Shockwave Therapy Hamilton
                     A D V A N T A G E S  O F  
S H O C K W A V E  
T H E R A P Y
The physiotherapist utilizes a device to 
deliver repetitive pulses through the skin 
tissue to the area that needs to be treated. 
The size and form of the tip on the handpiece 
he employs change depending on the treated 
area. In the short term, a decrease in pain 
appears quickly and lasts 24 to 48 hours. Two 
mechanisms are responsible;
• Release by the body of endorphins and 
pain-inhibiting substances.
• Inhibition of neurological stimuli in the 
spinal cord (Gate Control theory).
In the long term, 
Shockwave therapy Hamilton offers 
a defibrating action of the tissues and a 
hypervascularization at the origin of an 
increase in the local metabolism 
favouring better healing. These long-
term effects are sought after and require 
several weeks to obtain (4 to 6 weeks on 
average).
Shockwaves: what are they?
Shockwaves are mechanical pressure 
impulses that travel in waves through the 
human body. This treatment consists of 
broadcasting high-energy extracorporeal 
acoustic waves. Diffused through the skin 
directly into the tissues, they allow them to 
regenerate and heal certain wounds more 
quickly. The Shockwave therapy 
Hamilton generates inflammation which 
stimulates the tissues and their healing. 
Today there are different types of shock 
waves:
 Radial shock waves propagate through 
the skin away from their point of 
diffusion in a fan shape.
 Focal shock waves are much more 
invasive and propagate towards a 
specific point.
Shockwave therapy has many advantages, such 
as:
 A faster recovery which does not necessarily 
require a cessation of training, especially in 
high-level athletes;
 It is a non-invasive treatment requiring neither 
medication nor anaesthesia;
 Shorter treatment duration and with very few 
side effects.
Patients often apprehend shock waves, but this 
method is not painful. It is also suitable for all 
types of patients, children and adults. Thus, the 
physiotherapist must adapt the intensity of the 
shock waves to the patient during the treatment.
Shock waves: what actions are on the body?
Shock waves act in several ways on the body. They are suitable for treating various 
anomalies such as tendinopathy, calcifications, muscle fibrosis, and sports injuries. The 
shock waves have, first of all, an analgesic action. Indeed, repeated shocks allow the 
release of endorphins at the local level. Thus, the pain during the session is reduced.
The shock waves also have a defibrotic action on the tissues. Indeed, they allow faster 
healing thanks to the creation of micro-lesions and the overproduction of collagen. The 
tendons heal quicker and are stronger and more resistant. This treatment also has a 
vascular action. There is an increase in the proteins responsible for growth, such as 
eNOS, VEGF or BMP. The secretion of these proteins will thus allow the creation of new 
arterioles, facilitating blood supply and optimal oxygenation during healing.
Finally, the shock waves have a decalcifying 
effect on the tendon. Thus, the acoustic waves 
make it possible to cause a blood supply 
around the calcification area. Calcification is a 
deposit and fixation of calcareous salts in 
organic tissues, particularly tendons, resulting 
in chronic tendonitis.
Its application in sports medicine makes it 
possible to treat all musculoskeletal conditions 
and chronic conditions such as muscle 
distension, joint injuries, and hip or lower back 
pain, and the iliotibial band syndrome.
Thus, shock waves have revolutionized sports 
medicine treatments, making them more 
effective and providing faster healing and 
scarring. This method allows top athletes to 
continue their training during their recovery.
Shock wave healing
Tendinitis and Tendinopathies
It is a common condition in athletes, people whose professional activity involves 
physical activity, or in cases of repeated bad posture. The treatment of tendinitis by 
shock waves consists in applying percussion (such as a blowpipe, with air propelled 
on a ball which will hammer the damaged part) on the affected tendon to create 
micro-lesions to revascularize the area and accelerate the healing process.
Shock wave therapy is indicated in the treatment of tendinopathies and the 
prevention of complications (tendon rupture): patellar tendinitis, Achilles tendinitis 
(of the Achilles tendon), tennis elbow (epicondylitis), plantar fasciitis, wrist 
tendonitis, shoulder tendonitis.
It is also possible to use shock waves in the event of trochanteric bursitis, shoulder 
calcification or muscle damage. It takes between 3 and 5 sessions for the fastest. 
However, if tendonitis is developed, more sessions will be required. 
Calcaneal spur
On x-rays, a bony growth in the shape 
of a thorn appears below the heel 
(calcaneus). In case of strong tensions 
on foot, the thorn seems because of 
the slightest crack or tiny wound, 
which the body seeks to repair by 
bone fixation (limestone deposit). If 
excessive or improper tension persists, 
the tissue surrounding the growth may 
become inflamed and painful.
Contact Us!
Address: Lloyd D. Jackson Square 2 King St. 
West, Unit 110
City: Hamilton
Pin code: L8P 1A1
Phone: +1(905) 777-1000
Fax: +1(905)777-1002
Email: [email protected]
https://orthomax.ca/services