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If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain and feeling like you’ve “tried everything” with little relief, you’re not alone. Many people with persistent pain – whether it’s nagging heel pain or a shoulder that just won’t heal – feel frustrated and hopeless. The good news is that a cutting-edge treatment called shockwave therapy may offer new hope. Shockwave therapy (also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT) uses targeted sound waves to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes. It’s a non-invasive approach that has been transforming healing for people with stubborn injuries and long-term pain. Before diving into how shockwave therapy works, let’s first look at why chronic pain often persists despite our best efforts.
Why do so many aches and pains become chronic, refusing to go away? In many cases, the underlying issue isn’t fully addressed. Traditional treatments often focus on symptom relief – like taking painkillers or getting cortisone shots – but these may only provide temporary respite. The real problem is that the root cause of the pain is left untreated. For example, knee pain might not just be a “knee problem” at all; it can stem from imbalances in your hips, ankles, or back that overload the knee. Similarly, plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain) or Achilles tendon pain can persist because of underlying calf tightness or poor foot mechanics, not just inflammation in the tendon.
Another issue is the body’s healing process can get “stuck.” After an initial injury, inflammation is meant to kick-start recovery. But in chronic conditions, the body sometimes fails to complete the healing cycle – resulting in ongoing inflammation or scar tissue that keeps causing pain. You might also have restricted blood flow to the injured area or adhesions (sticky scar tissue) that block healing. Unfortunately, simply resting or masking the pain with pills doesn’t break this cycle. What’s needed is a therapy that jump-starts true healing of the damaged tissues. This is where shockwave therapy comes in.
Shockwave therapy has been extensively studied, and the scientific evidence is very encouraging. Researchers have found that shockwave treatments can reduce pain and improve function in a variety of chronic tendon and musculoskeletal conditions. In fact, extracorporeal shockwave therapy is now considered an optimal conservative treatment for stubborn issues like plantar fasciitis – often succeeding where rest, medication, and injections have failed. For example, patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who received shockwave therapy reported significantly less pain compared to those given sham (placebo) treatment. Some studies show that as many as 80–90% of chronic plantar fasciitis sufferers experience notable improvement after a course of shockwave therapy, with results lasting for many months or even years.
How does it work? Shockwave therapy harnesses the principle of mechanotransduction – meaning mechanical sound waves are converted into biological signals that stimulate healing. When the acoustic waves penetrate injured tissue, they create micro-trauma (tiny controlled injuries). This might sound counterintuitive, but it triggers the body’s natural repair mechanisms. The treatment boosts local blood circulation and promotes the formation of new blood vessels, bringing much-needed oxygen and nutrients to the area. Shockwaves also break down calcifications and scar tissue deposits that may be causing pain (for instance, calcific tendinitis in the shoulder). At the cellular level, shockwave therapy causes the release of growth factors and even recruitment of the body’s own stem cells to the injured site. The result is accelerated tissue regeneration – essentially, shockwaves jump-start a stalled healing process.
Another benefit: shockwave therapy has a significant analgesic effect. The energy waves help desensitize nerve endings and reduce the production of pain-causing inflammatory molecules. Many patients feel relief after just a few sessions as inflammation decreases. Importantly, this therapy achieves pain reduction without the side effects of drugs or invasive surgery. A 2024 meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials concluded that shockwave therapy is not only effective for relieving chronic tendon pain, but also very safe, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported. In other words, shockwave therapy can offer significant pain relief and functional improvement for chronic conditions, all while being non-invasive and well-tolerated.
Disclaimer: While studies are promising, results can vary from person to person. It’s always important to consult a qualified healthcare provider to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.
At Unpain Clinic, we believe in treating the whole person – not just the sore spot. Shockwave therapy is one of our cornerstone treatments, but it’s never used in isolation. Our team combines multiple advanced therapies to tackle pain from all angles, with shockwave at the center of a comprehensive plan. Here’s what our approach includes:
Focused Shockwave Therapy (True Shockwave): Unpain Clinic specializes in true shockwave therapy, using medical-grade focused shockwave equipment rather than the low-power “pressure wave” devices some clinics use. Focused shockwaves penetrate deep (up to several inches) into tissue without damaging healthy cells. By reaching the root of the problem, focused shockwave can stimulate profound healing in chronic injuries. This therapy helps break down scar tissue and adhesions, improve circulation, and trigger your body’s healing response.
EMTT (Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy): ExtraCorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy is a cutting-edge magnetic field therapy used alongside shockwave to further reduce inflammation and pain. We often integrate EMTT to modulate inflammation and support tissue repair at a cellular level. This combination can enhance overall healing, especially for stubborn pain.
Neuromodulation Techniques: Chronic pain often causes the nervous system to become over-sensitive. We include strategies to “reset” nerve pathways and reduce pain signaling (teaching your nervous system to calm down). By incorporating pain education and nerve desensitization methods, we help break the cycle of pain amplification.
Hands-On Manual Therapy: Our physiotherapists and chiropractors use techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue release to improve joint alignment and muscle flexibility. Loosening tight tissues and correcting alignment helps relieve strain on the injured area and primes your body to respond better to shockwave and exercise.
Targeted Exercise & Rehab: Last but not least, we guide you through specific exercises to reinforce proper movement and prevent re-injury. This usually means stretching tight areas and strengthening weak links in your body. For example, we often give calf and foot exercises for heel pain, or hip and glute exercises for knee pain. By correcting these underlying weaknesses, exercise therapy helps maintain your results long after the treatments end.
This multimodal approach – combining shockwave with EMTT, neuromodulation, hands-on care, and exercise – is what sets Unpain Clinic apart. We don’t chase symptoms; we find and fix the root cause. Every initial visit at Unpain starts with a thorough whole-body assessment to identify all the factors contributing to your pain. Then we create a personalized treatment roadmap which may include the mix of therapies above, tailored to your needs. (For a deeper dive into how we deliver shockwave therapy, check out our blog post True Shockwave Therapy at Unpain Clinic.)
To understand the impact of this approach, let’s look at a real-life example. “John” (name changed for privacy) came to Unpain Clinic after suffering chronic heel pain for two years. He had plantar fasciitis that made every morning a painful ordeal – getting out of bed and taking those first steps felt like stepping on glass. John had tried rest, night splints, expensive orthotics, and multiple cortisone injections in his heel. Yet the pain always crept back, and he was starting to think he’d just have to live with it.
During John’s assessment, we discovered tight calf muscles and scar tissue were contributing to his heel problem. We tailored a plan with focused shockwave therapy on his foot and calf, plus some manual therapy and stretches. After a few shockwave sessions, John noticed he could get out of bed with far less pain. By the end of his treatment course, he was about 80% pain-free and could enjoy his evening walks again without discomfort. A couple of months later, he even returned to light jogging – something that had felt impossible for years. John’s success story is one example of how shockwave therapy, paired with a holistic approach, can help reclaim a life free from chronic pain.
Healing doesn’t end when you leave the clinic – what you do at home can make a big difference in your results. Here are some simple at-home tips we share with patients undergoing shockwave therapy:
Keep Moving (Gently): It’s important to continue with any home exercises or stretches your therapist has prescribed. Gentle movement keeps blood flowing and prevents tightness. For example, if you’re treating a shoulder, do the range-of-motion exercises given to you; for foot pain, continue calf and foot stretches daily. These exercises help maintain the progress from your sessions.
Listen to Your Body: Shockwave therapy can sometimes leave the area a bit sore or swollen for a day or two – this is normal and a sign that healing is underway. You can apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes if recommended to ease soreness, but avoid overdoing it with anti-inflammatories unless your provider says it’s okay (since a bit of inflammation is part of the healing process). Get ample rest and sleep to let your body recover, but try not to immobilize the area completely. Light activity as tolerated is usually beneficial.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet can support tissue healing. Your body needs hydration and nutrients (like protein and vitamins) to repair tissues. Think of it as giving your “construction crew” the materials they need to rebuild damaged areas.
Ergonomics and Support: Depending on your condition, using supportive devices at home might help. For instance, proper footwear or insoles can support a healing foot injury, or an ergonomic chair setup can reduce strain if you have back pain. Follow any specific advice your therapist gives about bracing or supports, especially during the initial healing period.
Always follow the personalized instructions given by your care provider. If any exercise or activity causes sharp pain, stop and consult your therapist. The goal is to gradually increase your activity level without reigniting the pain. With the right balance of therapy sessions and at-home care, you’ll be on your way to lasting relief.
Shockwave therapy is generally well-tolerated. During treatment, you’ll feel a tapping or pulsing sensation on the skin. Some areas can be a bit tender, but our therapists adjust the intensity to keep you comfortable (we aim to stay around a 3–4 out of 10 on the discomfort scale). After a session, you might have mild soreness or swelling in the treated area – similar to how you’d feel after a good workout. These effects usually fade within a day or two. Importantly, shockwave therapy has no known serious long-term side effects. Studies report only minimal, temporary adverse effects, making it a safe and non-invasive option for most people.
The number of sessions needed varies, but most people undergo 3 to 5 sessions of shockwave therapy for optimal results. Treatments are usually spaced about a week or two apart. This schedule allows time for the body to heal between sessions while steadily improving. Many patients start to notice relief after the first couple of sessions, but completing the full course is important to achieve lasting benefits. In fact, the healing effects of shockwave therapy often continue to develop for weeks after your final session as new tissue regenerates. Your therapist will recommend the appropriate number of sessions based on your specific condition and how you respond to treatment.
In many cases, yes. At Unpain Clinic, shockwave therapy is performed by our licensed physiotherapists or chiropractors, so it can be billed under your physiotherapy or chiropractic benefits. We also offer direct billing to insurance to simplify the process. Coverage specifics depend on your plan, but most extended health insurance plans include some physiotherapy coverage that can apply to shockwave treatments. If you’re unsure, our staff can help you check what your plan will cover. The bottom line: cost shouldn’t be a barrier – we’ll work with you to utilize any benefits available for your care.
Absolutely – in fact, plantar fasciitis is one of the most well-studied conditions for shockwave therapy. Multiple high-quality studies and reviews have found shockwave to be very effective for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t improved with rest, orthotics, or injections. Shockwave therapy targets the degenerative tissue in the plantar fascia, promoting circulation and triggering repair of the damaged fibers. It also helps break up any scar tissue or heel spur calcifications that might be contributing to the pain. In practice, about 80–90% of our plantar fasciitis patients report significant pain reduction and improved function after a series of shockwave sessions. This treatment has been a game-changer for stubborn heel pain, allowing many people to get back to walking comfortably and even return to running or sports. (Results may vary, but the success rate is high – see our Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis guide for details.)
It often can. Shockwave therapy is used to treat various knee issues, particularly those involving tendons (like patellar tendinopathy or runner’s knee) and areas of poor healing around the joint. By improving blood flow and stimulating repair, shockwave can help reduce pain and stiffness even in knee osteoarthritis – although it won’t regrow significant lost cartilage, it can improve the surrounding tissue health. At Unpain Clinic, we always assess the whole leg. Many times, knee pain improves by also addressing tight muscles or weaknesses in the hips, thighs, or ankles. We typically combine shockwave with targeted strengthening exercises to offload the knee. We’ve seen that a comprehensive approach helps patients with chronic knee pain find relief and often delay or avoid more invasive measures.
Chronic pain can take a huge toll on your life – but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Shockwave therapy is unlocking pain relief for many people by doing something different: instead of numbing the pain, it helps your body heal the pain. By stimulating blood flow, breaking down barriers to healing, and resetting the inflammatory process, shockwave therapy addresses the underlying causes of pain in a way that medications and quick fixes simply can’t.
We’ve covered how shockwave therapy transforms the healing of stubborn injuries, and how at Unpain Clinic we amplify those results by looking at the whole body. When advanced technology is combined with a caring, root-cause approach, the results can be life-changing. If you’ve been frustrated by ongoing pain and are ready for a fresh start, you don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of “tried everything, still hurting.” There is hope through innovative therapies like shockwave – and our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Remember, every person’s healing journey is unique. Results may vary, and it’s important to have a thorough assessment with a healthcare professional. At Unpain Clinic, our goal is to empower you with answers and effective solutions, so you can get back to living life on your terms.
Book Your Initial Assessment NowAt Unpain Clinic, we don’t just ask “Where does it hurt?” — we uncover “Why does it hurt?” If you’ve been frustrated by the cycle of “try everything, feel nothing,” this assessment is for you. We take a whole-body approach so you leave with clarity, not more questions.
✅ What’s Included
Comprehensive history & goal setting
Orthopedic & muscle testing (head-to-toe)
Motion analysis
Imaging decisions (if needed)
Pain pattern mapping
Personalized treatment roadmap
Benefit guidance
🕑 Important Details
60 minutes, assessment only
No treatment in this visit
👩⚕️ Who You’ll See
A licensed Registered Physiotherapist or Chiropractor
🔜 What Happens Next
If you’re a fit, we schedule your first treatment and start executing your plan.
🌟 Why Choose Unpain Clinic
Whole-body assessment, not symptom-chasing
Root-cause focus, not temporary relief
Non-invasive where possible
No long-term upsells — just honest, effective care
🎯 Outcome
You’ll walk out knowing:
What’s wrong
Why it hurts
The fastest path to fix it
Author: Uran Berisha, BSc PT, RMT, Shockwave Expert
1. Xiong Y., Wen T., Jin S., et al. (2024). Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for upper limb tendonitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Frontiers in Medicine, 11: 1394268.
2. Schmitz C., Császár N.B., Milz S., et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for orthopedic conditions: a systematic review. British Medical Bulletin, 116(1): 115–138.
3. Unpain Clinic (2024). How Shockwave Therapy is Transforming Chronic Pain Treatment (Blog post, Dec 2, 2024).
4. Unpain Clinic – Uran Berisha (2021). Podcast Episode #5: Eliminate the cause of your knee pain with True Shockwave therapy (Podcast episode, Jul 28, 2021).
5. Unpain Clinic (2025). Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms & Shockwave Therapy in Edmonton (Blog post, Jan 13, 2025).
6. Unpain Clinic (2025). Metatarsalgia: Understanding Ball-of-Foot Pain (Podcast summary, Apr 1, 2025).
7. Unpain Clinic (2026). True Shockwave Therapy at Unpain Clinic (Blog page, Dec 1, 2025).
