Shockwave Therapy After Care | BLVD Wellness Burnaby
Shockwave Therapy  /  After Care

Shockwave Therapy After Care

Here's what to expect and what to do in the days following your session.

Book your next session  →
These are general post-treatment guidelines. Always follow the specific recommendations from your treating practitioner.

What to expect

1

Soreness and tenderness

Expect aching in the treated area for 24–72 hours. This is normal and a sign your body is responding.

2

Mild redness or bruising

Some surface redness or light bruising may appear. This is tissue responding to the acoustic waves, not damage.

3

Temporary flare-up

Symptoms may briefly feel worse before they improve, particularly after the first 1–2 sessions. This is expected.

Shockwave Therapy treatment at BLVD Wellness

What helps and what to avoid

Do this
Rest the treated area

Light activity only for 24-48 hours. Gentle walking is fine; avoid stressing the treated area.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydration supports the tissue repair process shockwave initiates.

Rehabilitation exercises

Follow your physiotherapist's specific exercise treatment plan. Gentle stretching and light activity is generally encouraged to improve circulation and reduce stiffness to the area.

Take Tylenol if needed

Acetaminophen is safe for pain relief after shockwave. It does not interfere with the inflammatory healing response.

Eat well and sleep

Protein-rich foods and quality sleep the first two nights support tissue repair.

Avoid this
Use of NSAIDs

Shockwave therapy works by triggering a natural inflammatory healing response. Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Try to avoid the use of anti-inflammatory medications unless indicated otherwise by your doctor.

High-impact activity

Avoid high impact, heavy lifting, and strenuous exercises for 24-48 hours.

Heat on the treated area

Skip hot baths, hot tubs, and heating pads on the treated area for the first 24 hours.

Alcohol

Alcohol increases inflammation and impairs recovery.

Steroid injections

Avoid cortisone or steroid injections near the treated area during your course of treatment.

Your progress

Individual response varies

Recovery varies considerably from person to person. The nature of your condition, how long you have had it, your overall health, and how your body responds to treatment all affect your progress. Your physiotherapist will track your response at each session and adjust your plan accordingly. If you have questions about how things are going, bring them to your next appointment.

When to contact us
  • Severe swelling and pain that is not subsiding
  • New numbness, tingling, or severe weakness in the treated area
  • Signs of skin infection
Call 604-364-1626  ·  Email hello@blvdwellness.ca

Common questions

Shockwave therapy works by triggering a natural inflammatory healing response. Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Try to avoid them unless indicated otherwise by your doctor. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe for pain relief as it does not suppress inflammation.

Yes. An initial flare-up indicates your tissue is responding. It typically resolves within 24–48 hours and gives way to gradual improvement. Most patients feel noticeably better after session 3.

Light activity is fine immediately. High-impact activity should wait at least 48 hours. Your therapist will give specific guidance based on your condition.

Most conditions respond well to 4–6 sessions spaced approximately one week apart. Your therapist will assess progress throughout and adjust the plan.

// Simple Blog Filter Script - Place in Footer Code