Focal or Radial: Which Shock Wave Device Should You Choose?

We must distinguish between two types of shock waves: focused shock waves (FSWT) and radial shock waves (RSWT). Although current clinical studies show that the physiological effects and therapeutic mechanisms are quite similar in both, there are important differences worth understanding.

Introduction to Shock Waves: What They Are and How They Work

A shock wave is a single-pulse acoustic pressure wave characterized by high pressure, a broad frequency range, and a negative phase at the end of its generation.

These waves can travel through tissues and reach the desired anatomical area of the patient being treated.

The repeated application of these shock waves constitutes shock wave therapy. It differs mainly from ultrasound in that the amount of energy generated by shock waves is significantly higher.

This type of shock wave is used to reverse pathological processes or improve patient quality of life across different medical specialties, including rehabilitation, traumatology, physiotherapy, neurorehabilitation, vascular dermatology, sports medicine, urology, maxillofacial medicine, podiatry, aesthetic medicine, and veterinary medicine. In all these fields, the therapeutic objective is tissue regeneration through the indirect effects caused by shock waves on living tissue, including:

• Neoangiogenesis

• Tissue regeneration

• Inflammation modulation

• Analgesia

• Breakdown of calcified deposits

Shock waves trigger biological processes that are beneficial for patients, accelerating the therapeutic process.

Shock wave therapy offers significant clinical benefits, such as the formation of new blood vessels (neoangiogenesis), which support tissue repair processes.

The reversal of chronic inflammation is another advantage of these acoustic waves. Persistent inflammation requires components known as mast cells, whose activity increases with shock wave application, alongside the production of chemokines and cytokines that contribute to improved modulation of the inflammatory process.

Shock waves also stimulate collagen production, which is essential for repairing damaged ligaments and musculoskeletal structures. The waves force newly created collagen fibers to become denser and more rigid through a specific longitudinal structure.

Calcium accumulation can cause micro-tears or other tendon injuries, and shock waves help break down these calcifications, improving the reabsorption and elimination of calcium particles through the lymphatic system. They also help release trigger points, one of the main causes of back, neck, and limb pain. These are palpable nodules within muscles that may restrict blood flow and cause waste accumulation in affected areas.

Focused Shock Wave Devices

These systems originated from the first shock wave devices, known as lithotripters, which were developed to disintegrate kidney stones. This equipment delivers greater power and concentrates pressure at a specific focal point. The pulse cycle is faster, especially in electrohydraulic and piezoelectric systems, while electromagnetic systems are generally slower.

There are several focused shock wave devices available, such as the PiezoWave2, composed of one or multiple applicators configured according to clinical specialty requirements, with penetration depths of up to 172 mm, reaching almost any anatomical area.

The innovative G2 defocused applicator for the PiezoWave2 allows treatment of areas up to 46 mm in a linear pattern, enabling homogeneous energy flow distribution across larger anatomical regions. In addition, its low-energy defocused technology opens the door to new therapeutic applications for myofascial syndrome, dermatology, ulcers, and erectile dysfunction, among others, with greater effectiveness and comfort for both patient and practitioner.

Radial Shock Wave Devices

Radial shock waves, also known as pressure waves or ballistic systems, are generated by a pneumatic mechanism that accelerates a projectile. When the projectile impacts a biocompatible metal applicator, it produces and transmits a radial pressure wave.

In some medical circles, radial shock waves are considered solely radial pressure waves, excluding the term “shock wave” for the following reason:

The radial wave does not achieve an energy flux density reaching 150 MPa with the required rise time of 10 ns needed to be classified as a true shock wave.

Although radial systems produce mechanotransduction and cavitation effects similar to those generated by focused shock waves, the energy levels and penetration depth differ, reaching therapeutic volumes of up to 4 cm.

Therefore, the application of both focused and/or defocused shock waves and radial pressure waves on soft tissues and bone produces physical effects that trigger beneficial biological responses for the patient.

All radial systems supplied by Corr Medical incorporate the Evo Blue applicator or higher versions, ensuring consistent energy delivery throughout the device’s service life and across all available frequencies.

The Swiss DolorClast Evo Blue applicator, together with the recently introduced Blue version included in the DolorClast Radial Shock Waves model, enhances the performance of Swiss DolorClast radial systems. Its patented handpiece technology incorporates an innovative valve system for optimized energy flux densities, making treatments faster, more powerful, precise, and safe.

At Corr Medical, we offer several radial shock wave systems, including the renowned Swiss DolorClast, manufactured with Swiss quality standards and supported by the strongest clinical and scientific evidence within the radial shock wave market. Its versatility allows adaptation to a wide range of treatments in medical clinics, physiotherapy centers, and advanced aesthetic practices.

The Swiss DolorClast Classic was the first radial shock wave device in history and remains the best-selling model since its launch in 1999. This system established the benchmark for radial shock wave therapy, with results supported by numerous clinical studies published by international experts. It is the predecessor of all DolorClast systems, incorporating subsequent technological improvements that have positioned DolorClast as one of the most recognized and advanced radial systems on the market.

Lithotripsy Shock Wave Devices

Lithotripters are the predecessors of all shock wave technologies and are used to fragment urinary stones.

Today, Corr Medical provides technical support services for various lithotripsy systems and offers consultancy and intermediation services to ensure the highest quality standards throughout the entire extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy process, including product selection, purchasing, continuous training, maintenance, and after-sales support.

Conclusion

As demonstrated, shock wave therapy offers high effectiveness in the treatment of multiple medical specialties, contributing to advances in medicine and patient well-being.

Corr Medical provides personalized solutions tailored to your professional profile. We advise and support you throughout the process of selecting the ideal device according to your clinical specialty, including human medicine, aesthetic medicine, and veterinary medicine.

We also provide comprehensive training and after-sales support to help you maximize both the clinical performance and profitability of your equipment.

Contact us to resolve any questions and receive expert guidance on choosing the most suitable solution for your practice.

If you are interested in purchasing equipment, we will call you.