What is the Difference Between Focused Shockwave Therapy and Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is recognised as a non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. It uses high-energy acoustic waves to promote tissue regeneration, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. Originally developed for breaking down kidney stones, it is now widely used in sports medicine, orthopaedics, and rehabilitation.

Two main types of shockwave therapy exist: focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) and radial shockwave therapy (RSWT). Both use pressure waves to support healing. However, they differ in penetration depth, energy delivery, and treatment approach.

Understanding the difference between focused shockwave therapy and radial shockwave therapy helps patients choose the most suitable option. This blog post explains how shockwave therapy works, its applications, and how FSWT and RSWT compare.

Summary of the Content:

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to support healing and pain relief.
Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) penetrates deeper tissues, reaching 5–12 cm.
Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) affects surface-level tissues up to 3 cm deep.
FSWT targets specific injuries like chronic tendinopathy and stress fractures.
RSWT is suitable for broader areas, helping with muscle tension and soft tissue discomfort.
Both therapies improve blood circulation and stimulate collagen production.
FSWT is generally applied once per week for 3–5 sessions.
RSWT is often applied 1–2 times weekly for 3–6 sessions.
Side effects are mild, with temporary soreness or redness.
FSWT provides precise energy delivery, while RSWT spreads waves outward.
The difference between focused shockwave therapy and radial shockwave therapy depends on treatment goals and condition severity.
Both options offer effective pain relief without surgery or medication.

Overview of Shockwave Therapy Treatment

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to help the body heal injured tissues. It is commonly used in physical therapy, orthopaedics, and sports medicine for muscle, tendon, and joint conditions.

A shockwave device produces high-energy sound waves that pass through the skin and into the affected area. Depending on how deep they need to reach, these waves can be focused or spread out (radial). A handheld device applies the treatment, and ultrasound gel helps the waves move effectively.

When the waves reach the targeted area, they trigger the body’s natural healing response. This process leads to several benefits:

More blood flows to the area, bringing extra oxygen and nutrients to support recovery.
The body produces more collagen, a protein that strengthens tendons and ligaments.
Inflammation decreases, which helps with pain relief in long-term conditions.
Healing is stimulated as the waves encourage the release of growth factors that support tissue recovery.

Shockwave therapy is often used instead of surgery or injections to address soft tissue injuries and chronic pain. Many people find relief with this treatment, experiencing minimal discomfort and very few side effects.

Focused Shockwave Therapy

Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) uses high-energy waves to reach tissues between 5–12 cm deep, depending on intensity and tissue density. It targets injured tendons, bones, and soft tissues with precision, making it useful for musculoskeletal injuries that take longer to heal. FSWT is commonly used in clinical orthopaedics and rehabilitation.

This therapy is often recommended for individuals experiencing specific conditions that affect mobility and cause persistent discomfort. These include:

Chronic tendinopathy:
This condition causes tendon pain and stiffness due to repetitive strain or overuse. FSWT stimulates collagen production and increases blood flow, which helps strengthen and restore the affected tendon.
Stress fractures:
Small cracks in bones develop from repeated impact, often in athletes. FSWT supports bone recovery by improving circulation and stimulating the body’s natural healing response.
Soft tissue damage:
Injuries to muscles, ligaments, or other connective tissues can take longer to improve. FSWT helps reduce inflammation and encourages new tissue formation.
Plantar fasciitis:
Inflammation of the plantar fascia leads to heel pain, especially with movement. FSWT reduces discomfort and supports the healing of the affected area.

FSWT stimulates the body’s healing process and helps reduce inflammation. Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks without needing injections or surgery, and the procedure involves minimal discomfort.

Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy

FSWT offers several advantages for musculoskeletal conditions. It increases blood flow, stimulates collagen production, and enhances the body’s natural healing process.

Pain relief without medication:
FSWT reduces nerve sensitivity and increases circulation, which helps ease discomfort in the affected area.
Improved mobility:
FSWT supports soft tissue recovery, making movement easier and reducing stiffness.
Minimal side effects:
Mild soreness or temporary redness may occur but usually subsides quickly.
Quick recovery time:
Patients can return to normal activities shortly after treatment without extended downtime.
Effective session schedule:
FSWT is generally applied once per week for 3-5 sessions, depending on severity.

Many patients notice improvement after a few sessions. Because of its therapeutic potential, FSWT is widely used in clinical orthopaedics and sports medicine. Most patients experience long-term benefits with minimal side effects.

Radial Shockwave Therapy

Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) uses pressure waves to affect tissues up to 3 cm deep, depending on frequency and pressure. Unlike FSWT, RSWT delivers a broader energy distribution, making it suitable for wider treatment areas.

A handheld device applies the waves across the skin, promoting circulation and cellular activity to support recovery. RSWT is often used in physical therapy and rehabilitation for surface-level musculoskeletal conditions.

RSWT is commonly used for conditions involving widespread muscle tension or pain near the skin’s surface. These include:

Myofascial pain syndrome:
This occurs when tight muscle knots cause discomfort and stiffness. RSWT increases blood flow and reduces nerve sensitivity, helping muscles relax and reduce tension.
Achilles tendinopathy:
Pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon can make movement difficult. RSWT encourages tissue regeneration and helps manage localised inflammation. It can also improve flexibility over time.
Elbow and wrist discomfort:
Overuse and repetitive movements can strain joints, causing stiffness and pain. RSWT disperses low-intensity waves across the affected area, helping ease tension and reduce stiffness.
Hip and shoulder tightness:
Restricted movement in these areas can lead to discomfort. RSWT promotes circulation and muscle relaxation, which helps improve flexibility and range of motion.

RSWT is a conservative treatment that can be applied to multiple areas in one session.

Benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy

RSWT offers various benefits for musculoskeletal conditions at the surface level. It improves blood circulation and activates the body’s natural healing processes. Additionally, it provides support for non-invasive pain management.

Relief from muscle tension and stiffness:
RSWT enhances circulation, aiding in the relaxation of tight muscles, which can alleviate discomfort in the affected area.
Ability to treat multiple areas simultaneously:
RSWT spreads waves across a larger area, allowing it to target multiple muscle groups during a single session. This makes it effective for patients experiencing widespread discomfort.
Minimal discomfort and few side effects:
Mild soreness or temporary redness at the treatment site may occur but usually subside quickly.
Short sessions and no required downtime:
RSWT treatments are quick and allow patients to continue daily activities without major disruption.
Effective session schedule:
RSWT is often applied 1–2 times per week for 3–6 sessions, depending on response.

Many patients notice gradual improvements in mobility and comfort after completing their treatment sessions.

Key Differences Between FSWT and RSWT Shockwave Treatments

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) includes focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) and radial shockwave therapy (RSWT). Both use acoustic waves to support healing but differ in depth, treatment area, and wave delivery. These differences affect treatment goals, comfort levels, and conditions addressed.

Feature	Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT)	Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)
Penetration depth	5–12 cm, targeting deep tissues	Up to 3 cm, affecting surface-level tissues
Treatment area	Small and precise, suitable for specific injuries	Broad dispersion, suitable for larger areas
Wave delivery	High-energy waves focused on a single point	Waves spread outward, covering wider areas
Pain levels	Mild to moderate discomfort, depending on the intensity	Less discomfort, generally well-tolerated
Common uses	Chronic tendinopathy, stress fractures, deep musculoskeletal issues	Muscle tension, soft tissue injuries, and broader pain relief
Healing effects	Boosts collagen production, increases blood flow, and supports tissue recovery	Improves circulation, relaxes muscles, and reduces nerve sensitivity
Treatment frequency	Typically once per week for 3–5 sessions	Often applied 1–2 times per week for 3–6 sessions
Side effects	Minimal, with temporary redness or mild discomfort	Mild soreness or temporary irritation usually subsides quickly

FSWT focuses on deep tissue concerns, while RSWT is effective for broader, surface-level issues. Both provide non-invasive pain relief and support muscle and joint recovery.

Patients report improvements with consistent sessions. The difference between focused shockwave therapy and radial shockwave therapy lies in their depth and application, making each suitable for different conditions.

Final Thoughts

Focused and radial shockwave therapy are non-invasive options for musculoskeletal conditions. They use acoustic waves but differ in depth, treatment area, and intensity.
FSWT targets deep tissues, making it suitable for chronic tendon issues and stress fractures. RSWT spreads energy over a wider area, helping with muscle tension and surface-level pain. Both therapies increase blood flow, support healing, and help with pain management.

The difference between focused shockwave therapy and radial shockwave therapy depends on the condition, severity, and treatment goals. Many patients see improvements after several sessions with minimal side effects. Impact Shockwave and Technology Centre provides advanced treatment options to support mobility and recovery.