Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy: The Differences Between Them
Updated: Mar 29
In this article, we look in more depth at shockwave therapy and how it is used to treat musculoskeletal problems, including tendon problems such as plantar fasciitis. Many people don't realise that there are two different types of shockwave therapy, and they are not the same, so let's compare radial and focused shockwave therapy.
The common misconception we see amongst the everyday person, who are not in the medical field is there is no distinction between the two types and that Shockwave therapy is just one single type of treatment. People do not realise that Shockwave therapy involves two completely different types altogether - Radial and Focused and understanding the key differences between the two is very important for healing pains and injuries.
Radial and Focused Shockwave therapy are completely different in the way that they work, what they do and what they can be used for. Between them, they can help all different sorts of ailments and not just MSK issues. Differentiating between Radial and Focused and understanding their distinctions is very important and crucial for choosing the most effective treatment for a persons condition. This article will provide a full in depth guide to both types of therapies, highlighting their mechanisms, benefits, and applications.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, whether Radial or Focused, is state of the art technology which involves sending acoustic (sound) waves into a persons body to promote healing of injured and damaged tissue. If a clinic possesses both types of Radial and Focused Shockwave machines, then often these practitioners would generally combine both types of Shockwave therapy together. Combining the two is one way shockwave therapy is used to help with pain and mobility.
Radial and Focused Shockwave work in very different ways but their objective is the same, and that is to stimulate and activate the body's natural healing processes. This is done very cleverly, by causing micro-traumas within the body's cells. This in turn stimulates an inflammatory response by the brain and kick-starts the natural healing system that the body undergoes subconsciously.
A lot of research and development has gone into focused shockwave therapy, and research into its uses continues to grow.
Focused shockwave isn't limited to soft tissue problems such as tendonitis. It can also be used for some bone and joint conditions (such as OA), nerve entrapment conditions (such as Morton's neuroma) and men's pelvic health issues, such as erectile dysfunction.
Focused shockwave therapy may be an option for some long-standing problems that haven't settled with other treatments.
This has made shockwave therapy an option some people consider for long-standing pain, including problems they may have had for years.
A huge positive to Shockwave therapy, both Radial and Focused is their non-invasive characteristics and that sessions only take a short duration to complete. People can then resume their daily activities almost immediately afterward. This accessibility makes it a very appealing option for individuals seeking relief from pain and injuries without the associated risks and recovery challenges of invasive procedures.
Results vary from person to person, and we'll talk through what's realistic for you at your assessment.
Looking deeper in to how the two types of Shockwave Therapy work.
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) uses low-energy acoustic waves delivered through an applicator. Unlike the focused method, Radial Shockwaves disperse the further they travel through the body's tissue.
Mechanism of action
Unlike focused shockwave therapy, radial shockwaves can treat larger areas of tissue. As the shockwaves pass into the skin, they create micro-traumas which aim to trigger the body's natural healing response, including increased blood flow, new blood vessel formation and collagen production, which aims to support the tissue's own repair.
Advantages of Radial Shockwave Therapy
Non-invasive procedure: RSWT requires no surgery.
Minimal discomfort: Patients often experience less discomfort with Radial Shockwave, compared to more intensely penetrated Focused Shockwave therapy.
Quick recovery time: Most individuals can resume activities fairly soon after treatment.
Wide application range: Radial Shockwave is suitable for a vast range of muscle and tendon conditions and works extremely well in conjunction with Myofascial release and Focused Shockwave therapy.
Focused Shockwave Therapy
Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) uses high-energy acoustic waves, aimed directly at specific tissue, providing a much greater treatment precision than Radial Shockwaves.
Mechanism of action
The Focused Shockwaves can penetrate very deeply, reaching the affected areas with greater energy concentration. This method generates intense pressure pulses which aim to help break down calcium deposits, support cellular repair and ease pain.
Indications and applications
A major benefit of Focused Shockwave Therapy is that it isn't limited to just healing soft tissue ailments like Radial Shockwave Therapy. Focused Shockwave can be used to help more complexed issues such as bone conditions, nerve entrapment issues and even Men's urology conditions, such as Erectile Dysfunction.
Advantages of Focused Shockwave Therapy
Precision targeting: FSWT can precisely target problematic areas. Patients know when Focused Shockwave therapy is reaching the correct area as it generally feels like the pain and discomfort they experience day to day and this is very useful for knowing that the Focused Shockwave is targeting the correct area exactly. This helps the practitioner check that the right area is being treated.
Chronic issues: focused shockwave therapy may help some long-standing, deep-seated problems. Focused shockwave therapy can be used alongside myofascial release and radial shockwave therapy as part of your treatment plan. Research into its uses continues to grow.
Key differences between Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy.
Radial Shockwave machines are significantly more affordable for clinics to purchase than Focused Shockwave machines. This is why Radial Shockwave therapy is more commonly available and seen much more in clinics. Generally, when a clinic state that they offer Shockwave Therapy, it is more than likely they will have a Radial Shockwave machine in their clinic, unless they are stating they specifically provide Focused Shockwave therapy.
The cost difference of the machines between the two types can be attributed to several factors, including the complexity of the technology and the materials used in the manufacturing process. Radial Shockwave therapy utilises a more straightforward mechanism that generates shockwaves through a pneumatic system, which is less costly to produce and maintain in comparison to Focused machines. This makes Radial Shockwave machines a more attractive option for smaller clinics or those just starting to offer shockwave therapy as a treatment modality.
On the other hand, Focused Shockwave machines employ much more advanced technology in the generation of Focused sound waves. The intricate design and engineering required for Focused Shockwave machines contribute to their higher price point, reflecting the investment in research and development that has gone into creating these sophisticated devices and the higher cost to run on a day to day basis in clinic.
Comparisons in the treatment delivery method.
Radial Shockwave: Uses low-energy, broad waves to cover larger surface areas with less intensity.
Focused Shockwave: Employs high-energy waves for deep penetration and precise targeting of specific tissues.
Depth of penetration
Radial Shockwave: Generally effective for superficial conditions, penetrating tissue to roughly 50 millimetres at its most.
Focused Shockwave: can reach depths of up to 125mm, so it can reach deeper tissues than radial shockwave.
Pain Tolerance
With both radial and focused shockwave, practitioners generally aim for about 6 out of 10 on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Shockwave therapy doesn't need to be extremely intense.
Radial Shockwave: Patients usually report less discomfort during treatment, suitable for those sensitive to pain.
Focused Shockwave: may cause more discomfort than radial because of the higher energy, and we adjust the intensity to what you can tolerate.
How to choose the correct type of Shockwave therapy.
Choosing the right type of shockwave therapy will depend on your specific condition and comfort with pain.
When to choose Radial Shockwave Therapy.
Individuals looking for a non-invasive treatment for surface issues.
Those preferring a gentler approach with minimal discomfort.
Patients with conditions affecting larger muscle groups, such as lateral epicondylitis or plantar fasciitis.
When to choose Focused Shockwave Therapy?
Those with chronic or complex tendon and joint issues needing deeper intervention.
Patients able to tolerate a higher discomfort level for effective treatment.
Individuals requiring treatment for bone conditions like calcific tendonitis or non-healing fractures.
Nerve entrapment conditions such as Morton's neuroma.
Men's pelvic health conditions, such as erectile dysfunction or overactive bladder (OAB). We use focused, not radial, shockwave for these conditions.
Making the correct choice of treatment for your condition.
This is extremely important and if a clinic is well equipped with both types of Shockwave machines, they can guide you in the right direction of which type of therapy would best be suited for the ailments you are suffering from. As we have already covered in this article earlier, clinics who possess both Radial Shockwave and Focused Shockwave machines will generally suggest combining both types of Shockwave therapy together - within the same treatment sessions. Your practitioner can explain whether combining them is suitable for you.
Understanding the differences between Radial and Focused Shockwave is very important within the world of MSK therapy and by knowing this vital information gives you the knowledge on making correct and informative decisions on your treatment therapy. This will give you the best and most suitable option for your individual needs.
An assessment with an experienced shockwave practitioner helps check whether shockwave therapy is suitable for your MSK or men's health condition. Results vary from person to person.
Remember... Life is a matter of choices and every choice you make, makes you. 'John C Maxwell'.
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