Radial Electromagnetic Shock Wave Therapy (REST) has become very popular over the last decade. This treatment uses high frequency sound waves to stimulate tissue healing. The theory behind REST is that it helps to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. Is it effective? Does it really work?
REST was developed to treat sports injuries and chronic pain. Today, REST is also being used to treat other conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and even cancer.
What is the difference between radial vs focused shock wave therapy?
Radial pressure waves are the most commonly used type of shock wave therapy for musculoskeletal conditions. However, focused has grown in popularity because of its greater treatment options, treatment depth and treatment precision, and patients' comfort in more acute cases than traditional treatments.
Both focused and radial shock wave treatments use different methods for generating high-energy acoustic waves. However, they differ in terms of pressure amplitudes, pulse durations, and impact energies. They also produce different levels of therapeutic tissue penetration.
Radial pressure wave / shock waves (soft shock)
Used for larger treatment areas of superficial conditions. The radial shock wave consists of three parts – ultrasonic pulses, audio pulses, and the relatively slow shearing waves. Pressure waves travel from their point of origin to their destination. They weaken the further they go. Pneumatic systems generate radial waves. A projectile is accelerated to a speed using compressed air, then suddenly decelerated using a transmitter, which is kept in contact with the area being treated. The generated kinetic energy travels through the tissue as an aspheric wave, which then spreads radially outwardly into the tissue. The transmitting surface has the highest pressure and energy density.
Focused shock waves (hard shock)
Used for smaller focal point for greater accuracy and greater treatment depth. Focused shock waves are able to penetrate deeper than traditional ultrasound therapy and provide their full power at the designated depth. A focused shock wave is created by applying an electric current to a cylinder shaped coil, which creates opposing magnetic fields when current flows. This causes a submerged bubble to move and generate a sound wave in the surrounding liquid. They propagate through the medium without losing any energy with a small focal point. At the point where waves actually occur, there is negligible energy dispersion. This helps limit damage to the skin and to underlying tissue.
Benefits of shock wave therapy
Shockwave Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating pain associated with muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries, and in some cases, arthritis. It can be used to treat people who suffer from sports or overuse injuries, and can also benefit those undergoing physiotherapy treatment for a variety of conditions.
Most commonly, shock wave therapy is used to help treat the following conditions:
Plantar Fasciitis (pain in the bottom of the foot)
Patellofemoral syndrome (runner’s knee)
Achilles tendinopathy (pain in the tendon that connects your foot to your calf muscle)
Tennis elbow (pain in the outer part of the elbow)
Golfers elbow (pain on the inner side of the elbow)
Iliotibial band Syndrome, or ITBS (pain that stretches from the outside of the hip down the outer thigh to the outside of the knee caused by running and cycling)
Bony heel spurs
Medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints)
Can anyone take shock wave therapy?
Before having any treatment, your specialist will take a full medical history from you to assess your suitability for shock wave therapy.
Shockwave therapy is safe, effective, and recommended for some conditions when used by trained professionals. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone. This type of treatment isn’t suitable if:
You have had previous surgery on the affected area
You have bleeding disorders
You are pregnant
You have metal implants in the area
You have an infection in the area that needs treatment
You have a nerve disorder
Get Treatment for Your Elbow Pain Today
Our team at LJ Chiropractic, Courtney, Sophia and Li Jen are experts when it comes to radial electromagnetic shock wave therapy. We believe preventative chiropractic care and management prior to pain determines the longevity of joint movement and prevents injuries occurring, allowing you to lead an active lifestyle. LJ Chiropractic offers tailored treatment options to accommodate the varied needs of our patients. Contact us now for your physical examination!
