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Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy

A non-invasive treatment that uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate healing in chronic soft-tissue conditions.

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About shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), delivers focused acoustic pressure waves through the skin to a targeted area of soft tissue. The waves stimulate blood flow, accelerate tissue repair, and may help break down calcified deposits or scar tissue. It is a non-invasive alternative for conditions that have not responded adequately to rest, stretching, or other conservative treatments. At Merivale Clinic, shockwave is used as part of a broader care plan, not as a standalone fix. Your practitioner assesses your condition first and recommends shockwave only when there is evidence it may be appropriate. Common conditions treated include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and chronic muscle trigger points. Sessions are short, typically five to ten minutes of active treatment per area. Most patients tolerate the sensation well, though some areas may be more sensitive than others. Your practitioner adjusts the intensity and frequency to your comfort level.

What to expect

  1. 1 A clinical assessment to confirm shockwave is appropriate for your condition
  2. 2 Application of gel to the treatment area for acoustic coupling
  3. 3 Five to ten minutes of focused shockwave pulses delivered via a handheld applicator
  4. 4 Mild tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment, adjusted to your comfort
  5. 5 Guidance on activity modification and self-care between sessions
  6. 6 Progress review after each session to determine whether additional treatments are needed

Shockwave is not suitable for every condition. It is typically recommended for chronic soft-tissue problems that have lasted at least six weeks and not improved with other conservative care. It is not used over open wounds, infections, tumours, or during pregnancy. A course of three to six sessions is typical, spaced one week apart. Some insurance plans may cover shockwave therapy. Call the clinic to confirm fees and coverage.

Common questions about shockwave therapy

What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses focused acoustic pressure waves delivered through the skin to a targeted area of soft tissue. The waves stimulate blood flow, promote tissue repair, and may help break down calcified deposits. It is non-invasive and does not require anaesthesia or incisions.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients describe a tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment. Intensity varies by area and condition. Some discomfort is possible, especially over inflamed tissue, but sessions are short (five to ten minutes). Your practitioner adjusts settings to keep treatment within your comfort level.
What conditions is shockwave therapy used for?
Common conditions include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and chronic muscle trigger points. Shockwave is typically used for conditions lasting at least six weeks that have not responded to other conservative treatments.
How many shockwave sessions are needed?
A typical course involves three to six sessions spaced about one week apart. The exact number depends on the condition, its severity, and how you respond. Your practitioner reviews progress after each session and adjusts the plan. Some patients notice improvement after two to three sessions.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurer and plan. Some extended health benefit plans in Ontario cover shockwave therapy when provided by a licensed practitioner. We provide receipts for insurance submission. Contact your benefits provider to confirm your specific coverage.
Can shockwave therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes. At Merivale Clinic, shockwave is often used alongside chiropractic care, massage therapy, stretching programs, and custom orthotics as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Your practitioner recommends the combination that best suits your condition.

Explore other services

Chiropractic care Assessment and hands-on care for the spine, joints, nerves, and movement. Massage therapy Registered massage therapy for muscles, tension, and soft-tissue rehabilitation. Acupuncture Fine-needle technique for pain management, headaches, and complementary care. Custom orthotics Custom-made foot orthotics for arch support, gait correction, and pain relief. CoreScore assessment Non-invasive nervous-system scanning used as part of a chiropractic assessment.
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Dr. Leo Lachowich

Chiropractor · D.C.

Chiropractic care, Shockwave therapy, Custom orthotics, CoreScore assessment

"For years I suffered with headaches and was told that in many cases this is a temporary condition," explains Dr. Leo Lachowich. "I heard testimonials on the radio how Dr. Johnson, a chiropractor, helped people with headaches and so I decided to see a chiropractor.

"It was a miracle. I'll never forget that first adjustment. It was as if a huge weight was suddenly lifted from my shoulders. That's when I decided I wanted to be a chiropractor."

Dr. Leo Lachowich began his pre-chiropractic education at the University of Ottawa, where he studied the basic sciences such as inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology, along with basic physiology and anatomy courses.

After completing his studies there, he was accepted to Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto. During his four years at CMCC, courses included biochemistry, a major emphasis on anatomy and human physiology, x-ray, diagnosis, chiropractic adjusting techniques, and patient care in the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic Public Clinic. Dr. Lachowich returned to the Ottawa area to establish his practice after graduating in 1980.

"We love to see a patient's first experience," Dr. Lachowich said. "I still remember the wonderful feeling I had when I went to the chiropractor for the first time. It's my prerogative to create a wonderful experience for our patients. We explain everything in advance, answer questions and attempt to over-communicate. Patients appreciate that."

Dr. Leo Lachowich and his wife Maria have one child, Tatyana, who also graduated from the University of Ottawa and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, and who now practices alongside her father.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich

Chiropractor · D.C., B.Sc. (Hons)

Chiropractic care, Acupuncture, Shockwave therapy, Custom orthotics, CoreScore assessment

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich is a board-certified chiropractor in the province of Ontario with a special interest in working with families. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, provides acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and orthotics as adjunctive therapies, and is a traditionally trained yoga teacher. Dr. Tatyana is the founder of Urban Panda Health and Wellness, a company created to help decrease chemical, physical and emotional stressors in the lives of families through health seminars, yoga classes and stress reduction workshops.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich graduated Cum Laude from the University of Ottawa in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree with a focus in Human Kinetics. She then went on to complete her Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Before graduating with her doctorate in 2009 she was awarded two clinical internships at Anishnawbe Health Center and South Riverdale Community Health Center in Toronto.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich has a very personal reason for deciding to dedicate her life to helping families through chiropractic care. After a traumatic birth, she would not sleep, cried constantly and refused any source of nourishment. Like in many births, forceps and suction were used to help in the delivery process. This caused trauma to her neck and head. Desperate for a way to help Tatyana, her mother took her to a chiropractor. It was on this visit that tight muscles and a blocked cervical joint were located in her neck. It was after a chiropractic adjustment that she was able to latch and sleep through the night.

Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich offers a wide range of treatment styles including Diversified, Koren Specific Technique, Thompson, cupping, muscle release therapy and instrument-assisted soft tissue treatment. She is also certified in Webster's technique, is licensed to perform acupuncture and can dispense custom-made orthotics.

As a two-time GTO award recipient, Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich is passionate about giving back to the community. She is often asked to lecture at corporate and group wellness events and summits on topics including ergonomics, preventing injuries, proper motor development for children, peri- and postnatal wellness, and tips to improve overall health.

After spending many years teaching cycling and spinning to athletes as well as training as a competitive swimmer and Ironman, Dr. Tatyana S. Lachowich has taken a step back to focus on her practice and family. She spends her time hiking, biking and enjoying the great outdoors with her son, husband and dog.