If you’ve been dealing with ongoing tendon pain, you may have come across shockwave therapy for tendonitis in Burlington—but aren’t quite sure what it is or if it actually works.
In this post, I’ll break down exactly how shockwave therapy works, what a session looks like, and why it’s one of the most effective treatments we use for tendon injuries.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured tissue.
It’s actually been around since the 1980s, originally used to break up kidney stones. Since then, it’s evolved into a powerful tool in treating musculoskeletal and tendon-related injuries.
How Shockwave Therapy Helps Tendonitis
When it comes to tendonitis, shockwave therapy works by:
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Stimulating cellular activity
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Increasing blood flow to the injured tendon
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Accelerating tissue repair
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Reducing chronic inflammation
In simple terms, it helps kickstart the healing process in tissues that have become stuck or slow to recover.
What to Expect During Treatment
If you come in for shockwave therapy in Burlington, here’s what a typical visit looks like:
1. Assessment First
We start with a full assessment to confirm that your pain is coming from a tendon injury.
This includes:
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Health history
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Physical examination
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Movement testing
2. The Treatment
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A gel (similar to ultrasound gel) is applied to the area
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The shockwave device delivers targeted energy into the tissue
Treatment typically lasts:
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10–15 minutes
You may feel:
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mild to moderate discomfort during treatment
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some redness or soreness afterward
3. After the Session
Most patients notice:
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Immediate or early pain relief
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Improved movement
A typical plan includes:
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3–6 sessions
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spaced about 1 week apart
Why Shockwave Therapy Works Best With Exercise
Shockwave therapy is extremely effective—but it works best as part of a complete treatment plan.
Here’s the key:
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Shockwave creates the environment for healing
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Exercise and rehab ensure the tendon heals properly and becomes stronger
Without strengthening, the pain may return when you go back to activity.
Common Tendon Injuries We Treat
At The Recovery Room Chiropractic and Wellness, we commonly use shockwave therapy for:
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Achilles tendonitis
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Patellar tendonitis (knee pain)
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Rotator cuff tendon issues
A very common example we see:
Someone with elbow pain from pickleball that:
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improved with rest
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but returned once they started playing again
This is a classic tendon overload issue—and one that responds very well to shockwave therapy.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Most patients:
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feel improvement after 1–2 sessions
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see significant progress over 3–6 treatments
However, full healing takes time—especially for chronic cases.
Are You a Good Candidate?
You may benefit from shockwave therapy for tendonitis in Burlington if:
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Your pain has been present for weeks or months
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It improves with rest but comes back with activity
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You have localized tendon pain (like elbow, heel, or knee)
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You’ve tried rest, ice, or stretching without lasting results
Why Patients Choose Shockwave Therapy
Patients like this treatment because it is:
Non-invasive
Fast (10–15 minutes)
Effective for stubborn tendon pain
Backed by strong clinical results
Get Help with Tendonitis in Burlington
If you’re dealing with ongoing tendon pain, getting the right treatment early can make a big difference.
At The Recovery Room Chiropractic and Wellness, we combine:
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Shockwave therapy
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Strength-based rehab
to help you recover fully and get back to activity.
Book online or call 289-993-3663 to get started.
Final Thoughts
Tendonitis can be frustrating—especially when it keeps coming back.
Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective tools we have to:
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accelerate healing
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reduce pain
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and restore function
But the real key is combining it with the right rehab plan to keep you pain-free long-term.