Shockwave vs Laser Therapy: What’s Right for Your Pain?

#chiropractickelowna #jointpainrelief #lasertherapy #musclestrength #shockwavetherapy inflammation reduction musclerelaxation tissue repair Jun 11, 2025

Shockwave vs Laser Therapy: What’s Right for Your Pain?

At Tutt Street Family Chiropractic, patients often ask:
"Should I try laser or shockwave therapy for my pain?"

Both are non-invasive, high-tech treatments we offer to help your muscles, joints, and nerves recover faster. But they work differently and depending on your condition, one may be better suited for your body’s healing process.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing deep in your tissues. Think of it like a powerful pulse that "wakes up" damaged areas boosting blood flow, breaking down calcification, and restarting stalled recovery.

Common uses:

Chronic tendon issues (e.g., Achilles, rotator cuff, tennis elbow)
Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs
Deep muscle trigger points
Calcific shoulder or hip pain
Delayed bone or tissue healing

Benefits:

✅ Great for stubborn, chronic conditions
✅ Breaks up scar tissue and calcium buildup
✅ Fast relief in just a few sessions

What Is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy (also called Low-Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) uses targeted light to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and energize your cells to repair faster. It’s gentle and completely painless perfect for inflamed or sensitive areas.

Common uses:

Acute injuries (sprains, strains)
Swollen or inflamed joints
Nerve pain (e.g., carpal tunnel, sciatica)
TMJ dysfunction
Arthritis or early-stage degeneration

Benefits:

✅ Gentle and calming for acute pain
✅ Speeds up healing at a cellular level
✅ Ideal for nerve or soft tissue injuries

When Is One Better Than the Other?

If You Have...	We Often Recommend
Chronic tendon pain	Shockwave ✅
Inflammation or swelling	Laser ✅
Nerve pain or numbness	Laser ✅
Muscle knots or fibrosis	Shockwave ✅
Just had surgery	Laser ✅
Calcified deposits	Shockwave ✅

At our clinic, we often try both therapies in alternating sessions, especially in the first two weeks of care. Then we track which one is producing better results and adjust accordingly.

Safety First: Who Should Avoid Each?

Shockwave Contraindications:
🚫 Pregnancy (especially abdomen/lumbar)
🚫 Bleeding disorders or blood thinners
🚫 Active cancer in the treatment area
🚫 Children with growth plates

Laser Contraindications:
🚫 Over active cancer
🚫 Over the thyroid gland
🚫 During pregnancy (abdominal area)
🚫 Light sensitivity or photosensitive medication

If you’re not sure don’t worry. We’ll review your history and determine what’s safe and effective for your specific condition.

Our Approach: Personalized Pain Relief

At Tutt Street Family Chiropractic in Kelowna, we combine experience with evidence-based care to get you feeling better, faster. When it comes to shockwave vs. laser, it’s not either-or it’s about what works best for you.

If you’re dealing with nagging joint pain, muscle tightness, or nerve irritation, book an appointment today and let’s find your fastest path to relief.

🔗 Book Online: www.tuttstreetfamilychiropractic.com
📍 Serving Kelowna and area with expert chiropractic and advanced therapy care.

Ready to take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free life? At Tutt Street Chiropractic, we're currently accepting new patients and offer same-day and next-day appointments for your convenience. There's no need for a doctor's referral, and we'll even bill directly to your insurance provider. Don't wait any longer to start your journey to improved spine health and wellness. Click here to book your appointment with Dr. Cary Yurkiw in Kelowna today!

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Shockwave vs Laser Therapy: What’s Right for Your Pain?