Shockwave Therapy in North Vancouver: A Powerful Chiropractic Treatment for Tendon and Joint Pain
If you’ve been dealing with stubborn tendon pain, or conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or hip bursitis, you might have heard about shockwave therapy — a non-invasive treatment that helps heal chronic tendonitis. At Mountain Health and Performance, our chiropractors use shockwave therapy as a key part of our comprehensive care to help patients recover faster and get back to their active lives.
In this blog, we’ll explore what shockwave therapy is, how our chiropractors use it, which conditions it treats best, the treatment process, and why combining it with Class IV laser therapy is such a game-changer.
What Is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves — similar to sound waves but much stronger — to stimulate healing in injured tissues. This is very different from therapeutic ultrasound which has often been used in physiotherapy clinics.
The shockwaves target areas of chronic inflammation, scar tissue, or poor blood flow, triggering your body's natural repair processes. The result? Increased circulation, reduced pain, and accelerated tissue regeneration.
This technology has been extensively studied and shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving tendons, ligaments, and fascia that have failed to heal with rest or conventional treatments.
How Chiropractors in North Vancouver Use Shockwave Therapy
Chiropractors at Mountain Health and Performance incorporate shockwave therapy as part of an integrated treatment plan. We first conduct a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of your pain — whether it’s tendon degeneration, bursitis, or muscle tightness. Then, we precisely target the affected area with shockwave treatment.
Unlike some providers who use shockwave as a standalone treatment, we combine it with other chiropractic therapies including spinal adjustments, myofascial release, Class IV laser therapy and rehabilitative exercise prescription. This multimodal approach addresses not only the damaged tissue but also biomechanical imbalances that may contribute to recurring injuries.
Conditions Effectively Treated with Shockwave Therapy
1. Calcific Tendonitis
Calcific tendonitis is a painful condition where calcium deposits build up in tendons, causing inflammation and limited movement — frequently seen in the shoulder. Shockwave therapy helps break down these deposits and stimulates healing, reducing pain and restoring function.
2. Hip Bursitis and Hip Tendonitis
Hip pain caused by inflamed bursae or tendons often responds well to shockwave treatment. By enhancing blood flow and promoting tissue repair, it reduces swelling and discomfort, improving mobility and quality of life.
3. Knee Tendonitis (Patellar Tendonitis)
Common in runners and athletes, patellar tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Shockwave therapy stimulates healing in these overused tissues, helping you return to your favorite activities sooner.
4. Achilles Tendonitis
Pain at the back of the heel from an inflamed Achilles tendon can be stubborn and slow to heal. Shockwave accelerates recovery by promoting collagen production and breaking down fibrous tissue, allowing the tendon to strengthen.
5. Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament on the sole of your foot becomes inflamed. Shockwave therapy encourages healing and reduces pain, often providing relief when other treatments have failed. If you have a flat foot or need extra support we also offer custom orthotics as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for plantar fasciitis.
What to Expect: Number of Sessions and Treatment Experience
A typical shockwave therapy course involves about 4 to 6 sessions, spaced roughly one week apart. Each session lasts about 20 minutes as it includes other therapies such as laser therapy, soft tissue therapy, etc. Many patients report noticeable pain relief even after the first treatment, but it’s important to know that healing continues for several weeks or months afterward as your body rebuilds healthy tissue. This ongoing repair process means you can expect gradual improvements in pain and function.
During the treatment, you may feel a series of tapping or pulsating sensations, which can be mildly uncomfortable but are generally well tolerated. Our chiropractors customize the intensity based on your tolerance and the tissue being treated.
Shockwave Therapy is Covered Under Chiropractic Insurance in North Vancouver
Good news — shockwave therapy can be billed under extended health benefits that cover chiropractic care in North Vancouver. This means that if you have chiropractic coverage, your shockwave sessions will be eligible for reimbursement just like adjustments and other therapies.
Our clinic works with most insurance providers and can help you understand your coverage, so you can focus on healing without worrying about unexpected costs.
The Powerful Combination: Shockwave Therapy and Class IV Laser
At Mountain Health and Performance, we combine shockwave therapy with Class IV laser treatments for enhanced results. While shockwave stimulates tissue repair by mechanical energy, Class IV laser therapy uses light energy to reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and speed cellular regeneration.
This dual approach tackles pain and dysfunction from multiple angles — making it an especially effective treatment for chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis and hip bursitis. Patients frequently experience faster pain relief, improved mobility, and longer-lasting benefits when these therapies are used together.
Why Choose MHP for Shockwave Therapy in North Vancouver?
As a leading chiropractic clinic in North Vancouver, Mountain Health and Performance offers:
Experienced chiropractors trained in shockwave and laser therapy techniques
Comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs
Integrated care combining manual therapy, shockwave, laser, and rehabilitation exercises
Convenient location with flexible scheduling to accommodate busy lifestyles. We have an abundance of free parking right in front of the clinic which is especially helpful if you are having trouble getting around due to pain.
Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, or hip bursitis, we’re here to help you get back to pain-free living.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If you’re searching for shockwave therapy in North Vancouver, or want expert chiropractic care for tendonitis, bursitis, or chronic pain conditions, contact Mountain Health and Performance today. Our team is dedicated to helping you heal faster, move better, and enjoy life without pain.
Dr. Amy Wiggins
BKin, DC
North Vancouver Chiropractor
5 Signs Your Injury Isn't Just Going Away on Its Own
It’s easy to hope that a sore shoulder, aching foot, or tight back will simply "work itself out" with time. In some cases, minor injuries do heal with rest and care, but other times, ignoring symptoms can cause the problem to get worse — turning a simple strain into a long-term issue.
At Mountain Health and Performance in North Vancouver, we specialize in helping our patients prevent pain from becoming chronic. If you're wondering whether your injury requires more than just time, here are five signs that your injury might not be going away on its own — and how we can help.
1. Pain Lasts More Than a Few Days
If you’re still experiencing pain after 7–10 days, it’s a sign that your injury might need professional attention.
True healing should begin showing signs within the first week. If the pain doesn’t improve or even gets worse, it could suggest deeper tissue damage, joint dysfunction, or an injury that requires active treatment.
Our chiropractors can assess the source of the pain and help speed up the healing process, allowing you to avoid developing chronic issues down the line.
2. The Pain Is Getting Worse, Not Better
While mild soreness after an injury is common, if your discomfort is getting more intense instead of improving, it’s time to seek help.
Increasing pain may indicate that inflammation, tissue damage, or misalignment are getting worse, and leaving the injury untreated could lead to more complex problems.
Our chiropractors can help address these issues early, using targeted treatments to reduce pain and restore healthy function, ensuring you heal effectively.
3. You Feel Weakness, Instability, or Loss of Function
If your injured area feels unstable, weak, or not functioning properly (like a knee that "gives out" or a shoulder that can't lift fully), it’s a sign of something more serious than a mild muscle strain.
Loss of joint function and instability can indicate underlying issues such as joint misalignment, tendon injury, or nerve irritation.
Visiting a chiropractor in North Vancouver can help you restore stability to the joint, address any restrictions, and support your body as it heals naturally.
4. Swelling, Bruising, or Sharp Pain Persist
While swelling and bruising are typical immediately after an injury, they should start to subside within a few days.
If they don’t, it may be a sign that something more serious is going on internally. Persistent sharp pain (as opposed to a dull ache) is often a sign of joint irritation or restriction, which can limit your movement and cause long-term issues if left untreated.
Sharp pain like this can often be relieved with chiropractic manipulations to reduce pain and improve mobility, helping to restore function and alleviate the discomfort caused by misalignment or joint dysfunction.
5. It’s Starting to Affect Your Daily Life or Other Areas
If your injury is preventing you from doing daily activities, like walking, sitting, or enjoying your usual exercise routine, it’s time to get professional care.
Compensating for an injury by altering your posture or movement patterns can often lead to secondary issues, like back or hip pain, making the injury harder to heal in the long run.
At Mountain Health and Performance we can help you address the root cause of your injury before compensation patterns lead to more widespread discomfort or injury.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Ignoring or putting off treatment can lead to longer recovery times, chronic pain, and even recurrent flare-ups. At Mountain Health and Performance, we use evidence-based therapies like shockwave therapy, Class IV laser therapy, and chiropractic care to not only provide pain relief but also support lasting healing.
When you treat the issue early, you can avoid the risk of the problem becoming chronic, and you’ll recover faster with fewer setbacks.
Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your injury, it’s time to take action. At Mountain Health and Performance, we’ve been helping North Vancouver residents restore mobility and manage pain for over 25 years.
Our team of practitioners is here to guide you through the recovery process using personalized treatment plans designed to reduce pain and restore function.
Don’t wait for your injury to get worse.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward feeling better.
Dr. Amy Wiggins
BKin, DC
North Vancouver Chiropractor