Comparing Radial vs Focused Shock Wave Therapy (Depth)
When comparing radial and focused shock wave therapy, the main considerations are penetration depth and localisation
of the treatment.
As you'd imagine, the greater the depth penetration of the waves, the easier it is to treat deep issues in the tendons,
muscles or bones.
What's The Difference Between Radial & Focused Shock Waves (The Physics)?
While radial waves are good at providing relief over a wider area and can treat low-depth issues such as those on
the Achilles or elbow, other conditions can require more focused treatments.
Radial waves are characterised by three key points
- they have lower maximum intensity,
- they have a divergent wave
- they deliver their maximum intensity to a 'superficial' area i.e low depth. This depth is usually around 3 - 4cm.
Focused shock waves allow for 'adjustable' penetration depending on where needs to be treated and are ideal
for treating deeper problem areas such as hamstring, pelvic or hip issues.
Focused waves are characterised as having a higher maximum intensity, delivered as a convergent wave with an
adjustable depth of focal area. This can range between 2 and 30cm.
The reason the waves are different is down to how the therapy is applied. While
- RSWT follows a pneumatic principle, using compressed air and transmitters to determine the wave shape
- FSWT follows an electroacoustic principle, using electromagnetism and coupling pads to apply deeper, focused
and adjustable waves.
Is There A Difference In Pain Levels Between The Two Types Of ESWT?
Radial therapy is typically more painful because of the way it is applied.
is radial shockwave more painful than focused shock wave therapy
With the vibrating nature of the Radial Shock Wave Treatment (SWT), the extra skin stimulation, and the fact that
Radial SWT is delivered over a larger area, it is generally more uncomfortable.
With this additional discomfort, we now only use the Focused/ Painless SWT type, so our clients are comfortable.
However, the sports injury department still uses the radial SWT type for price-conscious clients.
Focused Shock Wave Therapy, on the other hand, can be used in more acute cases, i.e. cases that are causing
the patient more pain, as it's deemed as 'painless' compared to the Radial type.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body's natural healing process. It can relieve
pain and
promote healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It accomplishes this by releasing growth factors in
the injured tissue. Shockwave therapy is sometimes referred to as EPAT, or extracorporeal pulse activation technology.
Shockwave therapy is a type of regenerative medicine (also known as an orthobiologic therapy). It is used to treat
tendinopathy as well as difficult-to-heal ligament injuries. Some degenerative tendinopathies have an associated buildup
of calcium in the tendon. Focused shock waves can break those deposits up.
The treatment can also promote healing after orthopedic surgery - for instance, if a hip impingement has damaged tendons
and ligaments around the hip. Surgery may correct the hip impingement, but after years of overworking and degeneration
because of the impingement, the surrounding tendons often remain painful. Shockwave therapy can be used to address
this secondary issue.
What sports injuries can be treated with shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is used to reduce pain and promote healing from tendinopathy and many other sports injuries.
Some examples include:
foot pain: plantar fasciitis and Achilles' tendinopathy
Achilles' tendinopathies
knee pain: patella tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
leg pain: hamstring injuries
hip pain: rectus femoris and lateral hip pain with gluteal tendinopathies
elbow pain: Little League elbow and tennis elbow
shoulder pain: rotator cuff injuries
Comparing Radial vs Focused Shock Wave Therapy (Depth)
When comparing radial and focused shock wave therapy, the main considerations are penetration depth
and localisation of the treatment.
As you'd imagine, the greater the depth penetration of the waves, the easier it is to treat deep issues in the
tendons, muscles or bones.
focused vs radial extracoropeal shock wave therapy and depth penetration Wimbledon Chiropractic Sports
Injury Clinic
When it comes to a deep area like a hamstring or hip for instance there is little contest and focused shock
wave therapy is the way to go.
ESWT SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment that
involves delivery of shock waves to injured soft tissue to
reduce pain and promote healing.
Mechanism of action
The radial shockwave causes mechanical stimulation and carries a high dosage
of energy to trigger regeneration and reparation processes.
It is the first-choice treatment in chronic conditions such as superficial tendinopathies,
calcifications, and persistent pain of muscles and tendons.
Shock Wave Benefits
Success rate of 80% Non surgical and drug free Non-invasive No risk of infection
Faster and easier healing Reduce expenses
Treatment Result
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) -up to 91%
Calcifying Tendonitis of the Shoulder -up to 91%
Plantar Fasciitis -up to 88%
Patellar Tendonitis/Tendonosis (Jumper's Knee) -up to 87%
Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonosis -up to 87%
Patients receiving shockwave therapy can expect:
A reduction of pain felt by nerve fibres;
An increase of blood circulation in surrounding soft tissues;
Stimulation of the healing process triggered by stem cell activation.
The evolving list of diagnoses for which ESWT shows potential includes:
Shoulder tendinopathy
Lateral epicondylosis*/epicondylitis
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Hamstring tendinopathy
Patellar tendinopathy
Medial tibial stress syndrome
Achilles tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis*
Knee osteoarthritis
Fracture nonunion
Spasticity of spinal and supraspinal origin (stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy)
Specification
| Product name |
eswt shockwave therapy |
| frequency |
16hz |
| Power |
250w |
| shoots |
2,000,000 shots *2 |
| function |
reduce pain,promote healing |
Audited Supplier 
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