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Shockwave Therapy


An effective treatment for recurrent, unresolved, subacute, sub-chronic, and chronic conditions.

About Shockwave Therapy


Shockwave Therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive procedure administered by our Physiotherapists, where a series of pressurized air wave pulsations are applied to the skin in the area where the injury is located.

Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and connective tissue) natural self-healing process and can be very effective in treating subacute, sub chronic, chronic conditions as well as recurrent or unresolved conditions.

As a medical treatment, shockwave was first used in the late 1990’s to treat kidney stones by using acoustic energy. One of the effects of shockwave discovered was that it accelerated the healing of tissue.

Shockwave Therapy works by:

  • creating pressure waves of energy reduce pain in the tissue through inhibiting the pain-signals
  • increasing the metabolism of the tissue cells which release pain and inflammatory substances
  • providing a non-invasive method to treat tendon, ligament, and scar tissue with little to no side-effects.

Is Shockwave Therapy recommended for me?

Your Physiotherapist will assess if Shockwave Therapy is ideal for you and your condition. This therapy is often utilized the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions (involving connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments). A few conditions that benefit from this therapy are listed below:

Plantar Fasciitis

Achilles Tendinopathy

Rotator cuff tendinopathy

Elbow Tendinopathy (tennis and golfer’s elbow)

Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)

Calcific Tendinopathy

Hip Bursitis

Trigger Points

Hallux Rigidus

Chronic Myofascial Pain

Hamstring Strain

Muscle Tears and Scarring

Shockwave Therapy is not appropriate for the following health conditions: open wounds, cancer, pregnancy, infection, circulatory disorder, nerve disorder, and individuals taking blood-thinning medications.


Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

  • Non-invasive, an alternative to avoid surgery
  • Reduces pain
  • Promote function and increase mobility
  • Effective for chronic conditions that don’t seem to respond well to other therapies, enhancing quality of life for individuals with chronic pain
  • Has very limited or mild side effects

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy at Legacies Health Centre?

Our Team treats a wide range of injuries and conditions in our state-of-the-art health centres. Each clinic features private treatment rooms and the latest in therapy, exercise equipment and treatment techniques.

  • Experienced and knowledgeable team of clinicians
  • Wide range of treatment and services under the same roof 
  • Convenient locations across the Lower Mainland
  • Easy Online Booking
  • Free Parking
  • Direct Billing available to most services and providers (see list)

Shockwave Therapy is covered by most extended health insurers and MSP (under Physiotherapy); and it is also available for ICBC and WCB claims.


Before Your Appointment

If there are any specific preparations required for your appointment, you will be advised prior to your appointment day.

During Your Appointment

Your Physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive assessment to determine if Shockwave is appropriate for you condition and/or injury. You will also learn more about the treatment and what to expect from it. 

The treatment itself last a few minutes. You may feel a little pain or discomfort in the treatment area during the procedure.  Most clients refer as “small pulses against the skin”. If you find the discomfort to be too much at any point simply communicate that with your physiotherapist and the pressure can be easily adjusted. Although the majority of patients report that they felt pain relief after 1-2 sessions, typically it’s recommend 3-5 sessions separated by 5-7 days each visit.

At the end of the session, you will be reminded to book your follow-up appointments, when needed. You may do that with your clinician, call one of our locations, or book online.

After Your Appointment

After your session you will be able to move the body part normally, and you may notice a reduction of your pain right after the session. After a few hours of your session, you may experience mild soreness, tenderness, bruising, swelling, numbness or tingling in the treated area, due to the activation of the natural inflammatory response. Recovery is fast and it is minimal compared with that of surgical intervention. Refrain from taking any anti-inflammatory medications after your treatment, as this may slow-down the natural healing, and impact on results.

It is recommended that you refrain from any activity that creates stress in the treated area for 48 hours after each treatment. You will be able to drive immediately after your session.

Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a referral to book Shockwave Therapy appointment?

No, you do not need a referral for this appointment.

Does Shockwave Therapy have any side effects?

Side effects are limited to mild soreness, tenderness, bruising, swelling, numbness or tingling in the treated area.

How can I book a Shockwave Therapy appointment?

At Legacies Health Centre, appointments may be booked by phone (604-591-5569), online or in-person. Please book an appointment with a Physiotherapist. Visit our contact page to call the most convenient location for you. You may also call our main number 604-591-5569 and choose the most convenient location from the directory.

I am not sure if Shockwave Therapy is right for me. How will I know?

During your appointment, your Physiotherapist will be able to assess if Shockwave Therapy is recommended for your injury or health condition.

Is Shockwave Therapy appointment covered by my extended health plan?

Shockwave Therapy treatment is covered by most extended health insurers and MSP under Physiotherapy coverage. It may also be available for ICBC and WCB claims. Clients should refer to their specific Extended Medical Plan coverage for details on services and coverage available.

Is my Shockwave Therapy appointment directly billed to my Extended Health Plans?

If you have coverage, Legacies Health Centre directly bills most Extended Health Plans Take a look at our list of direct billing insurers to see if we direct bill to yours, or call us at 604-591-5569 to confirm.

If your plan is not in our list of direct billing providers, Legacies provides a medical receipt to be used on request for reimbursement.

Locations That Offer Shockwave Therapy


Burnaby Market Crossing

7324 Market Crossing, Burnaby
Phone: 604-591-5569 (press 3 for Market Crossing)
Book Appointment Online

North Vancouver

1394 Main Street, North Vancouver
Phone: 604-591-5569 (press 4 for North Vancouver)
Book Appointment Online

Surrey Nordel

143 – 12080 Nordel Way, Surrey
Phone: 604-591-5569 (press 1 for Nordel)
Book Appointment Online

Surrey Southpoint

310 – 3091 152 Street, Surrey
Phone: 604-591-5569 (press 2 for Southpoint)
Book Appointment Online

Insurance Claims & Information


Get Back to Health after an Accident or Workplace Injury.

Extended Health Coverage

Legacies Health Centre offers direct billing to most Extended Health plans to the majority of our services. Some services (like Clinical Counselling), do not offer direct billing. In such instances, Legacies provides a medical receipt to be used on request for reimbursement. See an updated list of providers by clicking the ‘Learn More’ button below.

ICBC Insurance Claims

Legacies Practitioners, including Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Kinesiologists, all have extensive experience in administering ICBC treatments. We are here to help! Click the ‘learn more’ button for additional details.

WorkSafeBC Claims

Workplace injuries are usually due to trauma or overuse. If you have been injured as a result of a workplace activity, our team of experts at Legacies can perform a comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and rehabilitate your injury.

If your claim is approved by WSBC, your initial assessment is 100% covered with a WorkSafeBC Claim number. Once your claim has been accepted by WorkSafeBC, the full treatment cost of your appointments will be funded (within the approved time parameters). When you are ready, your physiotherapist will work with you, your employer, physician, and WorkSafeBC Case Manager to develop a safe and appropriate return to work plan. If your claim has been denied or is disallowed, the expenses will need to be covered by the Patient

Our Core Values


Achieve Excellence - Do What It Takes

Ask Questions - Seek Solutions

Teamwork – Achieve More Together

Respect All – Always

Measure Up – Evidence-Informed Practices & Innovation

Honour Our Word – Do the Right Thing

Our Satisfied Clients


We're so thankful to have such amazing clients that have taken the time to share their experiences on Google, Facebook, and other online sources. To contact us to provide feedback and suggestions, Email us.

Five stars to the Front office staff, the doctors and trainers in this branch. They are all doing a wonderful job. Ample parking space. All COVID-19 safety Protocols are being followed. Cleanliness standards maintain.

AM.
Written on Google

Rating: 5/5