- Published on:
- Updated on: October 4, 2026
Shockwave Therapy in Ottawa
What to Expect at Your First Visit
You’ve had heel pain for months. You’ve tried the stretches. You’ve rested it. You’ve iced it every night. Maybe you even got a cortisone shot — and it helped for a week before the pain crept back. Now someone mentioned shockwave therapy, and you’re curious. But you’re also nervous. What does it actually feel like? Does it hurt? And what happens at that first appointment?
You’re not alone. That’s the exact path most of our patients take before they walk through our door. They’ve tried the standard treatments. Nothing stuck. And now they’re looking for something different — but they want to know what they’re getting into first.
This guide walks you through everything that happens at a first shockwave therapy session at Kent Chiro-Med in Ottawa. No medical jargon. No surprises. Just what you need to know before you book.
What Does Shockwave Therapy Actually Feel Like?
Let’s start with the question everyone asks first.
The device is a handheld tool about the size of a large electric toothbrush. When your therapist presses it against your skin, it sends rapid pulses of acoustic energy into the injured tissue. You’ll feel a fast tapping sensation — kind of like someone flicking the area with their finger, over and over, at high speed.
Is it comfortable? Not exactly. Most patients describe it as “uncomfortable but totally bearable.” Some areas are more sensitive than others. A heel is different from a shoulder, which is different from an elbow. But here’s the thing: your therapist controls the intensity the entire time. If it’s too much, they turn it down. If you’re handling it well, they can increase it for a stronger treatment effect.
"Shin splints don't mean you have to stop forever. They're a signal to slow down, focus on recovery, and come back stronger."
— Akash Bakshi, patient at Kent Chiro-Med. Returned to boxing at 100% after 4 shockwave sessions.
The actual shockwave application lasts about 5 to 10 minutes per treatment area. After it’s done, most patients feel immediate relief — though some mild soreness may show up in the following 24 to 48 hours. Think of it like the feeling after a hard workout. It fades quickly.
Step-by-Step: Your First Visit at Kent Chiro-Med
Walking into a new clinic for a treatment you’ve never had can feel intimidating. So here’s exactly what your first appointment looks like, start to finish.
Assessment (15–20 minutes)
Your physiotherapist or chiropractor starts by examining your injury, asking about your history, and testing your range of motion. This is not a rushed check-in. They need to understand exactly what's going on before deciding whether shockwave is right for you. If it's not the best option for your situation, they'll tell you — and recommend something else instead.
Treatment (5–10 minutes per area)
A gel is applied to the skin over the injured area (similar to an ultrasound). The handheld shockwave device is then pressed against the skin, delivering around 2,000 to 3,000 pulses. Your therapist moves the device slowly across the treatment zone, adjusting intensity based on your feedback throughout.
Hands-on therapy
Shockwave alone is only part of the solution. Your practitioner will also perform manual therapy — soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or myofascial release — to address the surrounding muscles and structures that contribute to your condition.
Home exercise plan
Before you leave, you'll get specific stretches and exercises to do at home between sessions. These are essential. Shockwave kickstarts the healing process. The exercises keep it going.
Your first visit takes about 60 minutes total. Follow-up sessions are shorter — around 30 minutes. Every session happens in a private treatment room with your dedicated practitioner. No open gym. No distractions.
GOOD TO KNOW
At Kent Chiro-Med, shockwave therapy costs $30 per treatment area as an add-on to your regular session. That’s significantly lower than standalone shockwave clinics in Ottawa, which typically charge $125–$145 per visit. Your physiotherapy insurance benefits usually cover the full appointment, including the shockwave component.
D.C
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
Most conditions require 3 to 6 sessions, spaced about one week apart. But what does improvement actually look like along the way?
Click on each week below to see what a typical recovery timeline looks like for a common condition like plantar fasciitis or tendinopathy.
According to a multicenter study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, shockwave therapy achieved an 84% improvement rate for chronic plantar fasciitis that had resisted other treatments (Gerdesmeyer et al., 2008). A separate study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found similarly strong results for rotator cuff and Achilles tendon conditions (Wang, 2012).
Results vary from person to person. Some patients feel significantly better after just 2 sessions. Others need the full 6. Your practitioner tracks your progress every visit and adjusts the treatment plan as you improve.
If you’ve been putting up with nagging heel or foot pain for months, a few weeks of treatment could change your daily life.
Who Should NOT Get Shockwave Therapy
This is important. Shockwave therapy is safe for most people, but there are some situations where it’s not the right fit. We’d rather be upfront about this than have you find out at your appointment.
Shockwave therapy is not recommended if:
- You are pregnant (especially if the treatment area is near the abdomen or pelvis).
- You have a blood clotting disorder such as thrombosis or DVT.
- You’ve received a cortisone injection in the last 6 weeks at the treatment site.
- There is a tumor at or near the treatment area.
- You take blood-thinning medications (discuss with your practitioner first).
If any of these apply, let your therapist know before treatment. In many cases, we can still help you with a different treatment approach — whether that’s manual therapy, physiotherapy for your shoulder, or another modality. The point is to find what works safely for your body.
That honesty is part of how we practice. We’d rather tell you “this isn’t the right treatment for you” than push something that doesn’t make sense.
How to Prepare for Your First Session
There’s not much you need to do, but a few small things will help your visit go smoothly.
| Do This | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Wear loose, comfortable clothing | Your therapist needs easy access to the treatment area. Shorts for knee/heel issues, a tank top for shoulders. |
| Eat a light meal beforehand | You won’t feel great lying on a treatment table on a full or empty stomach. |
| Avoid anti-inflammatory meds (Advil, Aleve) for 24 hours before | Shockwave works by triggering inflammation as part of healing. Anti-inflammatories can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness. |
| Write down your questions | Your therapist will explain everything, but having your questions ready means nothing gets missed. |
| Arrive 10 minutes early | First-time patients need to fill out a brief intake form before the session starts. |
After treatment, you can drive yourself home and go about your day. There’s zero downtime. Some patients go straight back to work. Just avoid high-impact exercise for 24 to 48 hours so the healing process can take effect.
Ready to Give It a Try?
If you’ve been living with chronic pain and nothing else has worked, shockwave therapy might be the step you haven’t tried yet. It’s quick. It’s non-invasive. And at $30 per area added to your regular treatment, it’s one of the most affordable options in Ottawa.
You can book your first visit online or call us at (613) 695-8600. No referral required. We’re located at 563 Gladstone Ave in downtown Ottawa with free parking, and we offer evening and Saturday appointments.
Learn more about shockwave therapy at Kent Chiro-Med — including pricing, conditions we treat, and real patient stories.
