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
