NOT ALL SHOCKWAVE TREATMENTS ARE CREATED EQUAL
The Storz Medical DUOLITH SD1 is a powerful Focused Shockwave Therapy device, made in Switzerland by the pioneers of the modality, and considered the Industry Standard for treating orthopaedic and urological conditions. This is the exact device used at FocusWave Clinic.
Focused vs. Radial
It’s important to understand the difference between ‘Focused’ Shockwave Therapy (what we offer here at FocusWave Clinic) and ‘Radial’ Wave Therapy.
(Be aware, Focused shockwaves are also called ‘Linear’ shockwaves. Radial wave technology is also called ‘Acoustic’ wave or 'Pulse' wave or 'XYZ' wave therapy.)
Many indications in Orthopaedics, Sexual Health, Neurology, and Aesthetics can ONLY be treated by ‘Focused’ Shockwave Therapy.
‘Radial’ wave technology does have many uses in the medical industry and it can be effective for certain treatments, but not others.
The key differences are as follows:
Focused treatments produce ACTUAL shockwaves – they travel at 1500 meters per second.
Radial treatments do not produce actual shockwaves – they travel at 10 meters per second.
Focused shockwaves are electromagnetic and can be directed to VERY specific locations AND depths within the body.
Radial treatments only create surface level pressure outward and thus cannot achieve the depths inside the body where rehabilitation needs to occur to reverse certain issues.
Focused shockwaves reach the cellular level of your condition and offer a painless, side effect free treatment.
Radial waves only reach the tissues of your issues. They are painful, cause redness and inflammation, usually require numbing creams, and there can be downtime following the procedure.
During Focused Shockwave Treatments, clinicians need only lightly press the wand on the affected area to achieve the needed depths to treat the issue.
During some Radial Wave Treatments, clinicians need to press very hard on the tissue to achieve any kind of depth, and in some cases, have to literally ‘pancake’ the affected body part, resulting in an uncomfortable, ineffective therapy.
Shockwave therapy is a revolutionary, relatively young modality.
The efficacy rates for some indications are truly astounding.
See the tremendous amount of evidence here.
But be clear: in most of the listed peer reviewed papers which show exceptional results for shockwave therapy - only a Focused shockwave device was used. NOT Radial.
At FocusWave Clinic in Ottawa, we are using ONLY the Industry Standard, regulator approved, Focused shockwave device.
Bottom line is – ASK your provider if they are offering FOCUSED or LINEAR shockwave therapy, or if it is RADIAL or ACOUSTIC.
Learn more about this amazing therapy by downloading the complimentary E-book below.