Shockwave therapy is an innovative, non-invasive treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic pain, sports injuries, and plantar fasciitis. However, with different types of shockwave therapy available—namely focused vs radial shockwave therapy—it can be challenging to determine which option best suits a specific need. This article will clarify the distinctions between radial and focused shockwave therapy, covering how each type works, typical applications, and the potential benefits to help you decide the most suitable therapy.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to promote healing in targeted body areas. Initially developed for treating kidney stones, shockwave therapy has evolved significantly and is now widely used in physical therapy for its pain-relieving and tissue-repairing effects. The therapy involves applying controlled shockwaves to injured areas, stimulating blood flow, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue repair and regeneration.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves, or “shockwaves,” to injured tissues. These waves penetrate deep into the tissue, promoting increased blood circulation, cellular repair, and metabolic activity, which help reduce pain and improve function. Depending on the condition, different frequencies, depths, and intensities of shockwaves are used, where the distinction between radial and focused shockwave therapy becomes important.
Radial vs Focused Shockwave Therapy
Understanding the differences between shockwave therapy focused vs radial can help patients and providers select the most effective treatment approach for specific conditions.
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Radial shockwave therapy (rSWT) disperses acoustic waves over a broader area.
How It Works?
Radial shockwaves spread out from the applicator head in a fan-like manner, penetrating to a more superficial depth than focused waves. This makes radial therapy suitable for treating larger surface areas and superficial conditions, as the energy is delivered less intensely and more dispersedly.
Applications
Radial shockwave therapy is effective for treating surface-level injuries and conditions like:
- Tendinitis (e.g., Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Myofascial trigger points
- Muscle spasms
- Certain types of erectile dysfunction, as studies show improvement in SHIM scores from 9.3 to 16.1 following treatment with radial wave therapy. This shockwave therapy focused vs radial shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction comparison highlights the potential benefits of each therapy type for specific conditions.
Focused Shockwave Therapy
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) concentrates the shockwaves to reach a deeper tissue depth, providing a more intense effect.
How It Works?
In focused shockwave therapy, the waves are directed precisely to penetrate deeper layers of tissue, allowing for targeted treatment of deeper injuries. These waves do not disperse as much as radial waves, making them effective for addressing chronic, localized pain and conditions requiring deeper tissue stimulation.
Applications
Focused shockwave therapy is commonly used for conditions like:
- Chronic tendinopathies (e.g., rotator cuff, patellar tendinopathy)
- Bone healing stimulation
- Deeper muscle injuries
- Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, where focused shockwave therapy has demonstrated a 50% reduction in pain at 3 months follow-up.
MRI findings have also shown that focused shockwave therapy significantly reduced the grade of tendinopathy in 100% of patients over 48 weeks, while radial shockwave therapy achieved a similar result in only 50% of cases.
Combination Shockwave Therapy
In some cases, combining radial and focused shockwave therapy offers the best outcomes, leveraging the strengths of each method. Using radial waves for superficial relief alongside focused waves for deeper issues can address pain and inflammation at multiple levels, offering a more comprehensive treatment approach.
Key Differences Between Radial & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Several essential factors set radial and focused shockwave therapy apart. Here’s how each therapy differs and what it means for patient care:
How do I know if I will receive Radial or Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Your therapist at Progressive Mobility Physio & Performance will evaluate your condition to determine the most appropriate type of therapy. Generally, superficial conditions or larger treatment areas respond well to radial therapy, while deeper, chronic conditions may benefit more from focused therapy.
Is there a difference In Pain Levels Between the Two?
Yes, the experience may vary. Focused shockwave therapy delivers more intense, concentrated waves, which can feel stronger during application. Conversely, radiation therapy is less intense but covers a larger area, typically resulting in less discomfort.
Is there a difference in the Number of Sessions Needed?
Both types of shockwave therapy usually require multiple sessions for optimal results. However, focused shockwave therapy may need fewer sessions than radial therapy due to its deeper, targeted action. The exact number of sessions will depend on the severity and nature of the injury.
What is the Cost Difference Between the Two?
Due to its advanced technology and specific applications, focused shockwave therapy can be more expensive than radial shockwave therapy. However, the effectiveness and potentially reduced session count with focused therapy may justify the cost for those with deeper or chronic conditions.
The Best Type of Shockwave Therapy for You
Selecting the best type of shockwave therapy depends on the nature of your condition. Radial therapy is often suitable for surface-level injuries and larger areas, while focused therapy is preferred for deep-seated, chronic injuries. If you’re unsure, the Progressive Mobility Physio & Performance team will assess your condition and recommend the most effective therapy.
Why Should I Choose Progressive Mobility to Perform Shockwave Therapy?
Progressive Mobility Physio & Performance offers a highly trained team dedicated to delivering customized care and effective therapies tailored to each patient’s needs. With expertise in radial and focused shockwave therapy, our therapists provide evidence-based treatments utilizing advanced technology and in-depth knowledge to support your recovery.
Conclusion
Radial and focused shockwave therapies offer unique benefits, making them valuable tools for managing pain and promoting recovery. Understanding the differences between them can empower you to make an informed choice. Whether treating plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, or chronic musculoskeletal pain, shockwave therapy can offer substantial relief and promote long-term healing.
FAQs
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Shockwave therapy can cause mild discomfort during the session, mainly focused therapy, which is more intense. However, any discomfort typically fades shortly after the treatment, and our therapists will adjust the settings to ensure comfort.
How many sessions are required for effective treatment?
Most patients benefit from 3-6 sessions, but the number can vary based on the specific condition and its severity. Focused therapy may require fewer sessions compared to radial therapy.
What conditions are best treated with focused shockwave therapy?
Focused shockwave therapy is ideal for deep-seated and chronic conditions, including severe tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and bone injuries.
