Focus vs Radial Shockwave Therapy:
What’s the Difference and Which Is Best?
Shockwave therapy is an advanced treatment used in physical therapy and rehabilitation to help treat various musculoskeletal conditions.
This non-invasive therapy involves sending high-energy sound waves into tissues to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
There are two types of shockwave therapy: Focus Shockwave (FSWT) and Radial Shockwave (RSWT). Whilst both therapies are effective in treating different conditions, they have distinct characteristics and applications.
In this article, we will explore the differences between these two shockwave therapies
Principle of Shockwave Therapy
Before delving into the specifics of focus and radial shockwave, it is essential to understand the general principle of shockwave therapy. Shockwaves are acoustic waves that are generated by a high-energy pulse. These waves penetrate deep into tissues, promoting blood flow, stimulating collagen production, and breaking down scar tissue. The goal is to promote healing and alleviate pain in injured or damaged tissues.
Focus Shockwave Therapy
Focus Shockwave Therapy utilises highly concentrated sound waves that are targeted at specific, deep areas of tissue. This form of therapy allows for the delivery of a focused, high-intensity shockwave that can reach deeper layers of muscles, tendons, and bones.
Key Characteristics:
Depth of Penetration:
Focused shockwaves can penetrate deeper into tissues compared to radial shockwaves. The energy is concentrated into a small area, allowing it to reach the deeper layers of tissues, such as muscles and bones.
Precision:
The focused shockwave is directed precisely at the injury site. This makes it highly effective for treating localised conditions where deep tissue intervention is required.
Conditions Treated:
Focused shockwave therapy is often used to treat chronic conditions such as tendinopathies (e.g. tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), calcific shoulder tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and even bone-related issues like bone healing and fracture recovery.
Intensity:
Focused shockwaves generally have a higher intensity than radial shockwaves, making them more suitable for deeper tissue treatments.
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Radial shockwave therapy (also known as “Radial Pulse Therapy”) uses a different approach to the delivery of shockwaves. The energy from radial shockwaves is spread over a larger surface area, and the waves are not as deeply penetrating as in the focused variant. This type of therapy is effective for treating conditions in the superficial layers of the skin and muscles.
Key Characteristics:
Depth of Penetration:
Radial shockwaves have a more superficial effect, as the energy dissipates over a larger surface area. The penetration depth is shallower, making radial shockwave therapy ideal for treating conditions near the skin surface.
Spread of Energy:
The shockwaves are delivered in a radial, spreading pattern, meaning that they target a broader area compared to focused shockwaves. The intensity diminishes as the shockwave spreads out.
Conditions Treated:
Radial shockwave therapy is typically used for conditions affecting the superficial muscles, tendons, and fascia, such as plantar fasciitis, muscle tension, and trigger points. It is also effective for treating soft tissue injuries that don’t require deep penetration.
Comfort:
Radial shockwave therapy is generally less intense than focused shockwave therapy, making it more comfortable for patients. The treatment is often well-tolerated by individuals with more superficial injuries or those who may be sensitive to deeper, more intense shockwave treatments.
Comparison of Focus and Radial Shockwave Therapy
Focus Shockwave Therapy
- Deep tissue penetration
- Focused, high-intensity energy
- Deep tendon and bone conditions
(e.g., calcific tendinopathy, fractures) - Shorter sessions, typically 5-10 minutes
- Less comfortable due to higher intensity
Radial Shockwave Therapy
- Shallow tissue penetration
- Spread-out, lower-intensity energy
- Superficial soft tissue injuries
(e.g., muscle pain, trigger points) - Longer sessions, typically 10-20 minutes
- More comfortable due to lower intensity
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between focused and radial shockwave therapy depends on the nature of the injury or condition you are dealing with:
Focused shockwave therapy is ideal for conditions that involve deep tissues, chronic pain, or bone-related issues. If your problem is localised deep within tendons, bones, or muscles, focused shockwave therapy may be more effective.
Radial shockwave therapy is better suited for treating more superficial injuries or conditions that involve soft tissues near the surface. If you have muscle tension, trigger points, or mild tendinopathy, radial shockwave therapy can provide effective pain relief.
In general, healthcare professionals will assess your specific condition and recommend the type of shockwave therapy that is most appropriate for your needs. In some cases, both Focus and Radial Shockwave may be advised to maximise your rehabilitation potential.
About The Totalcare Clinic
The Totalcare Clinic offer a range of treatments and classes is conveniently located at 92 Winchester Street, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2AA, or reach out to us at 01489 788844 or get in touch via our contact page