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Focused vs Radial Shockwave Therapy Machines Explained 

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Shockwave therapy has emerged as a powerful non-invasive treatment modality for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Clinicians and medical professionals use two primary types of shockwave machines: focused shockwave therapy machines and radial shockwave therapy machines. Though they both operate on the principle of delivering acoustic energy to the body’s tissues, their mechanisms of action, applications, and depth of penetration differ significantly. In this blog, we’ll explore these differences in detail, providing clear guidance for doctors and clinics to make informed decisions about which type of therapy is most suitable for their patients.

What is a Focused Shockwave Therapy Machine?

A focused shockwave therapy machine is designed to deliver high-energy acoustic waves that converge at a specific focal point within the body. This allows for precise targeting of deeper tissues, making it ideal for treating chronic musculoskeletal conditions, tendon injuries, and conditions like plantar fasciitis, calcific tendinopathy, and nonunion fractures. The shockwaves penetrate deeply into the tissue, with depth ranges of up to 12 cm, depending on the machine and the treatment protocol.

The energy generated in focused shockwave therapy is delivered in a short burst (often in nanoseconds), producing high peak pressures that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. Unlike radial waves, which disperse quickly, the energy in focused shockwaves remains concentrated, reducing collateral tissue damage and enhancing therapeutic outcomes for deeper, more localized injuries.

Examples of Focused Shockwave Therapy Machines:

  • Sanuwave dermaPACE
  • Storz Duolith
  • Inceler Medikal Modus-F

What is a Radial Shockwave Therapy Machine?

In contrast to focused machines, radial shockwave therapy machines operate by dispersing energy radially from the applicator’s surface, making them ideal for treating superficial conditions and larger areas of tissue. Radial shockwaves are generated by a mechanical process where compressed air accelerates a projectile inside the machine, which strikes the applicator at the skin’s surface. The energy is then transmitted into the tissues but only penetrates to a depth of approximately 3.5 cm.

One critical distinction is that radial shockwaves do not meet the technical definition of a “true shockwave” due to their lower peak pressure and slower rise time. These waves are also sometimes referred to as pressure waves, and their therapeutic effect is more generalized, making them suitable for treating larger surface areas like muscle pain or more superficial injuries, but less effective for deep-tissue conditions.

Examples of Radial Shockwave Therapy Machines:

  • EMS Swiss DolorClast Master
  • Zimmer EnPuls Pro
  • DJO Chattanooga Intelect RPW 2

READ MORE: Radial Shockwave Therapy Machines Compared 

Comparing Focused vs Radial Shockwave Therapy Machines: Key Differences

Understanding the core differences between focused and radial shockwave machines is critical for doctors and clinics in determining the best treatment approach for their patients. The following are the key distinctions between these two types of therapy:

FeatureFocused Shockwave Therapy MachineRadial Shockwave Therapy Machine
Energy DistributionConcentrated at a focal point in deeper tissuesDispersed radially over a broader area
Penetration DepthUp to 12 cmUp to 3.5 cm
Best for TreatingDeep musculoskeletal injuries, tendinopathySuperficial muscle pain, large surface areas
Treatment AreaLocalized, preciseLarger, more diffuse areas
Mechanism of ActionAcoustic waves generated and focused on a pointPressure waves generated by projectile impact

Clinicians should consider these key differences when deciding between focused and radial shockwave therapy machines, with the treatment goal and the specific nature of the patient’s condition serving as the main guiding factors.

When to Use a Focused Shockwave Therapy Machine in Clinical Settings

Focused shockwave therapy is best suited for cases where the injury or condition involves deep tissue or chronic pain. Some common scenarios where focused shockwave therapy excels include:

  • Chronic Tendon Injuries: Research, such as the study by Li et al. (2021), shows that focused shockwave therapy significantly outperforms radial therapy for long-term relief in patients with noncalcific rotator cuff tendinopathies.
  • Nonunion Fractures: Focused shockwave machines can penetrate deep enough to stimulate bone regeneration, making them an ideal treatment for nonunion fractures.
  • Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain: Conditions that require precise targeting of deeper tissues respond better to the concentrated energy provided by focused therapy.

Clinics treating athletes or patients with chronic conditions that require precision should prioritize focused machines for optimal outcomes.

When to Choose Radial Shockwave Therapy for Patient Care

Radial shockwave therapy, on the other hand, is ideal for cases where superficial tissues and larger muscle groups are the target of treatment. Examples include:

  • Muscle Tightness or Strain: Radial shockwave therapy’s ability to treat larger areas makes it effective for relieving muscle strain or tightness in the back, shoulders, or legs.
  • Superficial Tendinopathy: Radial therapy is suitable for treating tendinopathy when the condition is closer to the surface and does not require deep tissue penetration.
  • Trigger Point Release: When treating conditions that involve broad muscle pain or trigger points, radial waves offer sufficient therapeutic benefit without the need for deep tissue penetration.

Exploring Advanced Solutions: Introducing SoftWave Therapy

While both focused and radial shockwave therapies provide distinct benefits, SoftWave Therapy offers a new, advanced alternative. What sets SoftWave apart is its patented broad-focused acoustic waves delivered through a parabolic reflector applicator, covering a treatment area of 7cm x 12cm. This innovative design enables it to treat both deep and superficial tissues simultaneously, offering a comprehensive treatment zone that outperforms traditional machines.

Unlike focused shockwave therapy, which targets specific points, and radial shockwave therapy, which is limited in depth, SoftWave Therapy offers a broader, more holistic approach. Its ability to deliver unfocused, low-intensity shockwaves makes it ideal for treating various conditions, including connective tissue activation, pain reduction, musculoskeletal conditions, wound healing, men’s and women’s urological and sexual health, and aesthetics

SoftWave’s unique parallel acoustic waves penetrate deeper into tissue without causing microtrauma, a common limitation in traditional shockwave therapies. This broader coverage allows it to treat more conditions effectively, reduce treatment times, and improve patient outcomes, making it a superior choice for clinics looking to provide comprehensive care.

Why SoftWave Therapy is the Optimal Choice for Modern Clinics

For clinics considering the next step in shockwave therapy, SoftWave Therapy is a game-changer due to its technical innovations and superior clinical outcomes. With FDA 510(k) clearances across various therapeutic applications, SoftWave’s technology is not only versatile but also proven to deliver faster and more effective healing.

Key benefits include:

  • Broad-Focused Coverage: The patented parabolic reflector allows SoftWave to cover large areas of tissue—both deep and superficial—offering more comprehensive treatment than traditional focused or radial devices.
  • Non-Invasive and Safe: SoftWave Therapy provides effective treatment without the need for surgery or pharmaceuticals, making it a safe and comfortable option for patients.
  • Improved Treatment Efficiency: SoftWave’s ability to treat larger areas more quickly means shorter treatment times and reduced sessions, improving clinic workflow and patient satisfaction.
  • Clinical Versatility: From treating chronic conditions like diabetic ulcers and burns to reducing pain and promoting connective tissue repair, SoftWave Therapy offers a wide range of applications that benefit patients and clinics alike.

Learn more about the Best Shockwave Therapy Machine For Providers

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Shockwave Therapy Machine for Your Clinic

When choosing between focused and radial shockwave therapy machines, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your patients and the nature of their conditions. Focused shockwave therapy machines are ideal for deep tissue injuries, while radial machines offer broader, more superficial treatment. However, SoftWave Therapy provides an innovative alternative that combines the strengths of both, offering a more versatile and effective option for clinics. Become a SoftWave provider today to elevate your clinic’s treatment capabilities and offer your patients the best in shockwave therapy innovation.

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