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Shockwave therapy.
 

Our care is adapted
to your needs

Shockwave. Treatment of chronic pain, tendinitis and calcifications.

An average of 85%
of patients reported
complete healing aware
of the year after
4 to 6 treatments.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical and non-invasive therapy for chronic pain. Acoustic waves can penetrate up to 3-4 cm into the tissue to generate the relief of pain, restoration of mobility and accelerate the natural healing processes of the human body. Shockwave therapy is known to help people with chronic pain which other manual or pharmaceutical therapies had no effect.

Shockwave therapy is offered at the downtown of Montreal via our clinic Centre Ville Chiropratique.

Therapeutic effects:

  • New blood vessel formation
    The application of acoustic waves creates capillary microruptures in tendon and bone resulting in remodeling and formation of new arterioles. The formation of blood vessels increases the blood supply to the treated area and therefore accelerates the healing of damaged tissues.
  • Reversal of chronic inflammation
    Chronic inflammation occurs when the inflammation response is not completely stopped, so this can damage tissues and cause chronic pain. Mast cells are key elements in this inflammatory process and their presence can be increased by the shockwave therapy. The resumption of inflammation via shockwave therapy is needed to complete the regeneration of cells and the achievement of tissue healing.
  • Stimulation of collagen production
    The production of a sufficient amount of collagen is necessary for the process of repairing musculoskeletal tissue and ligament structures. Shockwave therapy accelerates the production of collagen longitudinally relative to the damaged tissue which strengthens the tissues (muscle, bone and ligament).
  • Dissolution of calcifications (calcified fibroblasts)
    The presence of calcified fibroblasts is often the result of micro-fissures in the tendons (calcific tendinitis). Shockwave therapy activates the biochemical decalcification process. The remaining calcium particles are subsequently removed by the lymphatic system.
  • Decrease of pain mediator «substance P»
    The “substance P” is a neurotransmitter of pain that is often associated with the presence of severe and chronic pain. It sends a pain message to our central nervous system. Shockwave therapy helps reduce the concentration of this neurotransmitter and therefore to decrease the sensation of pain.
  • Release of trigger points
    Trigger points are the principal cause of back, neck and limb pain. They are characterized by the presence of palpable nodules in muscle fibers. These nodules reduce the blood supply to muscle and alter the nerve afferents from the muscle, which creates even more nodules. Shockwave therapy reverses this mechanism.

Digital radiology
available at our
clinic of Boucherville

Our approach

A full assessment of your condition and an analysis of your imaging results (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound, CT scan etc.) will be carried out by our experienced chiropractors. If necessary, a digital x-ray will be taken to eliminate any contraindication and to optimize specificity of treatment.

The treatment lasts about 8 minutes and the intensity of treatment is adjusted according to the patient’s tolerance. The treatments are usually prescribed at a 5 to 10 day interval. In general, 4 to 6 treatments are needed. The treatment period is thus spread over 4 to 6 weeks.

During the treatment period, refrain from physical activity is necessary. However, the continuation of daily activities is essential to influence tissue healing in the right direction of motion.

At the end of treatment, a personalized exercise program will be given; this must be achieved during the three months after your last treatment to optimize results. This exercise program is combined with a gradual return to sports.

Conditions treated

  • Calcifications
  • Chronic shoulder pain
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Patellar tendinopathy
  • Epicondylitis (Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow)
  • Chronic hip pain
  • Plantar fasciitis and Lenoire
  • Insertional pain
  • Chronic tendinopathy
  • Medial tibial stress syndrome

Questions & answers

What are the requirements to recieve treatment?
The patient must demonstrate pain that persists for more than 6 months. Refrain from physical activity is required during the period of care. The implementation of the exercise program and the gradual return to sports are essential to optimize treatment outcomes.

Is the treatment painful?
The patient may experience discomfort, while depending on the level of inflammation already present in the treated area. However, since the treatment lasts only a few minutes (about 8 minutes), most people tolerate it well. Furthermore, the treatment intensity is adjustable during the session.

How many treatments will I need?
The treatment effect is cumulative; usually 4-6 treatments are required with an interval of 5 to 10 days between each session.

Will I feel pain after treatment?
The majority of people feel immediate pain reduction after the first treatment. However, discomfort may be present the first 4 hours after treatment.

Should I take radiographs after my treatments?
Only in the case of calcifications in the muscles and tendons, a digital radiograph is taken a few months following the last treatment to confirm the dissolution of calcifications.

Are there any restrictions after treatment?
A total rest from sports is necessary during the course of the treatment and up to one week after the last treatment. After this time a peronalized exercise program should be followed for a period of 3 months to assist with the gradual return to normal sport activity.

Rates and method of payment

Rates

Initial assessment, file opening , diagnosis: $ 95 (student price: $75)
Shockwave therapy : $ 100/treated area

Method of payment

  • Interac
  • Credit card (Visa and Master Card)
  • Cash

* Receipts for insurance and for tax purposes will be given.

Insurance

The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec does not cover chiropractic care. However, most insurance companies reimburse a portion of these costs. Check your policy for details on your coverage of chiropractic care. In the case of victims of workplace and motor vehicle accidents, our services are covered, in part, by the the CSST and SAAQ. A medical reference is required only for these cases.

Book your appointment online!