Your back keeps locking up. You feel a sharp catch when you twist, a deep ache when you arch, and stiffness that won’t let go no matter how much you stretch. Other treatments may have missed what’s actually driving the cycle.
We don’t just treat the sore joint.
We assess the muscles, posture, and movement patterns that are compressing it in the first place.
Shockwave, manual therapy, and corrective exercise together.
Research shows combined treatment outperforms any single approach for chronic facet pain.
Built for results that last, not temporary relief.
Core and postural retraining keep your spine moving freely long after treatment ends.
60-minute one-on-one assessment + treatment plan.
No pressure, no contracts.
If any of this sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
A recurring “locked” back that seizes up after sitting too long or sleeping in the wrong position
Deep, achy back pain that gets worse when arching backward, twisting, or standing after prolonged sitting
Chronic low back stiffness that flares with cold weather, heavy lifting, or after long drives
Previous chiropractic adjustments or injections helped temporarily but the pain always comes back
You want a clear plan that treats the root cause of your back pain, not just masks it with medications or nerve blocks
The Real Problem
Explore 4 slides on Facet Joint Irritation
Most people have several of these happening at once. That’s why we assess the whole chain, from your hips and core to the individual vertebral segments, not just the painful spot.
OUR APPROACH
INITIAL VISIT
Full spine, hip, and core movement screen to identify which segments are stuck and which muscles are compensating
Pinpoint whether joint degeneration, muscle guarding, posture, or a combination is driving your pain
Walk out with a clear written treatment plan with transparent pricing before you commit
First 2 to 4 Weeks
Focused shockwave therapy to stimulate tissue healing, reduce joint sensitivity, and address calcification
Chiropractic adjustments and manual mobilization to restore segmental motion in locked vertebrae
Targeted massage and myofascial release to break the muscle guarding cycle around the facet joints
Make standing, bending, and sitting tolerable, fast.
4+ Weeks and Beyond
Progressive core and gluteal strengthening to take load off your facet joints permanently
Mobility work for hips and thoracic spine to prevent compensatory stiffness from returning
Posture coaching and movement habit corrections to keep your spine healthy long term
What To Expect
Every case is different, but research and our clinical experience consistently show:
Noticeable relief within 1 to 3 sessions. Many patients feel their back “unlock” after the first shockwave and manual therapy session. Meaningful improvement typically builds by visits 3 to 5.
Return to your normal activities. Patients in research studies resumed their usual tasks and avoided further interventions within 3 to 6 months. Our clinical cases often reach similar milestones faster with combined therapy.
Durable results backed by research. In controlled trials, shockwave-driven facet pain relief persisted for at least 12 months, with imaging showing signs of bone and tissue healing.
Our promise: we will tell you honestly at the assessment if we don’t believe you’re a good candidate for this approach.
EVIDENCE
High-energy shockwave therapy reduced facet joint pain by approximately 64% at 12 months and resolved bone marrow edema in most treated patients, in a randomized controlled trial.
A systematic review of 632 patients confirmed that shockwave therapy significantly reduces chronic low back pain and improves function compared to controls.
Exercise therapy improves pain and daily function in chronic low back pain, confirmed by a Cochrane review of multiple randomized trials.
Spinal manipulation is roughly as effective as other standard therapies for chronic back pain, supported by multiple systematic reviews and clinical guidelines.
Combined multimodal care (manual therapy plus exercise) is recommended by clinical guidelines as the most effective approach for chronic spinal pain.
Outcomes are group averages from clinical trials; individual results vary.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Facet Joint Irritation.
6 results found
YOUR NEXT STEP
Stop guessing, stop collecting random treatments, and get a plan that treats the system, not just the joint.
Initial Facet Joint Irritation Assessment — Edmonton
60-minute one-on-one session. Here’s what’s included:
Full spine, hip, and core movement and strength assessment
Identify which pain drivers matter for your case
Review of history and imaging if available
Clear written plan with transparent pricing before you commit
No referral needed. No obligation to continue beyond the first visit.
No pressure, no contracts.
We will tell you honestly at the assessment if we don't believe you're a good candidate for this approach. If your condition needs something different, we'll refer you directly.
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