Musculoskeletal · Canada

Shockwave for plantar fasciitis and tendinopathy: how OrthoSpec works

MAMBA Men’s Clinics · 3 min read

The short answer

Shockwave for plantar fasciitis is a non-invasive treatment that sends acoustic waves into the heel and foot, and MAMBA Men's Clinics offers it with the OrthoSpec shockwave device at participating Canada clinics. It is also used for tendinopathy. A clinician maps your plan to your pain and activity goals at a complimentary consult.

In this article

Key takeaways

  • Shockwave sends acoustic waves into the treated area from outside the body.
  • MAMBA uses the OrthoSpec device for heel and tendon concerns.
  • Your plan is mapped to your activity goals at a complimentary consult.
  • OrthoSpec care is offered at participating clinics in Oshawa and Kitchener.

What is shockwave for plantar fasciitis?

Shockwave for plantar fasciitis is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic waves to the heel and the band of tissue under the foot. It is also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often felt with the first steps in the morning. At MAMBA Men's Clinics, shockwave for the heel and foot uses the OrthoSpec shockwave device.

What is tendinopathy, and why do men ask about shockwave for it?

Tendinopathy is a term for a painful, irritated tendon, such as the Achilles, knee or shoulder tendons. Men ask about shockwave for it when tendon pain gets in the way of training or work.

  • Achilles pain when running or climbing stairs.
  • Knee tendon pain after jumping or squatting.
  • Shoulder tendon pain from lifting or throwing.
  • Elbow tendon pain, often called tennis elbow.

For the elbow in particular, read about shockwave for tennis elbow.

How does OrthoSpec shockwave work at MAMBA?

OrthoSpec shockwave works by sending acoustic waves through the skin to the treated area, with no needles or incisions. The device is placed against the skin over the painful spot.

MAMBA also uses a separate shockwave device, the Medispec OmniSpec ED-1000, for focused shockwave care for ED. The OrthoSpec is the device used for musculoskeletal concerns like the heel and tendons.

How does shockwave compare with other options at MAMBA?

Shockwave is one of several musculoskeletal options at MAMBA. The table compares the practical side only.

OptionFormatWhere it happens
OrthoSpec shockwaveNon-invasive, in clinicParticipating clinics
PRP for musculoskeletal concernsInjection, in clinicParticipating clinics
Joint pain consultation and injectablesConsult, then in clinicVirtual or in clinic

How does MAMBA plan shockwave for plantar fasciitis?

MAMBA plans shockwave for plantar fasciitis at a complimentary consult, where a clinician looks at your pain and goals. The visit plan is personal.

Your clinician asks about your activity, footwear and work, then explains how OrthoSpec fits. Participating clinics are in Oshawa, in Durham Region, and Kitchener, in Waterloo Region. Services and equipment differ by clinic.

How do I book a complimentary consult with MAMBA?

You can book online, or by phone or text at 647-947-0605. Many men start with the free MAMBA Health Score, which takes about 2 minutes.

Take the MAMBA Health Score, or choose the optional $1 virtual consultation from anywhere in Canada for a personalized plan. Treatments start at $99.

Frequently asked questions

Is OrthoSpec shockwave the same as ED shockwave?

OrthoSpec shockwave is a separate device from the Medispec OmniSpec ED-1000 used for ED. MAMBA Men's Clinics uses OrthoSpec shockwave for musculoskeletal concerns like heel pain and tendinopathy at participating Canada clinics.

Does shockwave for plantar fasciitis use needles?

Shockwave for plantar fasciitis does not use needles or incisions. The OrthoSpec device at MAMBA Men's Clinics is placed against the skin over the heel and sends acoustic waves to the treated area.

Is shockwave for plantar fasciitis covered by OHIP?

Shockwave for plantar fasciitis is generally not insured by OHIP, so most men pay privately. MAMBA Men's Clinics can give you a written itemized quote for shockwave for plantar fasciitis before any treatment begins.

Can shockwave for tendinopathy be planned for more than one area?

Shockwave for tendinopathy can be planned for more than one tendon area at MAMBA Men's Clinics. A clinician reviews each painful area during a complimentary consult, then builds one clear OrthoSpec shockwave plan.

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