Shockwave Therapy Calgary

Dr. Michael Lau offers radial shockwave therapy through his practice, located at 3604 52 Ave NW #138, Calgary, AB T2L 1V9, serving NW Calgary communities near Brentwood, Dalhousie, and Varsity. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic pressure waves to tendons and soft tissue. It is most often used for long-standing tendon and heel pain that hasn’t settled with other care, and Dr. Lau will assess whether it suits your condition before starting.

What Conditions Does Shockwave Therapy Treat?

The strongest research supports shockwave therapy for chronic plantar heel pain (plantar fasciitis). Dr. Lau also uses it for other persistent tendon problems, including Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, tennis and golfer’s elbow, and calcific shoulder tendinopathy, where the evidence is more mixed. It is usually considered when symptoms have lasted several months despite rest, exercise and other care, and it works best alongside a rehabilitation exercise plan.

What to Expect During Your Shockwave Therapy Session

Each shockwave therapy session typically lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Dr. Lau applies a gel to the treatment area and uses a handheld applicator to deliver acoustic pulses to the affected tissue. You may feel a tapping sensation and some discomfort during treatment; the intensity is adjusted to keep it tolerable. A typical course is 5 to 10 sessions about a week apart, followed by a reassessment.

Book Your Shockwave Therapy Appointment in NW Calgary

Ready to start your recovery? Dr. Michael Lau is now accepting new shockwave therapy patients through his practice, located at 3604 52 Ave NW #138, Calgary, AB T2L 1V9, serving Brentwood, Dalhousie, Varsity, Ranchlands, Charleswood, and Hawkwood. Call (403) 282-4004 or book online to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shockwave Therapy vs. Laser Therapy

Method: Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic sound waves delivered through a handheld applicator to stimulate blood flow and break down scar tissue in injured tendons and soft tissue. Laser therapy (photobiomodulation) uses focused light wavelengths to penetrate tissue and reduce inflammation at the cellular level.

Best For: Shockwave therapy is well suited to chronic tendon conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and calcific tendinitis. Laser therapy is often used to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair in acute soft tissue injuries.

Sensation: Shockwave therapy involves a tapping sensation and mild discomfort during treatment. Laser therapy is generally painless, with most patients feeling only mild warmth.

Availability at Dr. Lau’s clinic: Dr. Lau’s NW Calgary practice offers radial shockwave therapy. Laser therapy is not currently offered at this clinic.