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Shockwave Therapy
A non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves and may be included in care for certain persistent tendon and soft-tissue concerns.
Who commonly provides it: Qualified physiotherapists/physical therapists, chiropractors or other trained healthcare providers, depending on local professional scope.
Even when a treatment has been recommended, the provider may need to assess your symptoms, health history and goals before confirming whether it is appropriate and how it should be delivered.
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Confirm who will provide it
Ask which regulated or licensed professional will deliver the treatment and whether they have relevant training for that treatment or program.
Useful questions:
•What type of provider will I see?
•What professional credentials do they hold?
•Do they have specific training in this treatment?
•Is the provider type eligible under my insurance plan?
Ask whether an assessment comes first
The first appointment may include an assessment rather than immediate treatment. The provider may need to review your symptoms, medical history, goals and suitability before recommending a care plan.
Useful questions:
•Is the first visit an assessment?
•Will treatment begin during the first appointment?
•What information should I bring?
•Should I bring a referral or previous report?
Check insurance and referral requirements
Coverage varies by insurance plan, provider credential, treatment type and location. Some plans require a referral, while others allow direct access. A clinic offering a treatment does not confirm that your plan covers it.
Useful questions:
•Is this provider type covered?
•Does my plan require a referral?
•Is direct billing available?
•Is the treatment billed separately or as part of the appointment?
Understand the proposed care plan
Ask why the treatment is being considered, what alternatives may exist and how progress will be reviewed.
Useful questions:
•Why may this treatment be appropriate for me?
•What should I expect during the appointment?
•How will the provider monitor progress?
•What should I do if the treatment does not feel appropriate?
PainHero helps users discover providers. Treatment suitability and care decisions must be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Explore treatment details
Select a treatment to understand what it is, who commonly provides it, what may happen at the first appointment and what to ask before booking.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves applied to a targeted area. A qualified provider may consider it as one part of care for certain persistent tendon or soft-tissue concerns after an appropriate assessment.
Who commonly provides it
Depending on local regulation and professional scope, shockwave therapy may be offered by trained physiotherapists/physical therapists, chiropractors or other qualified healthcare providers.
What it may be used as part of care for
Providers may consider shockwave therapy for selected persistent tendon and soft-tissue concerns. It is not appropriate for every condition or every patient.
What to expect at the first appointment
The first visit may include an assessment of symptoms, health history and function. If treatment is appropriate, the provider may apply an applicator to the targeted area and adjust the treatment based on the care plan and patient response.
Questions to ask before booking
•Who will perform the treatment?
•Is an assessment included?
•Why is shockwave being considered?
•Are there reasons it may not be appropriate for me?
Dry needling and intramuscular stimulation, often called IMS, use thin sterile needles as part of a musculoskeletal assessment and care plan. Terminology, training requirements and professional scope vary by province, state and provider type.
Dry needling/IMS and acupuncture may use similar physical tools, but they may be based on different professional training, assessment frameworks and regulatory requirements. They should not be described as universally identical.
Who commonly provides it
It may be offered by physiotherapists/physical therapists, chiropractors or other regulated professionals who have the required training and whose local scope permits it.
What it may be used as part of care for
A provider may consider it as part of care involving muscle sensitivity, movement limitations or certain musculoskeletal concerns following an assessment.
What to expect at the first appointment
The provider should explain the procedure, expected sensations, alternatives and consent process before beginning. An assessment should determine whether the treatment is appropriate. Temporary soreness may occur, and individual experiences vary.
Questions to ask before booking
•What training does the provider have?
•Is this dry needling, IMS or acupuncture?
•Is the first visit an assessment?
•What alternatives are available?
•What should I expect during and after the appointment?
Sports injury physiotherapy/physical therapy is an assessment and rehabilitation service designed to support recovery, restore physical function and guide a safe return to sport or activity.
Who commonly provides it
A licensed physiotherapist in Canada or physical therapist in the US. Other members of a care team may be involved depending on the injury and individual needs.
What it may be used as part of care for
It may support recovery after activity-related muscle, joint or tendon injuries, overuse concerns, surgery or time away from sport. Individual care plans and timelines are determined by the treating provider.
What to expect at the first appointment
The provider may ask how the injury occurred, what activities are currently limited and what the patient hopes to return to. The assessment may include movement, strength, mobility and sport- or activity-related function.
Questions to ask before booking
•Does the provider work with my sport or activity?
•What will the initial assessment include?
•How will readiness to return to activity be evaluated?
•Will the plan include home or activity-based rehabilitation?
•Is communication with a doctor, coach or other provider needed?
Pelvic floor physiotherapy/physical therapy is specialized care that assesses pelvic floor function and related movement, strength, pain or bladder and bowel concerns. The assessment and care plan should be individualized and consent-based.
Who commonly provides it
A physiotherapist/physical therapist with verified pelvic-health education and training.
What it may be used as part of care for
It may be included in care for pelvic pain, bladder or bowel concerns, pregnancy- or postpartum-related rehabilitation, or recovery after certain medical procedures.
What to expect at the first appointment
The first appointment commonly includes a private discussion about symptoms, health history and goals. The provider should explain all assessment options and obtain informed consent before proceeding.
Patients may ask questions, request modifications, decline any part of an assessment or treatment, and withdraw consent at any time.
Questions to ask before booking
•What pelvic-health training does the provider have?
•What will happen during the first appointment?
•What assessment options are available?
•Can I decline or modify part of the assessment?
•May I bring a support person where clinic policy permits?
Male pelvic health care supports concerns involving pelvic pain, bladder function, pelvic floor function and recovery following certain medical or surgical care. The appropriate provider depends on the symptoms and whether medical assessment is needed.
Who commonly provides it
Pelvic-health physiotherapists/physical therapists may provide rehabilitation care. A family doctor, primary care clinician, urologist or other medical provider may be involved when diagnosis, testing, medication or specialist care is required.
What it may be used as part of care for
It may support pelvic pain, urinary concerns, pelvic floor coordination and rehabilitation following certain prostate-related or pelvic procedures.
What to expect at the first appointment
The first appointment should begin with a private discussion of symptoms, medical history, goals and assessment options. The provider must explain the consent process and allow the patient to decline or modify any part of the appointment.
Patients may ask questions, request modifications, decline any part of an assessment or treatment, and withdraw consent at any time.
Questions to ask before booking
•Is this provider trained in male pelvic health?
•Should I speak with a family doctor or urologist first?
A treatment recommendation does not always mean the treatment is appropriate in every situation. A provider may need to assess your current symptoms and health history before proceeding.
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Contact the referring provider when…
•The recommendation is unclear.
•You do not know which provider type to book.
•Your symptoms have changed since the recommendation.
•You need a copy of a referral or medical report.
•You want to understand why the treatment was recommended.
Begin with primary care when…
•You do not have a diagnosis and the symptoms are unexplained.
•Symptoms are worsening or connected with other health concerns.
•You may need medication, diagnostic testing or specialist referral.
•The clinic advises that medical clearance is required.
Seek urgent medical care when…
Some symptoms require prompt medical assessment, particularly after a serious injury or when symptoms occur with sudden significant weakness or numbness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, serious illness or loss of bladder or bowel control.
This information is general and does not replace medical advice. If you believe you are experiencing an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Find clinics offering Shockwave Therapy
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Questions about booking treatment
Do I need a referral before booking treatment?
Not always. A referral is not always required to book, but insurance plans, provider types and local rules vary by province, state and benefits plan. Check both the clinic's booking policy and your insurance plan before your appointment. Even when no referral is required, the treating provider may still need to assess whether the treatment is appropriate for you.
Is the first appointment an assessment or a treatment session?
The first visit may be primarily an assessment. The provider commonly reviews your symptoms, health history and goals before deciding what is appropriate. Treatment may begin during that visit only if the provider confirms it is suitable and informed consent is obtained. Ask the clinic what the first appointment includes when you book.
How do I know whether a provider is qualified?
Verify the provider's regulated profession, licence or registration where applicable, and ask about specific training relevant to the treatment. Regulatory colleges and licensing boards publish public registers in many provinces and states. PainHero does not verify individual credentials on your behalf, so confirm directly with the clinic or the relevant regulator.
Is treatment covered by insurance or extended-health benefits?
It depends on your plan. Coverage depends on the provider credential, benefits plan, treatment classification and referral requirements. A clinic offering a treatment does not confirm insurance eligibility. Ask your insurer whether the provider type is covered, whether a referral is needed, and whether the treatment is billed separately from the appointment.
Can I book a treatment my doctor recommended?
Usually yes. You can search for a clinic that offers the treatment and book an appointment. The treating provider may still need to conduct their own assessment before confirming the treatment is appropriate and how it should be delivered. Bring any referral, report or instructions from the recommending provider.
What if I am not sure which treatment I need?
Start from your symptoms instead. Visit the Conditions section, which helps you understand which type of provider may be a useful first step based on what you are experiencing. PainHero does not select a treatment for you; that decision belongs to a qualified healthcare professional who has assessed you.
Can the same treatment be provided differently at different clinics?
Yes. Terminology, provider training, professional scope and how a treatment fits into a care plan can vary by clinic, province and state. Ask each clinic who delivers the treatment, what training they have and how it is included in their assessment and care planning.
Does PainHero recommend treatments?
No. PainHero helps users discover and compare providers by location, provider type, services and insurance information. It does not prescribe, diagnose or determine whether a treatment is suitable for you. Treatment decisions must be made with a qualified healthcare professional.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring anything that helps the provider understand your situation: your benefits or insurance information, any referral or medical report, a list of current medications, and notes about your symptoms and goals. Requirements vary by clinic, so ask when you book what they need from you.
