An Edmonton military veteran is leading the charge against a federal decision that limits coverage for shockwave therapy, a treatment he credits with managing his chronic pain. Justin Yaassoub, alongside healthcare provider Echelon Wellness, is urging the federal department to reverse its recent policy change that restricts access to the innovative pain management technique.
The Therapy Making a Difference
On November 10, 2025, Yaassoub was photographed receiving shockwave therapy at Echelon Wellness, demonstrating the treatment that has become essential to his pain management regimen. The therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues and has shown significant promise for patients suffering from persistent pain conditions.
The federal department's decision to limit coverage comes despite growing evidence of the treatment's effectiveness for certain conditions. Healthcare providers and patients alike are expressing concern that the move will force veterans to either pay out-of-pocket for the therapy or return to less effective traditional treatments.
Broader Context of Veteran Healthcare
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing discussions about alternative treatments for veterans across Canada. In Moncton, special forces veterans are fighting for access to alternative PTSD treatments, indicating a nationwide pattern of veterans seeking innovative approaches to manage service-related health conditions.
The timing is particularly significant, coming immediately after Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country where Canadians gathered to honor those who served. The juxtaposition of public remembrance and ongoing battles for adequate healthcare coverage highlights the continuing challenges faced by veterans long after their service ends.
What's at Stake for Patients
For veterans like Yaassoub, the coverage decision represents more than just a policy change—it threatens their quality of life and ability to manage chronic conditions effectively. Shockwave therapy has emerged as a non-invasive option for patients who may not respond well to medication or more invasive procedures.
The healthcare firm supporting Yaassoub's case emphasizes that limiting coverage options could lead to increased reliance on opioid medications and other treatments with more significant side effects. They argue that investing in effective pain management ultimately reduces long-term healthcare costs and improves patient outcomes.
As the advocacy effort gains momentum, all eyes are on the federal department to see if they will reconsider their position. The outcome could set a precedent for how Canada approaches innovative treatments for veteran healthcare in the years to come.
