Shockwave Therapy
At Leaside Sports Medicine in Toronto, we offer shockwave therapy as part of our comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery services. Our skilled therapists utilize this evidence-based technique to activate the body’s natural healing processes, alleviate chronic pain, enhance mobility, and facilitate recovery from a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries.
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What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-powered energy waves to stimulate healing in damaged soft tissues. A handheld shockwave applicator delivers radial pressure waves to specific treatment areas, breaking up scar tissue, stimulating the growth of new blood vessels, and encouraging the body’s natural healing process.
This technique creates controlled microtrauma, which increases blood supply, triggers collagen production, and jumpstarts tissue regeneration in the musculoskeletal system. It’s widely used in sports medicine and orthopedics because it’s safe, effective, and doesn’t require downtime like surgery.
How We Can Help
Shockwave therapy is used to manage and resolve several chronic conditions, including:
Achilles tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis
Tennis elbow
Heel spurs
Patella tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
Calcific tendinopathy
Overuse syndromes
And more
Shockwave Therapy Applications
For Athletes
Whether you’re a runner or a tennis player, repetitive stress on joints and soft tissues can lead to injuries.
Shockwave therapy sessions help reduce inflammation and promote fast healing in these areas.
It’s commonly used by sports professionals to address conditions like tendonitis, shin splints, and muscle strains, helping athletes return to peak performance faster.
Non-Invasive Relief
Many patients choose shockwave therapy because it’s a non-invasive treatment.
There’s no surgery, minimal risk, and pain relief often begins after just one shockwave therapy session, meaning you can continue to take part in regular activities afterwards as normal.
Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave therapy treats plantar fasciitis by directing high-energy pulses to the specific areas of the heel and arch where pain is typically experienced.
This stimulates local blood flow, reduces soft tissue inflammation, and triggers a healing response in the affected area. It’s one of the most effective treatment options in sports medicine for this chronic condition.
Our Shockwave Therapy Treatment Process
Initial Assessment
Your first visit begins with a consultation and physical exam by one of our trained sports medicine professionals. We will assess your pain and movement patterns and determine whether your condition can be treated with shockwave therapy or would benefit from other treatments like manual therapy or massage therapy.
This step ensures we create a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs, goals, and injury history.
Individualized Treatment Plan
During your shockwave therapy session, a gel is applied to the skin to ensure effective transmission of radial pressure waves. The shockwave applicator then delivers targeted mechanical energy to the specific affected areas, stimulating your healing response and breaking down problematic connective tissue or calcified regions.
Sessions typically last 10–20 minutes and may produce mild discomfort as the high energy pulses penetrate the soft tissue. This is normal and indicates that the therapy work is engaging the injured tissue.
Healing Begins
Following the shockwave treatment, you may experience mild swelling or tenderness — both natural responses to the micro-trauma and part of the healing process. Most patients require 3 shockwave therapy sessions spaced about a week apart to see measurable results.
This technique is known to relieve pain, promote tissue healing, enhance cell growth, and improve blood flow to damaged areas. For persistent chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis, we may recommend combining it with physiotherapy or other treatments to maximize effectiveness.
Dr. Joseph Kottoor
Dr. Joseph Kottoor is the Owner and Clinic Director at Leaside Sports Medicine.
He is a Chiropractor, Rehabilitation Specialist, Medical Acupuncturist, Certified Active Release Techniques® Provider, Certified Personal Trainer, and provider of custom orthotics and custom knee bracing. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kottoor has worked with athletes from the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, MLS, and Olympians.
Dr. Kate Hood
Dr. Kate Hood is a Chiropractor at Leaside Sports Medicine.
She graduated from Palmer West College of Chiropractic in San Jose, California, with awards in Leadership, Sport, and Clinical Excellence. With years of experience, Dr. Hood has worked with athletes from various disciplines, including volleyball, triathlon, track and field, and swimming.
Dr. Roberta Da Re
Dr. Roberta Da Re is a Chiropractor at Leaside Sports Medicine.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude with Clinic Honours from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in 1996 and obtained a certificate in Medical Acupuncture from McMaster University. Dr. Da Re worked closely with competitive skiers and snowboarders in the Italian Alps for eight years. She also has extensive experience with runners, focusing on assessing running form for improved performance and injury prevention.
Jonathan Tay
Jonathan Tay is a Physiotherapist at Leaside Sports Medicine.
He previously worked in a large medical center in Australia, gaining vast experience in various musculoskeletal conditions. His specialties include deep tissue massage, joint mobilization, dry needling, and exercise recommendations, helping each patient achieve their goals and more.
Matthew Chin-Yee
Matthew Chin-Yee is a Physiotherapist at Leaside Sports Medicine.
He graduated with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy (MScPT) from McMaster University and is dedicated to continual education. Matthew has earned certifications in Neurokinetic Therapy (Level 3 certified), Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex Therapy, Contemporary Medical Acupuncture, spinal manipulation/manual therapy (Certified Manual Therapist), vestibular therapy, temporomandibular joint pain, and concussion management.
He is highly skilled in treating difficult musculoskeletal cases and balance/dizziness disorders, especially where previous treatments have been unsuccessful.
Rachel Poole
Rachel Poole is a Physiotherapist at Leaside Sports Medicine.
She completed her Kinesiologist degree at Western University and earned her Master of Physiotherapy Studies at the University of Queensland in Australia. Her specialties include concussion management, acupuncture, and dry needling. Rachel firmly believes that movement is the best medicine and incorporates movement into every treatment plan, working closely with each client.
Stephen Sin
Stephen Sin is a Physiotherapist at Leaside Sports Medicine.
He played tennis, volleyball, and basketball throughout his childhood and young adulthood. After experiencing his own struggles with pain and injury, Stephen pursued a career in physiotherapy in Toronto. He treats a wide variety of clients and is keen on applying the latest advancements to his treatment protocols, ensuring his clients receive the best care possible.
Radu Radulescu
Radu Radulescu is a Physiotherapist at Leaside Sports Medicine.
He is a lifelong athlete who has played competitive tennis and basketball. Radu’s passion for health and fitness led him to complete his Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario after receiving a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. He has experience working with a variety of settings and patient demographics, including neurological patients, acute care patients, athletes, and in orthopaedic and community care settings.
Valerie Hawke
Valerie Hawke is a Physiotherapist at Leaside Sports Medicine.
She has over 16 years of experience as a physiotherapist. She achieved her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University and earned her Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph. Valerie has practiced in Canada and internationally in the United States and Australia. She brings a wealth of knowledge in orthopaedic rehabilitation, dry needling, kinesiotaping, pilates (matwork), pelvic health, and vestibular training.
Shockwave Therapy : FAQs
Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, or Achilles tendinopathy, shockwave therapy can be a highly effective treatment that helps you return to full function. When manual therapy, massage therapy, or other conservative methods have failed, patients treated with shockwave therapy often see significant improvements. Our clinic is just a 20-minute drive from Downtown Toronto and is fully equipped to deliver effective, personalized care based on your unique functional presentation.
Is shockwave therapy covered by OHIP?
No, shockwave therapy is generally not covered by OHIP, but many private insurance plans include it under extended health benefits. We would encourage you to contact your insurance provider to confirm eligibility.
If your insurance provides coverage, we offer convenient direct billing to help simplify your payment process.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
You may feel a tapping sensation or mild discomfort during treatment, but it would not usually be described as painful. Most patients describe the sensation as extremely tolerable and short-lived.
How much does a session of shockwave therapy cost?
Costs generally range from $60-$100 per shockwave treatment. Our Toronto clinic will be able to walk you through a variety of cost options during your initial assessment.
Does shockwave therapy work?
Is shockwave therapy approved in Canada?
Yes, extracorporeal shockwave therapy devices are approved by Health Canada and are widely used in Downtown Toronto, as well as in shockwave therapy clinics, physiotherapy clinics, and sports medicine centers.
