Extracorporeal shock wave therapy – ESWT for short – is a proven treatment method that is used in various medical fields. It offers numerous benefits and can help with a wide range of complaints. This introduction to shock wave therapy is intended to help you understand the differences between radial and focused shock wave therapy.
In radial shock wave therapy, the shock waves propagate in the form of a spherical wave, covering a larger treatment area. This leads to a distribution of energy over the treated area. In contrast, with focused shock wave therapy, the shock waves are concentrated in a small area, resulting in a higher energy density in this specific point. This allows the energy to be concentrated on deeper or more precise treatment areas.
The benefits of shock wave therapy include pain relief, stimulation of blood circulation and acceleration of the healing process. It can be used for both acute and chronic complaints and is an alternative to invasive treatment methods.
Shock wave therapy can be used for various conditions such as heel spur, tennis elbow, shoulder pain or muscle tension. It is important to seek advice from a specialist before starting treatment in order to choose the best individual form of therapy.
When used correctly, shock wave therapy is an effective treatment method with few side effects that can help many patients to improve their complaints.
To read more: What are shock waves?
