Shockwave Therapy in Fernie BC
At Ridgeline Physio, we are pleased to offer Shockwave Therapy to our community. We are currently the only provider of Shockwave treatments in Fernie BC.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a non-surgical treatment that utilizes acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. These high-energy acoustic waves are directed towards the affected area, penetrating deep into the tissue to promote cellular repair and regeneration.
At Ridgeline Physio, we are pleased to offer this therapy for our community. We are currently the only clinic in Fernie BC providing Shockwave Therapy treatments.
Why choose Shockwave?
If you're suffering from chronic pain or struggling to recover from a sports injury, shockwave therapy could be the solution you've been searching for. Whether you're dealing with tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or shoulder impingement, our experienced physiotherapists at Ridgeline Physio will tailor a treatment plan to suit your individual needs. Shockwave has evidence in supporting the healing of Injuries such as:
Achilles Tendinopathy
Tennis Elbow
Golfer's Elbow
Patellar Tendinopathy/ Jumper's Knee
Hip Pain (ex. Greater Trochanteric Hip Pain, Hip Bursitis, Glut Med Tendinopathy)
Knee pain (Ex. knee Osteoarthritis and Knee Tendonitis)
Carpal Tunnel
Trigger Finger
Heel Bone Spurs
Shoulder pain (ex. Rotator Cuff Injuries, Calcification in rotator cuff)
De Quirvain's Tenosynovitis
Hamstring Tendinopathy
Shin Splints
Frequently Asked Questions
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Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used in physiotherapy to help stimulate healing in painful or injured tissue. At Ridgeline Physio in Fernie, we use Shockwave to treat stubborn tendon, joint, nerve, and soft-tissue injuries that haven’t fully responded to exercise or hands-on treatment alone.
Shockwave works by delivering targeted sound waves into the affected area to increase circulation, reduce pain sensitivity, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
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Shockwave sends high-energy sound waves into injured tissue. These waves help:
Increase blood flow
Stimulate tissue repair
Reduce pain signals
Break down scar tissue and calcifications
For many people, this helps “restart” healing in tissue that has become stuck in a chronic pain cycle.
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Shockwave therapy is commonly used at our Fernie physiotherapy clinic for:
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
Achilles tendinopathy
Hamstring Tendiopathy
Gluteal Tendinopathy
Knee Pain (Patellar tendinopathy/jumper’s knee, osteoarthritis)
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Shoulder tendinopathy and calcific shoulder pain
Hip pain (gluteal tendinopathy, lateral hip pain)
Chronic muscle tightness and trigger points
Trigger Finger
Carpal Tunnel
Bone Spurs
De Quirvain's Tenosynovitis
Shin Splints
Your Fernie physio will assess whether Shockwave is appropriate for your specific injury.
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Shockwave can be uncomfortable, especially over sensitive or irritated tissue, but it should always be tolerable. Most people describe it as a strong tapping or pressure sensation rather than sharp pain.
Your physiotherapist will adjust the intensity to your comfort level, and treatments are short.
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Most people need 3 Shockwave sessions, typically spaced one week apart.
The exact number depends on the condition being treated. -
Shockwave works by stimulating your body’s own repair process, so improvements often continue even after treatment is finished.
Some people feel changes within a few days, while others notice improvement over the next 3-6months after the shockwave is completed as the tissue heals.
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Yes. Shockwave therapy is well-researched and safe when delivered by a trained physiotherapist. Temporary side effects may include:
Mild soreness
Redness or swelling
Light bruising
Your Fernie physiotherapist will review your medical history to make sure Shockwave is appropriate for you.
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Shockwave may not be appropriate if you:
Are pregnant
Have a bleeding disorder
Have a pacemaker
Have had cancer at any point in your life
Have an active infection or tumor in the area
We always complete a full assessment before recommending Shockwave therapy.
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You must wait at least 6 weeks after a cortisone injection to begin Shockwave Therapy.
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No you do not need imaging before starting shockwave therapy. Imaging such as X-ray or MRI is only recommended when clinically necessary.
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Yes — and often we want you to. Shockwave therapy works best when combined with:
Targeted strengthening exercises
Load management
Movement retraining
Your Fernie physio will guide you on what to continue, modify, or temporarily avoid.
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Most plans cover Shockwave under physiotherapy, while others consider it an additional service. Coverage varies by extended health benefits provider.
We provide detailed receipts for insurance claims.
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Shockwave therapy is particularly helpful for chronic tendon and soft-tissue pain lasting longer than three months, especially when symptoms are limiting work, sport, or daily activities.
It is often used when progress has plateaued with traditional physiotherapy alone.
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Your appointment will include:
Assessment by your Physiotherapist
Application of gel to the skin
Targeted Shockwave treatment (5–10 minutes)
Exercise and recovery guidance
Shockwave is always combined with physiotherapy care — never used as a standalone treatment.
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At Ridgeline Physio, Shockwave therapy is part of a bigger picture. We focus on helping people in Fernie get back to skiing, biking, hiking, working, and living fully — not just chasing symptoms.
Our approach blends evidence-based care with practical rehab plans that make sense for real mountain lives.
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You can book Shockwave therapy by:
Booking online through our website
Calling our Fernie physiotherapy clinic
Asking your physio if Shockwave is right for you
