Focused Shockwave Therapy in Richmond Hill
Focused (extracorporeal) shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option offered at Union Health Network in Richmond Hill for selected chronic tendinopathies and musculoskeletal conditions. It delivers focused acoustic energy into tissue as part of a broader, assessment-based care plan. Suitability is determined by your assessment — individual results and treatment needs vary.
Dr. Shahab Entezami, BSc, DC, CMAG
Doctor of Chiropractic · Union Health Network, Richmond Hill
Dr. Entezami is a licensed chiropractor in Ontario with a focused clinical interest in the conservative care of tendinopathies and chronic musculoskeletal pain. He is a registered chiropractor with the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
He offers focused shockwave therapy as part of assessment-based care at Union Health Network in Richmond Hill.
Dr. Shahab Entezami is a registered chiropractor in Ontario and a member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
Full profile, education & registrationCommon Reasons People Seek a Shockwave Assessment
Shockwave is generally considered for chronic rather than acute problems. You might consider an assessment if you have:
- A chronic tendinopathy that has not improved with other care — for example Achilles, rotator cuff or tennis/golfer’s elbow
- Plantar fasciitis-related heel discomfort
- Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder
- Persistent muscle or myofascial trigger-point pain
- Chronic low back pain where conservative care has plateaued
What a Shockwave Assessment May Involve
Shockwave is one option among several. A first visit determines whether it is appropriate for you:
- A history of your condition and what you have already tried
- Examination of the involved tendon or soft tissue
- A review of whether shockwave is indicated or another approach fits better
- Consideration of imaging or referral where the diagnosis is unclear
- A screen for contraindications (e.g., over open growth plates, pregnancy, bleeding disorders, local infection or malignancy)
How Shockwave Fits Into Your Care
Where appropriate, focused shockwave is combined with active care, not used in isolation. A plan may include:
- A short course of focused shockwave sessions
- Progressive loading and rehabilitation exercises
- Load management and activity modification advice
- Other conservative therapies (manual care, acupuncture) where helpful
- Reassessment of progress before deciding on further sessions
When Shockwave Is Not Appropriate
Shockwave is not a cure-all and is not suitable for everyone. We will take a different approach or refer when:
- An acute tendon tear or rupture is suspected — seek prompt medical assessment
- There is a local infection, tumour or open wound in the treatment area
- There are contraindications such as pregnancy, blood-clotting disorders or treatment over growth plates
- The diagnosis is unclear — further assessment or imaging is appropriate first
- Symptoms do not respond as expected — outcomes vary and other care may be indicated
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your first visit we take a history, examine the area, and decide whether focused shockwave is appropriate or whether another approach fits better. There is no obligation to begin treatment.
When shockwave is provided, it is generally a short, in-clinic session; you may stay fully clothed. A brief course is typical, and progress is reassessed. Individual response and the number of sessions vary.
No referral is needed. Patients come to us from Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan and across the Greater Toronto Area.
Fees and What Your Assessment Includes
Current fees are confirmed when you book. Call us or email us and we will give you the exact fee for the appointment you need.
New Patient Examination
Confirmed when you book~45–60 minutes
- Health history and a review of your concerns and goals
- Physical, orthopedic, movement and, where relevant, neurological examination
- An explanation of the findings in plain language
- An individualized plan of care with options discussed
Treatment at the first visit: Treatment may be provided at the first visit when it is appropriate. This is decided during the visit and is not guaranteed.
Complex Case Examination
Confirmed when you bookLonger first assessment (approx. 60–75 minutes)
- Everything included in a new patient examination
- Extended time for multiple or long-standing concerns, prior surgery or several imaging reports
- Coordination of any further assessment or referral that may be needed
Treatment at the first visit: Availability is confirmed with the clinic before booking; treatment at the first visit only where appropriate.
Follow-up Chiropractic Visit
Confirmed when you bookConfirmed when your plan is agreed
- Treatment as agreed in your plan of care
- Reassessment of your progress and adjustment of the plan
- Exercise and self-management guidance
Treatment at the first visit: —
Complimentary Discovery Call
Complimentary~15 minutes
- A short, no-obligation conversation about your situation and whether an assessment is appropriate
Treatment at the first visit: No examination or treatment is provided on a discovery call.
Some services are charged separately from a standard visit — for example focused shockwave therapy or custom orthotics. Any separate charge is explained before the service is provided, and you can decide not to proceed.
Your assessment findings determine what is recommended. You can discuss the options, including cost, before starting any treatment.
Getting the exact fee for your appointment
Fees vary by appointment type and are confirmed before you commit to anything. Ask us directly:
Insurance & Direct Billing
We can submit claims directly to many extended health benefit plans, which means you may not have to pay up front. Direct billing depends on your insurer, your plan and your policy limits — we cannot guarantee that your plan qualifies, and reimbursement is always decided by your insurer.
Chiropractic care is not covered by OHIP. Most patients use employer-provided extended health care (EHC) benefits. It is worth checking your annual limit, your per-visit maximum and whether your plan asks for a referral before your first visit.
If your injury relates to a motor vehicle accident or a workplace injury, please call us before booking so we can explain what information your claim needs — how a claim is handled depends on the claim itself.
Bring your insurance card to your first visit and we will do our best to bill directly where your plan supports it.
Getting to the Clinic
On-site parking is available. Enter through the main Yonge Street entrance and follow the signs to Unit 16.
If you have accessibility needs, please call us before your visit so we can help you plan it.
Hours can change — please call to confirm before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave hurt?
Focused shockwave can produce brief, tolerable discomfort during application. Intensity is adjusted to your comfort; many people tolerate it well. Individual experience varies.
How many sessions might I need?
A short course is typical, but the number of sessions varies by individual and condition. We reassess your response before deciding on further treatment.
Is shockwave for acute injuries?
Generally no — shockwave is most often considered for chronic tendinopathy that has not responded to other care. Suspected acute tears need a different, prompt assessment.
Is shockwave safe?
For appropriate candidates it is generally low-risk and non-invasive. We screen for contraindications first; it is not suitable for everyone. Individual results vary.
Selected clinical sources
The clinical information above reflects general guidance. Care at our clinic is based on your individual assessment; individual results and treatment needs vary.
Ready to book?
New patients welcome — no referral needed. Inside Elite Medical Centre, Richmond Hill.
Unit 16, 9080 Yonge St · Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0Y7