When a painful heel or tendon keeps getting in the way, it is understandable to look for another option. You may have seen shockwave therapy mentioned online and wondered whether it could help. The useful next step is to find out whether it fits your particular situation.
In our August Instagram post, we explained that shockwave therapy at REVIVELAB sits alongside assessment, movement and strengthening. Here are six questions to bring to that conversation at our Bridgeland, Calgary clinic.
1. What is causing my symptoms?
Start with the concern rather than the machine. Explain where you feel discomfort, how long it has been there and what activities bring it on. Tell your practitioner about previous assessments and what you have tried.
Our clinic post discussed persistent concerns including plantar heel pain, Achilles tendon pain and tennis or golfer's elbow. Mentioning these conditions does not mean shockwave is appropriate for every person with pain in those areas. Ask what the assessment suggests and whether another investigation or type of care should come first.
2. Why are you recommending shockwave for me?
Shockwave treatment delivers mechanical pressure waves through the skin. It is sometimes considered for persistent tendon or plantar fascia problems after other care has not helped enough. Research findings vary by condition, and improvement is not guaranteed.
Ask your practitioner to explain the evidence for your specific concern, what alternatives are available and why they think this option is worth considering. A decision should leave you understanding the trade-offs, including the option not to proceed.
3. What else belongs in my rehabilitation plan?
Ask how shockwave would fit with movement, exercise and changes to the activities that currently aggravate your symptoms. At REVIVELAB, the Instagram message was about a broader plan rather than an isolated treatment.
For example, if your main goal is walking comfortably to work, tell your practitioner. If you want to return to running or a demanding job, explain those demands. Ask what you will work on between appointments and how the plan will progress. Our guides to plantar heel pain and Achilles tendon concerns can help you prepare questions.
4. What should I tell you before treatment?
Provide your health history, medication list, recent injections and any pregnancy or relevant medical concerns so the practitioner can assess suitability. Shockwave is not appropriate for everyone. Do not stop prescribed medication to prepare for treatment unless the clinician responsible for it advises you to.
Treatment can be uncomfortable. Possible effects include temporary soreness, redness, swelling or bruising; uncommon but more serious risks include tissue injury or rupture. Ask how risks apply to you and how to report unexpected symptoms.
5. How will we decide whether it is helping?
Choose a goal you can describe, such as how long you can walk or which work task remains difficult. Ask when the plan will be reviewed and what would lead to changing or stopping treatment. A temporary change in pain is not the only thing worth discussing; your ability to do the activities that matter to you belongs in the review too.
Before you leave, ask for specific instructions about exercise, work and sport after the appointment. Follow your own practitioner's advice instead of borrowing a recovery timetable from a social post.
6. What appointment and fees should I expect?
Contact the clinic to confirm the appropriate appointment, proposed schedule and fees. Do not assume a fixed number of sessions or insurance coverage. Our prices page directs shockwave enquiries to the clinic so you can clarify the relevant appointment before booking.
Read about shockwave therapy in Calgary, explore physiotherapy in Bridgeland, or contact REVIVELAB with your questions. Appointment options are available through Jane.
Sources
Adapted from REVIVELAB's August 26 shockwave post. Clinical background: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital: patient guide to radial shockwave therapy. General education only; this is not a diagnosis or an individual treatment recommendation.