What Is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work?

Shockwave Therapy, also known as ESWT - Extracorporeal SHOCK WAVE Therapy, is a non-invasive, non-electrical high energy sound wave that passes through the body via a handheld probe.

The directed burst of high-pressure sound waves through the skin target the desired musculoskeletal (muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve and bone) tissue, which produces a rapid increase in blood flow. This works to break down the fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time and is particularly prevalent with chronic soft tissue injuries. The body responds with increased metabolic activity around the site of the pain. This kickstarts inflammatory healing, which is necessary for tissue repair.

Dr. Shephard: 20+ Years of Experience in Shockwave Therapy in Calgary

He vigorously researches and applies new technologies to accelerate injury healing. His success with Shockwave Therapy is credited to his unique skill of identifying the source, not just the symptom resulting in faster recovery.

Conditions Treated With Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is a multidisciplinary device whose primary goals are to relieve pain and restore normal mobility rapidly. It is an effective treatment for numerous soft tissue injuries, pain and particular bone-related conditions. Together with being a non-surgical therapy with no need for painkillers, this makes it an ideal therapy to speed up recovery for the following chronic injuries:

  • Neck, upper and lower back pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • TMJ
  • Golfers and tennis elbow
  • Tendonosis
  • Hip pain
  • Knee pain
  • Jumpers knee
  • Achilles tendon injuries
  • Ankle pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Heel pain and heel spurs
  • Sprain, strain injuries
  • Sports injuries

After only 3 or 4 treatments with Shockwave Therapy, most patients of Shephard Health report a reduction of over 80% of pain and a rapid return to activity. With Dr. Shephard’s vast experience of over 20 years, he is able to identify the source of the problem more definitively, rather than simply treat the symptom alone. This saves the patient valuable time and money. Elite athletes, those in the entertainment industry and thousands of patients with the same relenting pain have benefited from this rapid recovery therapy at Shephard Health.

Treatment with Shockwave Therapy usually takes approximately 10 - 15 minutes on average. The experience is of pulsating deep pressure to the area treated.

Shockwave Therapy for Neck Pain, Tennis Elbow & More in Calgary

At Shephard Health, we specialize in using Shockwave Therapy to treat a wide range of chronic pain conditions. Whether you’re searching for neck pain relief in Kensington, suffering from tennis elbow in Calgary, or simply looking for effective shockwave therapy near you, we provide tailored care to get you back to living pain-free.

Patients visit our clinic for:

  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow
  • Chronic tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • TMJ and jaw pain

Our Calgary NW location makes us easily accessible for residents of Downtown Calgary, Kensington, and surrounding communities.

Consequences of Leaving An Injury Untreated

This break down of scar tissue is the key to why Shockwave Therapy is so effective. Unlike normal tissue, scar tissue is non-elastic and will inhibit and prevent the injured tissue's normal function. If left untreated, it will ultimately weaken the healthy surrounding tissue and often leads to further damage and pain.

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy at Shephard Health?

Shockwave Therapy was initially developed to break down kidney and gall stones. After more developments and research, the FDA approved Shockwave Therapy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Several iterations later, it was further developed to encompass most musculoskeletal injuries of the body. Dr. Shephard combines this cutting edge technology, Shockwave Therapy, with other treatments to minimize healing time. By increasing circulation and breaking down scar tissue, this therapy will stimulate regeneration and promote rapid healing and reduce pain leading to the restoration of normal function and a quicker return to activity.

Downtown Calgary Shockwave Therapy That Works

Looking for trusted shockwave therapy in Downtown Calgary? At Shephard Health, our clinic combines over 20 years of expertise with cutting-edge treatment methods to deliver fast, non-invasive relief. Whether you're dealing with a sports injury or chronic pain condition, our personalized treatment plans are designed to get results — often in just 3–4 sessions.

We’re proud to serve patients from:

  • Kensington
  • Downtown Calgary
  • Calgary NW and inner-city neighborhoods

Explore why elite athletes and long-time Calgarians trust us for shockwave therapy that delivers results.

Regaining or improving your lifestyle can start right here, right now.

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The directed burst of high-pressure sound waves through the skin target the desired musculoskeletal (muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve and bone) tissue, which produces a rapid increase in blood flow. This works to break down the fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time and is particularly prevalent with chronic soft tissue injuries.