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Did You Know Acupuncturists Can Use Shockwave Therapy?

When most people hear “shockwave therapy,” they picture a physiotherapist or chiropractor treating a stubborn heel or elbow. But here’s something many people don’t know: in British Columbia, registered acupuncturists and TCM practitioners can use shockwave therapy too.

That means if you already see an acupuncturist for pain, shockwave may be something they can add to your treatment. Here’s a plain-language look at what shockwave is, why it can help, and how it fits with acupuncture.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy (sometimes called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT) uses a handheld applicator to send short, strong pulses of acoustic (sound) energy into a sore area. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with electricity. You’ll feel a firm, rapid tapping over the area being treated.

Treatment is usually quick, often just a few minutes per area, and it’s non-invasive: no needles, no medication and no downtime for most people. A course of care is typically a handful of sessions spaced about a week apart, depending on the condition and how you respond.

What does shockwave do?

Shockwave is mostly used for long-standing (chronic) problems where tissues have gotten “stuck” and aren’t healing well on their own. The pulses are thought to:

  • Kick-start the healing response in tendons and soft tissue that have stalled
  • Increase local blood flow to areas that don’t get much circulation, like tendons
  • Calm down pain signals from irritated tissue, which can make it easier to move and exercise
  • Help remodel thickened or scarred tissue and, in some cases, calcium deposits in tendons

Conditions shockwave is commonly used for

Shockwave has the most research behind it for stubborn tendon and soft tissue problems, such as:

It tends to work best as part of a broader plan that includes strengthening and loading the tissue gradually, rather than as a stand-alone fix. Results vary from person to person, and your practitioner will talk with you about whether it’s a reasonable option for your situation.

Yes, acupuncturists can use shockwave

Shockwave isn’t limited to physiotherapists, chiropractors and medical doctors. In BC, the College of Complementary Health Professionals’ scope of practice guidance for traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture lists shockwave among the adjunctive therapies licensees may use, alongside things like TENS, therapeutic ultrasound and light therapy. The condition is that the practitioner has the knowledge, skills and competence to use it and applies it within their scope of practice.

In other words, a trained acupuncturist can use shockwave as part of an acupuncture treatment, not as something separate from it.

Why combine shockwave and acupuncture?

Acupuncture and shockwave approach pain from different angles, which is why they can pair well:

  • Acupuncture can help ease pain, relax tight muscles and support the body’s overall response to stress and injury.
  • Shockwave targets a specific stubborn spot, like a thickened tendon or a knotted area of muscle, to help restart healing locally.
  • One visit, one practitioner. If you already see an acupuncturist you trust, adding shockwave in the same session can mean fewer appointments and a more joined-up plan.

Is shockwave right for everyone?

No. Your practitioner will screen you before treatment. Shockwave is generally avoided or used with caution if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Take blood thinners or have a bleeding or clotting disorder
  • Have a pacemaker or other implanted device near the treatment area
  • Have cancer, an infection or an open wound in the area
  • Have recently had a steroid injection in the area
  • Are a child or teen with growth plates that are still open near the area

Some soreness or redness for a day or two after treatment is common. Let your practitioner know if anything feels unusual.

When to get checked

It may be worth asking about shockwave if:

  • Tendon or heel pain has lasted more than a few months
  • You’ve tried rest, stretching or exercises and progress has stalled
  • Pain is limiting your walking, running, sport or work
  • You’re already seeing an acupuncturist and want to know what else could help

Seek urgent care if you have sudden severe pain after an injury, a joint that’s hot, red and swollen with a fever, or you can’t put any weight on a limb.

How our team can help

At Diversified Health Clinic on Fort Street, all of our acupuncturists offer shockwave therapy, so it can be added right into your acupuncture visit. Shockwave is also available with our physiotherapists and chiropractors, and because massage therapy and kinesiology are under the same roof, your plan can include strengthening work in our rehab space to help keep the problem from coming back.

Want to learn more about the treatment itself? Read our article on the benefits of shockwave therapy. Coverage for acupuncture and shockwave varies by extended health plan, so our front desk is happy to help you check before your visit. See Fees & Insurance for details.

Book an appointment

We’re open 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm on Saturday. Book online or call us at 250-382-0018 and ask whether shockwave could be a good fit for you.

This article is general information and isn’t a substitute for an individual assessment. Shockwave isn’t appropriate for everyone; your practitioner will review your health history before recommending it.

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