Shockwave Therapy in Toronto
Serving clients in North York / Midtown Toronto / Yonge & Lawrence
Sound waves that
accelerate healing
Pain Relief in 1–3 Sessions
An advanced, non-invasive treatment for plantar fasciitis and chronic tendon pain that’s often used when other approaches haven’t fully resolved the issue. Research shows strong outcomes for many patients.
Shockwave Therapy is covered under Chiropractic Health Benefits
Dr. Karen Hudes, DC
Chiropractic Doctor
Shockwave Therapy & Acupuncture Provider
“I’ve seen how helpful shockwave can be, both in practice and personally. It’s something I reach for when an injury has plateaued and just needs a bit of help moving forward.”
Meet Dr. Karen Hudes & Shockwave Therapy at Continuum
Dr. Karen brings over 20 years of experience as a Chiropractor, along with advanced training in rehabilitation as a Fellow of the Canadian Chiropractic Specialty College of Physical and Occupational Rehabilitation (FCCPOR).
That background shapes how she approaches care, including how she uses shockwave therapy.
Karen often integrates shockwave into a broader plan that may include hands-on care, movement-based rehab, and other techniques, all tailored to how your body is functioning as a whole. The goal isn’t just short-term relief, but helping create more lasting change.
When selecting a shockwave system for the clinic, Karen tested several options and ultimately chose the one that offered the best combination of depth, versatility, and overall performance.
She treats patients of all ages and offers a range of techniques to suit different comfort levels and needs.
Learn more about Chiropractic & Clinical Acupuncture care here.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic (sound) waves to deliver mechanical energy into injured or irritated tissue.
In simple terms, it helps “wake up” areas that have stopped healing properly.
This added stimulus can increase blood flow, support cellular repair, and help break down stubborn scar tissue or calcifications, making it especially helpful for more chronic or lingering injuries.
What to Expect During a Session
1. Assessment & Treatment Planning: Your first visit begins with a conversation.
Karen will take the time to understand what’s been going on, how long it’s been there, what you’ve tried so far, and what your goals are. From there, she’ll assess the area and begin treatment in the same visit.
2. Shockwave Treatment: Karen will identify the target area and apply the shockwave device directly to the skin using a small amount of gel to help transmit the waves. No anaesthesia is needed.
The treatment itself is quick, usually just a few minutes per area. The device delivers short, rhythmic pulses that are often described as a tapping or snapping sensation. Some areas may feel more sensitive than others, but the intensity is always adjusted to keep it within a comfortable range.
3. After Your Session: Most people don’t experience any significant soreness after treatment. Occasionally, there may be some mild, general discomfort that settles within a day or two.
Depending on your needs, your session may include just shockwave and rehab, or a more integrated approach that also incorporates chiropractic care.
Who Can Benefit:
Shockwave therapy can be helpful for a wide range of people dealing with stubborn or ongoing pain.
It’s commonly used for athletes and active individuals, but we see just as many everyday cases in the clinic, from seniors, desk workers and busy parents to those in more physical, labour-intensive jobs.
You may benefit from shockwave if you’re dealing with:
plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
tennis or golfer’s elbow
shoulder pain or rotator cuff issues
Achilles or patellar tendon pain
chronic hip or glute pain
ongoing neck or low back tension
stubborn muscle tightness or trigger points
pain related to osteoarthritis
It’s often most helpful when something has been lingering for a while or hasn’t fully responded to other treatments.
What Makes Shockwave Different from Laser or or Ultrasound?
While laser and ultrasound are commonly used to support healing, they work in a slightly different way.
Both typically deliver energy through heat or light to gently stimulate the tissue. Shockwave, on the other hand, delivers a more direct mechanical stimulus.
That added stimulus can help “wake up” tissue that has stalled in the healing process, making it especially helpful for more chronic or stubborn conditions.
FAQs
-
Shockwave therapy is considered a safe, non-invasive treatment when used appropriately.
It has been widely studied and is commonly used in clinical and sports settings. During your initial visit, Dr. Karen will review your health history to ensure it’s a safe and appropriate option for you.
-
No. As a Chiropractic Doctor, referrals from other healthcare providers are not required before seeking treatment, unless otherwise specified by your insurance coverage provider.
-
Each person’s response to treatment will be different. Many patients experience positive changes and improvements after each session.
Typically patients will experience relief within 1-3 treatments and require between 5-8 treatments to get sustained resolution.
Occasionally more sessions are required depending on the complexity of the case.
-
Shockwave can feel a bit intense in certain areas, especially if the tissue is already irritated. Most people describe it as a tapping or snapping sensation on the skin.
That said, it should always be tolerable. The intensity is adjusted throughout the treatment to keep it within a comfortable range. When possible, Dr. Karen aims to keep it in the 3/10 range.
Many people come in expecting it to be painful and are surprised by how manageable it actually feels.
-
In most cases, yes.
You may be advised to modify certain activities depending on what’s being treated, but most people can continue with their usual day-to-day routine.
Dr. Karen will guide you based on your specific situation.
Not sure if shockwave is the right fit? We’re always happy to talk it through. 416-913-3080
Fee Schedule
Initial Visit $155.00
Follow-up Visit $130.00
Covered under Chiropractic Health Benefits