Focused vs. Radial Shockwave: Understanding the Differences and Why Focused Shockwave is Superior
Shockwave therapy has revolutionised the treatment of chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries, offering effective, non-invasive solutions. But did you know that focussed shockwave therapy and radial shockwave therapy are very different? While both utilise sound waves, the level of precision, depth, and results set them worlds apart.
At Cornwall Physio, we’re proud to now offer Focussed shockwave therapy, which is available in less than 5% of clinics in the UK. What’s more, we combine this cutting-edge technology with EMTT (Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy), amplifying its effectiveness and ensuring the best possible results for our patients. Here’s why focused shockwave therapy, particularly when paired with EMTT, is the gold standard in recovery.
What is True Shockwave Therapy?
True Shockwave therapy (fSWT) delivers high-energy sound waves to stimulate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Originally developed for kidney stone treatment in the 1970s, its applications in musculoskeletal care have grown dramatically.
There are two main types of shockwave therapy:
- Focused Shockwave Therapy (fSWT): High-energy shockwaves target deep tissues with precision.
- Radial Shockwave Therapy (rSWT): Low-energy ‘pressure waves’ waves spread outward, treating more superficial tissues.
Why Focussed Shockwave is the Gold Standard
- The Only True Shockwave
Focussed shockwave therapy is the only true ‘shockwave therapy’ according to physics. Radial shockwave, technically a pressure wave, lacks the precision, intensity, and effectiveness of focused shockwave. As an expert in the field explains, “In Europe and the USA, radial shockwave isn’t even considered true shockwave.” This distinction matters because focused shockwave targets the root cause of pain with unmatched results. - More Powerful and Effective
Focused shockwave delivers 10–20 times more energy than radial ‘shockwave’ (aka radial pressure waves’), enabling it to reach deep tissues and tackle complex conditions. This makes it ideal for treating a wide range of acute and chronic injuries (including bursitis, calcific tendinopathy, proximal hamstring injuries, and bone stress injuries), which radial shockwave cannot address effectively. - Deep Penetration
With a penetration depth of up to 12 cm, focused shockwave can treat deep-tissue injuries, chronic pain, and inflamed or highly irritable conditions that radial shockwave simply cannot reach or treat. Radial ‘shockwave’ only reaches a depth of around 3cm. - Less Painful
Despite being more powerful, focused shockwave is actually less painful because the energy bypasses the skin, directly targeting the tissue. Radial shockwave, in contrast, causes more skin irritation and discomfort due to its dispersed energy.
Why Choose Cornwall Physio for Your Focused Shockwave Therapy?
- Exclusive Pairing with EMTT
Cornwall Physio is one of only a handful of clinics in the UK to combine focused shockwave therapy with EMTT (Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy). EMTT amplifies and boosts the effectiveness of focused shockwave by:- Reducing inflammation and pain in highly irritable areas.
- Allowing us to start treatment earlier for acute or inflamed conditions, where focussed shockwave alone might be too intense initially.
- Cutting-Edge Technology
Less than 5% of clinics in the UK have access to focussed shockwave therapy. Add to this our EMTT technology, and Cornwall Physio stands out as one of the most advanced rehabilitation clinics in the country. - Expert Care
Our team of experienced clinicians specialise in treating complex and chronic conditions. We tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring a holistic approach that combines cutting-edge technology with expert rehabilitation. - Proven Results
Our patients consistently report significant improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. Whether it’s stubborn tendinopathy, a bone stress injury, or a calcified tendon, our unique combination of focussed shockwave and EMTT delivers unparalleled results.
Conditions Treated with Focused Shockwave Therapy
- Chronic or Acute tendinopathies (e.g., rotator cuff, Achilles, tennis elbow)
- Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
- Proximal hamstring injuries
- Facet joint back pain
- SIJ pain
- Plantar fasciitis/ Heel Spur/ Bursitis
- Non-union fractures
- Bone stress injuries
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Tennis elbow / Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Morton’s Neuroma/ De Quervins
Conclusion: Why Focussed Shockwave with EMTT is the Future of Pain Relief
Ready to Experience the Gold Standard in Regenerative Therapy?
Cornwall Physio is one of the UK’s few clinics offering focused shockwave therapy, uniquely paired with EMTT. Let us help you heal faster and get back to doing what you love.
