may stimulate a healing response.
During a typical session, a gel is applied to the skin and a handheld applicator is moved over the treatment area. The energy is delivered in short bursts, which you may feel as tapping or pulsing. Treatments are usually brief, and many people choose shockwave therapy because it does not involve injections, surgery, or medication.
How Shockwave Therapy May Work in the Body
Shockwave therapy is used widely for musculoskeletal tissue problems such as tendinopathy. Research suggests that radial and focused shockwave therapies may help influence pain signals and function in tendons of the upper and lower limbs, although current evidence is of low to moderate certainty overall.2 In some cases of tennis elbow, radial shockwave therapy has been associated with improved wrist extensor strength compared with focused shockwave therapy, again based on moderate-quality evidence.2
Our team views shockwave therapy as one tool among many. We tend to integrate it with exercise-based rehabilitation, manual therapy, and education, rather than relying on it alone.
What Conditions Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?
At our clinic in Victoria, we typically consider shockwave therapy in cases where pain has persisted for a while, simple rest has not helped enough, and a person is motivated to combine treatment with active rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise. We always tailor care to the individual and may recommend other services as well, such as physiotherapy, massage, or chiropractic care.
Who May Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?
Active adults in Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, View Royal, and Colwood often ask whether shockwave therapy could fit into their recovery plan. Based on current research, potential candidates may include:
- People with persistent tendon-related pain in the upper or lower limbs who have already tried basic self-care and simpler treatments.
- Individuals with tennis elbow, where radial shockwave therapy has been linked with improved wrist extensor strength compared with focused shockwave therapy, although pain outcomes remain similar between the two types.2
- Some people with Achilles tendinopathy of less than 12 months’ duration, where one analysis suggested a possible short-term reduction in pain compared with sham treatment.3
For midportion and insertional Achilles tendinopathy more broadly, the best available evidence at this time does not support shockwave therapy as a routine, first-line treatment, because improvements in pain and disability have not consistently reached clinically meaningful levels compared with control treatments.1,3 That is why, at Equilibrium Therapeutics, we are cautious and selective about using shockwave therapy for Achilles issues and usually emphasize exercise-based rehabilitation first.
Safety, Side Effects, and Contraindications
When people search for “shock wave therapy side effects” or “shockwave therapy contraindications,” they are usually interested in safety. Across multiple tendon-related studies, radial and focused shockwave therapies have generally been reported as similarly safe, although the conclusions are limited by low-quality evidence.2 In one analysis of chronic Achilles tendinopathy, adverse events occurred slightly more often with shockwave therapy than with sham treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant.3
Rare but serious events have been reported, including two Achilles tendon ruptures following focused shockwave therapy in people with Achilles tendinopathy.1 While these events are uncommon, they highlight why we screen carefully and avoid overloading the tendon during and after treatment.
Commonly discussed considerations around shockwave therapy may include:
- Previous tendon rupture or very weakened tissue in the area.
- Conditions that affect circulation or healing capacity.
- Use of certain medications that influence tissue repair.
Before starting shockwave therapy in Victoria BC, our physiotherapists thoroughly review your health history, current medications, activity level, and goals. If shockwave therapy does not appear appropriate, we will discuss alternative options and may guide you toward other services such as chronic pain management, manual therapy, or exercise-based approaches.
How We Integrate Shockwave Therapy at Equilibrium Therapeutics
Our clinic’s approach is collaborative and patient-centered. Shockwave therapy is just one component of the best physiotherapy services Victoria residents may access through our multidisciplinary team. When appropriate, we may combine shockwave sessions with:
- Targeted strengthening and therapeutic exercise to support tendon fibres, fascia layers, and overall mechanics.
- Manual therapy, including joint and soft tissue work, to address trigger point irritation and surrounding stiffness.
- Education around activity modification, training loads, and pacing so you can continue moving while supporting tissue repair and recovery acceleration.
For many people, this blended plan may contribute to pain reduction, improved function, and confidence in daily movement, even when research around shockwave therapy alone is mixed.1,2,3 Our goal is always to match the right tool to the right person at the right time.
FAQ: Shockwave Therapy in Greater Victoria
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most people describe the sensation as uncomfortable but tolerable, feeling like repeated taps or pulses on the skin. Your therapist can often adjust the settings on the shockwave therapy machine to keep the treatment within your comfort range.
How many sessions will I need?
Treatment plans vary. Some tendon conditions in research have been treated over several sessions, but there is no one-size-fits-all schedule.1,2,3 We reassess regularly and only continue if you and your therapist feel it is contributing to your overall progress.
Can shockwave therapy replace exercise or other treatments?
Current evidence does not support relying on shockwave therapy alone for most tendon problems, especially Achilles tendinopathy.1,3 At our Victoria clinics, we almost always combine it with exercise, education, and other therapies as needed.
Is shockwave therapy safe for everyone?
Not necessarily. While adverse events are relatively uncommon in research, including for both radial and focused treatments, we still screen carefully for individual risk factors.1,2,3 During your assessment, we discuss your medical history, medications, and goals to see if this option is suitable.
Do I need a referral for shockwave therapy in Victoria BC?
You usually do not need a referral to see one of our physiotherapists for shockwave therapy evaluation. However, some extended health plans may have specific rules, so it can be helpful to confirm with your insurer.
Learn More About Shockwave Therapy at Equilibrium
If you are curious whether shockwave therapy could be part of your recovery plan, our team at Equilibrium Therapeutics would be happy to assess your situation and discuss appropriate options. Book an Appointment today to get started with a personalized, evidence-informed plan.
References
- Korakakis V, et al. Shockwave Therapy for Midportion and Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Nail in the Coffin? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2026. doi:10.2519/jospt.2026.13985
- Stania M, et al. Efficacy of radial and focused shockwave therapy for tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2026. doi:10.1038/s41598-026-37160-3
- Ni T, et al. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus sham extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PeerJ. 2026. doi:10.7717/peerj.20506
