Written by Morgan Hopkins, DPT, CMTPT
Shockwave therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that employs acoustic energy waves to treat musculoskeletal pain and other conditions. High-frequency sound pulses are delivered into affected areas of the body to stimulate tissue regeneration and healing handheld device or applicator.
Radial and focused shockwave therapy are two distinct types of therapy with specific advantages. Both are non-invasive procedures used for decades in medicine to treat chronic tendinopathies such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and shoulder impingement syndrome. In addition to reducing pain associated with many common injuries or ailments, these techniques aid in the reduction of inflammation and the breakdown of scar tissue and increase blood flow and circulation around the injury site.
Shockwave therapy can be performed as an outpatient procedure in clinics or as a home treatment. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, using low, medium, and high-energy soundwaves via radial and focused shockwave treatment resulted in 60% of patients reporting pain relief from their baseline before treatment. It's no surprise that these non-invasive treatment modalities are gaining popularity.
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Radial and focused shockwave therapy use sound waves to stimulate metabolic reactions within cells that release endorphins, natural painkillers, and other chemicals involved in tissue repair. They are, however, very different.
Focused shockwave generates either electrohydraulic or electromagnetic waves inside the applicator, allowing focused shockwave to penetrate deeper into the tissues to alleviate problems in the tendons and bones or deeper into the muscle. Radial shockwave therapy, on the other hand, is accelerated by compressed air or a magnetic field and requires gel for proper skin contact. Radial therapy has a more superficial effect on tissue and treats more expansive areas or low-depth locations such as elbow or ankle injuries.
Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) is a non-invasive method that uses pulsed acoustic energy to treat musculoskeletal conditions. It delivers radial waves into the affected body, stimulating tissue regeneration and healing while reducing inflammation, breaking down scar tissue build-up, and increasing blood flow and circulation around the injury site. The benefits of this shockwave therapy include reaching a larger area of the body, reduced pain levels associated with joint injuries or ailments, and improved mobility in many cases.
Another study reports the effectiveness of radial shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED) in males with organic ED. The study reported the effectiveness of treatment for up to two years.
Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) also uses pulsed acoustic energy. However, it is dispersed in a cylindrical shape to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Still, it differs from RSWT in its delivery of focused sound pulses directly into specific body areas for increased accuracy and efficacy. This technique primarily targets deeper tissues such as tendons, ligaments, fascia, or bone spurs, which can be challenging to reach through traditional methods. FSWT has been shown to provide more immediate relief than other treatments due to its targeted delivery system making it a practical option for those suffering from chronic pain caused by deep-seated issues such as tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.
The primary distinctions between radial shock wave therapy and focused shock wave therapy are penetration depth and treatment localization. The deeper the waves penetrate, the easier it is to treat tendons, muscles, and bones. Radial and focused shockwave therapy have distinct advantages and applications for various ailments. Radial shockwave therapy is the best treatment option if you have superficial pain or pain in multiple areas of your body. Focused shockwave therapy would be most beneficial if you want more concentrated pain relief deeper into the tissue or have acute pain requiring quick relief.
Radial shockwave therapy offers many benefits. Some of these include:
Focused shockwave therapy offers many benefits. Some of these include:
Yes! There are many shockwave therapy devices for sale that can be used in the comfort of your home. Many shockwave therapy devices for home use are for radial shockwave therapy. However, some focused therapy devices are also available.
Shockwave therapy is effective for treating acute and chronic pain caused by injuries, inflammatory processes, and other conditions. Previous and ongoingresearch indicates that they are effective for pain relief, ED, and improving participants' quality of life. For information on shockwave therapy and other informative articles, visit Caregiver University.
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Morgan Hopkins is a licensed doctor of physical therapy and freelance medical writer. She practiced clinically in outpatient orthopedics for 8+ years specializing in intramuscular dry needling, dance medicine, and post-operative care. Morgan seeks to be a leader in the continued shift toward preventative healthcare, helping people optimize movement now so they can move for years to come. She is a firm believer in complementary therapies, holistic wellness, and functional fitness and is thrilled to be able to educate others through Rehabmart’s platform.
