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Shockwave therapy is becoming more common across North America — but what most clinics call “shockwave” isn’t actually true shockwave. In this article, I’ll explain:
Let’s dive in.
In Canada and the U.S., many clinics advertise “shockwave therapy” but use a radial pressure-wave device — the one that sounds like a jackhammer.
This tool is useful. It’s great for:
Superficicial problems
Muscle tension
Tight fascia
Trigger points up to ~2 inches deep
Think of it as the equivalent of 10 deep massages in one session for muscle relaxation.
But it is not true shockwave. At Unpain Clinic, whenever we talk about true shockwave, we mean Focal Shockwave — a completely different technology.
True shockwave uses the same medical technology used to break up kidney stones — but safely and gently.
✔ reaches up to 5 inches deep
✔ does not damage healthy cells
✔ passes through skin, fascia, and muscle until it reaches bone
✔ releases deep adhesions and scar tissue
✔ triggers your body’s healing response
You may feel a deep pressure when the wave reaches the bone, but it doesn’t harm it. Instead, your nervous system senses something has reached the problem area and mobilizes healing cells.
Most people try to reduce inflammation.
But here’s the truth:
Without inflammation, there is no regeneration.
✔ Healthy inflammation lasts ~72 hours.
✔ Chronic inflammation is the problem — the body gets stuck.
True shockwave helps by modulating inflammation:
✔ It opens restricted channels and blood vessels
✔ It breaks down adhesions blocking healing
✔ It triggers a healthy “reset” of the inflammatory cycle
This is why shockwave works so well for stubborn, long-standing injuries.
One of the most powerful effects of true shockwave is angiogenesis — the formation of brand-new blood vessels.
Within 4–6 weeks of your first session, the treated area develops:
✔ 200–300% more blood flow
✔ new capillaries
✔ improved oxygenation
✔ better nutrient delivery
✔ faster tissue repair
This is why results continue to improve weeks after your final session.
True shockwave triggers your body’s own stem cells to move toward the injured area — without injections, surgery, or external stem cell products.
At around 8–9 weeks, stem cells peak, helping repair:
Chronic tendinopathies
Deep fascial adhesions
Degenerated tissue
Long-term injuries
After your last session, healing continues at full capacity for up to 3 months.
✔ Full Body Assessment
We identify the root cause — not just the painful spot.
Symptom-only treatment leads to symptom-only results.
✔ Treatment on the same visit
Your first visit ranges from 45–60 minutes.
✔ Follow-up sessions: 30–45 minutes
Typically once per week or once every two weeks depending on the case.
✔ Normal to feel sore afterward
Most people feel relief quickly…but when the pain drops, you may start doing more — which can cause temporary soreness.
As long as symptoms are changing (better or worse), we know we’re stimulating a healing response.
✔ Pain stays at 3–4/10 during treatment
You will feel the treatment, but we always keep it comfortable and tailored to your tolerance.
Because we have multiple shockwave technologies, we can customize treatment based on your exact needs.
Focal Shockwave (True Shockwave)
Deep regeneration
Scar tissue breakdown
New blood vessel growth
Stem cell activation
Flashwave (Shockwave for Muscle Activation)
Flashwave is also a true shockwave system — but with a unique effect:
it activates muscle stem cells.
We use Flashwave for:
✔ Weak or inhibited muscles
✔ Muscle atrophy
✔ Strengthening and reactivation
✔ Graceful aging and natural facial muscle lifting
✔ Men’s health (vasculogenic erectile dysfunction due to poor circulation)
It stimulates muscle fibers to “wake up,” improving tone and function.
True shockwave therapy uses focused energy waves that reach deep tissues to improve circulation, break down scar tissue, and stimulate your body’s natural healing response.
Most clinics use a superficial pressure-wave device. We use focal shockwave, which reaches up to 5 inches deep without damaging healthy cells, helping with chronic and long-standing injuries.
It supports chronic tendon pain, joint pain, muscle injuries, plantar fasciitis, Achilles issues, hip pain, knee pain, and mobility restrictions. Assessment determines if it’s right for you.
Most patients need 3–5 sessions, spaced 1–2 weeks apart. Healing continues for up to 12 weeks after the final session.
Yes. Sessions provided by our physiotherapist or chiropractor can be billed under physio or chiro benefits.
Yes, we are accepting new patients in Edmonton. You can book online or call the clinic.
Treatments performed by our physiotherapist or chiropractor can be billed directly under:
Physiotherapy
Chiropractic care
At Unpain Clinic, true shockwave is not just a tool — it’s part of a carefully designed regeneration protocol.
With the right assessment, the right technology, and a customized plan, we consistently help clients finally break the cycle of chronic pain and allow the body to heal at its full capacity.
We look forward to helping you start your healing journey.
