Comparing the state of the art, Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy: The differences between the two types of game changing technology in the MSK world.

In this article, we are going to look into more depth about Shockwave therapy and how it is revolutionising the way we treat musculoskeletal problems, including tendonitis ailments such as Plantar Fasciitis. The one major stumbling block that we see here at The Shockwave Therapy Clinic is that many people have absolutely no idea that are two different types of Shockwave therapy. There are huge differences! They definitely not the same!

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. This is really where Shockwave treatment becomes a huge game changer in the MSK world for reducing pain and increasing mobility for long-term healing benefits.

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.

The research and development that has gone into Focused Shockwave therapy has been extremely extensive and costly and has undergone many clinically trials. Radial Shockwave does have its limitations, whereas Focused Shockwave therapy has opened the door into a much bigger world of healing and there is now a vast amount of evidence to prove how much of an effective option it is for many conditions.

Focused Shockwave, unlike Radial, can be used for both acute and chronic MSK conditions. It is also not restricted for just soft tissue ailments such as Tendonitis, it can be used very effectively for bone conditions (OA as an example), nerve entrapment conditions (such as Mortens neuroma) and even Urology conditions, like Men's pelvic health issues (Erectile Dysfunction).

Focused Shockwave therapy can even help with pains and injuries that haven't been able to be previously healed with other forms of therapies, even potentially people who have undergone steroid injections to no avail. Focused Shockwave doesn't have risks of inflammatory flare ups that Radial can potentially aggravate.

This has made Shockwave therapy such an attractive treatment option for people with both acute pains but also for chronic conditions. It could even possibly help people who have been suffering with injuries they may have had for years and used to prevent people from undergoing surgical procedures.

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.

Studies show that around 90% of patients who attend clinics for Shockwave Therapy for pain, report a significant improvement in reduction of their pain very quickly after having Shockwave therapy sessions.

The differences in the way that Radial and Focused Shockwave therapy work.

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 be used to treat much larger tissue areas of the body very effectively. As the Shockwaves penetrate the skin, they create micro-traumas which trigger the body’s natural healing response. This causes a physiological reaction that produces an increased blood flow, new blood vessel formation and collagen production, which helps remove any unwanted build up of waste products such as inflammation restores the tissue back to its normal healthy state.

Advantages of Radial Shockwave Therapy

1. Non-invasive procedure: RSWT requires no surgery.

   
   

2. Minimal discomfort: Patients often experience less discomfort with Radial Shockwave, compared to more intensely penetrated Focused Shockwave therapy.

   
   

3. Quick recovery time: Most individuals can resume activities fairly soon after treatment.

   
   

4. 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.

   
   

The differences in penetration between Radial 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 capable of breaking down calcified tissue, enhancing cellular repair and alleviating pain reasonably quickly.

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

1. 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 leads to a very effective treatment, as the practitioner can be sure that the tissue which needs repairing is being targeted and all the energy is hitting the correct area without wastage.

   
   

2. Effective for chronic issues: Focused Shockwave therapy is often very successful in addressing chronic deep rooted issues and challenging conditions. Working alongside Myofascial release and Radial Shockwave therapy together - Focused Shockwave therapy offers patients such a unique and specialist game changing revolutional treatment. It is clinically proven with vast amounts of research that has developed very incredible technology that has raised the bar for MSK treatment.

   
   

3. Rapid healing: The intense energy produced by Focused Shockwave machines stimulates very quick and effective healing and pain relief for patients. Focused Shockwave can produce an anaesthesia type of reaction within the affected tissue and this is a huge advantage that Focused Shockwave therapy can offer which Radial cannot in the same way.

   
   

How Focused Shockwave Therapy repairs injured tissue cells within the body.

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, which makes it the only viable option for deeper tissue conditions.

  
  

Pain Tolerance

With both Radial and Focused Shockwave, practitioners generally look for a 6/10 on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Shockwave Therapy doesn't need to be extremely intense for it to be very effective.

• Radial Shockwave: Patients usually report less discomfort during treatment, suitable for those sensitive to pain.

  
  

• Focused Shockwave: May cause more discomfort than Radial due to higher energy delivery, but people usually feel the benefits of Focused Shockwave justify the intensity and how it is non-invasive.

  
  

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 health conditions. Urology ailments such as Erectile Dysfunction or Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Radial Shockwave is definitely not indicated for these conditions and would have no effect on improving the conditions.

  
  

Shockwave soundwaves penetrating into the body's tissue to repair blood vessels.

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. This will provide a much more effective treatment that allows for a better and potentially quicker recovery.

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.

Consulting with a professional specialised Shockwave therapist should be vital to evaluate your condition accurately and with the right approach, Shockwave therapy can be extremely effective to vastly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering with MSK or Men's health conditions.

Remember... Life is a matter of choices and every choice you make, makes you. 'John C Maxwell'.