Shockwave Therapy
Toronto SEMI has an Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy machine to help patients overcome the nagging pain caused by injury. 
Research proves that Shockwave Therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can be used to successfully treat a number of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
How does it work?
There are a couple of theories as to how Shockwave Therapy helps promote healing.
The most accepted one is that the microtrauma to the affected area by shockwave creates neo-vascularization (new blood flow and growth of blood vessels) 2,3. It is this new blood flow that promotes tissue healing2.
The second theory is that with chronic pain, the brain has "forgotten" about the pain and is doing nothing to heal the area. By having shockwave therapy, a new inflammatory process is created and the brain can react to it by sending the necessary nutrients to the area to promote healing2.
It has been stated that the shockwave hyperstimulation of an injured area results in decreased transmission of pain receptors3. This means that there is also a decreased amount of pain perceived by the patient.
What conditions can it treat?
Some common conditions treated are 4 : 
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Jumper’s knee (Patellar Tendinopathy)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Scar Tissue
- Stress Fractures
- Calcific Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Trigger Points
- Non Healing ulcers
- And many more!
What should I expect with each treatment?
The physiotherapist administering the treatment will consult with you and skillfully assess your area of pain and any involved anatomical structures.
A coupling gel to help with the shockwave transmission is then put over the affected area and treatment is administered. Some short-term discomfort may be felt during treatment5. Occasionally there is short-term redness, mild bruising or tingling after treatment.
How often do I need treatment?
At Toronto SEMI, we start with 3 weekly sessions. This is followed by a 6-week period without shockwave treatment to allow the healing process to occur. A follow-up with the Sports Medicine Doctor after this 6-week period is recommended so that your progress can be monitored.
Remember, you can continue with your Physiotherapy, Massage and Naturopathic treatments during this time.
How do I know if Shockwave is right for my pain?
The best way to determine if Shockwave Therapy is indicated for your pain is to speak to your health care provider. They will be able to provide you with details regarding the benefits of using this exciting technology.
References available upon request
Table Of Contents
- EREPORTS
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Active Release Technique
- Acupuncture and You!
- An Introduction to the Sacro-iliac Joint
- An Introduction to Viscero Somatic Pain Referral
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
- Assessing Your Mental Game
- Back Pain - Courtesy of the Iliopsoas Muscle
- Biodex
- Bunions
- Choosing the Right Shoe
- Chronic Proximal Hamstring Pain in a Runner
- Golfer's Back
- Groin Strain
- Hamstring Strains
- Heat Alert! Exercise and Hyperthermia
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Intravenous Nutrition
- Is Acupuncture for You?
- Is Your Computer Hurting you?
- Knees - Your Friend or Foe?
- Leg Pain in Runners
- Low Back Pain and the Core Stabilizers
- Meniscus Tears
- Overtraining Syndrome
- Patellofemoral Paim Syndrome
- Pilates
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
- Plyometrics in Rehabilitation
- Predictable and Unpredictable Pain
- Q & A for the Injured Athlete
- Running Too Much? How to Stay Injury-Free as Race Day Approaches
- Shockwave Therapy
- Shoulder Instabilities Dislocations
- Shoulder Tendonitis
- Skier's Thumb
- Snowboarding Injuries
- Spring into Action ... Prevention!
- Stretching
- Tennis Elbow
- The Bothersome Hammertoe
- The Female Athlete Triad
- The No-Crave Diet
- The Thoracic Spine
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- When It Comes to Orthotics, First Impressions Count
Thank you for providing an integrated approach to health and fitness. I was referred to SEMI for physiotherapy for the debilitating pain of sciatica. As treatment progressed, I also added exercise, massage, osteopathy treatments and counseling with the dietician for weight loss, all available at SEMI. It was wonderful the way the services offered all worked together to compliment and support each other to promote recovery and renewed health. Today I am pain free and healthier and fitter than ever !
