Ultrasound vs. Focused Shockwave

Posted in November 12th, 2024

For gym-goers battling chronic pain, navigating the world of physical therapy treatments can be confusing. Two modalities often mentioned are ultrasound therapy and focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). While both utilize soundwaves, they differ significantly in their approach and effectiveness. This blog post aims to demystify these treatments, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your pain management.

Ultrasound Therapy: Gentle Healer

Imagine high-frequency sound waves gently penetrating your tissues, promoting healing and pain relief. That's the essence of ultrasound therapy. It works by increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles, and enhancing cellular processes. This non-invasive method is suitable for various conditions, including:

• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Muscle strains

Treatment sessions are typically short (5-10 minutes) and involve applying gel to the targeted area while the therapist glides the ultrasound head in circular motions. Depending on your condition, multiple sessions might be required.

Focused ESWT: Targeting Pain at Its Source

Think of focused ESWT as a more aggressive cousin of ultrasound. It uses high-energy sound waves precisely directed at the affected area. These "shockwaves" stimulate the body's natural healing response by:

• Increasing blood flow
• Breaking down calcium deposits
• Releasing growth factors
• Reducing pain-causing substances

The result? Potentially accelerated healing and significant pain reduction. Treatment sessions are also shorter (3-8 minutes) but require multiple spaced-out sessions depending on the severity of your condition.

Key Differences for Informed Choices

Here's a breakdown of the key differences to help you understand which option might be better suited for you:

Feature Ultrasound Therapy Focused ESWT (Shockwave Therapy)

Mechanism                                 High-frequency sound waves                                                 High-energy, focused sound waves

Application                                  Gentle heating and stimulation                                              Creates microtrauma for healing

Benefits                                        Increased blood flow, pain relief, improved mobility         Faster healing, reduced pain, tissue regeneration

Limitations                                   Less effective for chronic pain                                                May cause temporary discomfort

Session Duration                         5-10 minutes                                                                              3-8 minutes

Treatment Frequency                 Multiple sessions may be needed                                          Multiple spaced-out sessions needed

Effectiveness                                Effective for acute and some chronic pain                           Highly effective for chronic pain (up to 95% improvement)

Both ultrasound therapy and ESWT offer non-invasive options for managing chronic pain. While ultrasound offers gentle relief, ESWT provides a more targeted approach for faster, longer-lasting results. Ultimately, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most appropriate therapy for your specific needs.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only. It's not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized treatment plans.

REFERENCES

A Deeper Look into StemWave® by Dr. Allen Manison, DC, DACBSP, CSCS, CCEP. (n.d.). StemWave. https://www.stemwave.com/a-deeper-look-into-stemwave/

Overcoming Chronic Pain with StemWave. (n.d.). MVMT Health. https://www.mvmt.health/overcoming-chronic-pain-with-stemwave/

StemWave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis. (n.d.). MVMT Health. https://www.mvmt.health/stemwave-therapy-for-knee-osteoarthritis/