Persistent pain and chronic injuries can be frustrating, especially when traditional treatments aren’t producing results. That’s where shockwave therapy comes in — a powerful, non-invasive technique that stimulates healing, breaks down scar tissue, and restores mobility.
At Achieve Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, our experienced shockwave therapists use advanced techniques tailored to your condition and recovery goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of shockwave therapy, how they work, and how our therapists can help you heal faster and feel better.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a medical treatment that uses acoustic waves to deliver high-energy pulses into injured tissues. These pulses promote:
Increased blood flow
Accelerated tissue regeneration
Reduction of inflammation
Breakdown of calcified deposits and scar tissue
Pain relief through nerve desensitization
Whether you're suffering from chronic tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, or calcific shoulder issues, a skilled shockwave therapist can provide targeted care using the most suitable type of therapy for your condition.
Types of Shockwave Therapy
There are two main categories of shockwave therapy — Radial and Focused. Some clinics also offer combination or advanced variations depending on equipment and patient needs.
1. Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)
Also known as: Pressure Wave Therapy
This is the most commonly used form of shockwave therapy in physiotherapy clinics. It produces low- to medium-energy waves that spread out over a wider area and penetrate more superficially.
How it works:
Delivers pulsed waves from a handheld device to the surface of the skin
Stimulates the outer layers of soft tissues
Ideal for larger treatment areas or widespread muscle tightness
Conditions treated by a shockwave therapist using RSWT:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendinopathy
Tennis/golfer’s elbow
IT band syndrome
Muscle tension and myofascial pain
2. Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT)
Also known as: True Shockwave Therapy or High-Energy Shockwave
This form produces concentrated, high-energy waves that reach deeper tissues with pinpoint accuracy.
How it works:
Delivers tightly focused pulses directly into the targeted tissue
Allows greater energy delivery to deeper structures
Promotes bone healing, soft tissue regeneration, and pain reduction
Used by shockwave therapists for:
Calcific tendinitis
Deep-seated chronic tendon issues
Non-healing stress fractures
Erectile dysfunction
Hip bursitis
Chronic joint pain
FSWT often shows results with fewer sessions but may be slightly more intense than RSWT.
3. Combined (Hybrid) Shockwave Therapy
Some advanced clinics, like Achieve Physiotherapy, use devices that offer both radial and focused shockwave in a combined session, providing a wider range of benefits in a single appointment.
Best for:
Complex conditions involving both superficial and deep tissue involvement
Cases where faster, more comprehensive recovery is desired
Your shockwave therapist will decide whether a combined approach is right for you based on the nature and severity of your condition.
What to Expect from a Shockwave Therapy Session
When you visit a shockwave therapist at Achieve Physiotherapy:
You’ll receive a full assessment of your injury or pain
The therapist will identify the best type of shockwave therapy for you
A gel is applied to the skin and a handheld device delivers the acoustic waves
The session typically lasts 10–15 minutes
You may feel mild discomfort during treatment, but it's temporary and tolerable
Most patients see improvement in 3–6 sessions
There is no downtime — you can resume your daily activities right after treatment.
Why Choose a Certified Shockwave Therapist?
Not all clinics are equal when it comes to technology and training. At Achieve Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, our certified shockwave therapists are trained to safely deliver both radial and focused therapies using clinically approved, high-end equipment.
Benefits of choosing our clinic:
✔️ Personalized treatment based on your injury and response
✔️ Access to both RSWT and FSWT systems
✔️ Safe, effective, and non-invasive care
✔️ Integrated approach with physiotherapy, chiropractic, and massage
✔️ Direct billing available to most insurance plans
✔️ Friendly and experienced team in Mississauga
Book Your Appointment with a Skilled Shockwave Therapist Today
If you’re tired of dealing with chronic pain or slow recovery, it’s time to consider shockwave therapy. Our expert shockwave therapists at Achieve Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation are ready to help you take the next step toward pain-free movement and lasting relief.