Shockwave Therapy Comparison
Focused vs. Radial Shockwave Therapy
Choose the right shockwave therapy for your practice: focused or radial technology? Our comparison helps you find the best solution. In this article, you will find all shockwave devices compared. Here you can find all shockwave devices in the shop.
| Feature | Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) | Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or electrohydraulic shockwaves with a precise focus on a defined target area (focus zone approx. 4-8mm diameter) | Pneumatically generated pressure waves that spread radially from the application point (pressure field up to ~40mm in water) |
| User | Treatment may be performed by doctors and naturopaths. | May also be performed by physiotherapists. |
| Penetration Depth | Penetrates up to 120-160mm deep into tissue – ideal for deep structures such as calcific shoulder and kidney stones | Penetration depth up to ~40mm – suitable for superficial to medium-depth structures such as plantar fasciitis and epicondylitis |
| Accuracy & Focus | Highly precise, exactly locatable with ultrasound or X-ray imaging – maximum energy density at the focal point | Broader application area, less precise localization required – energy decreases exponentially with depth |
| Main Indications |
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| Treatment Experience | Intense, can be painful – local anesthesia or sedation often required with high energy density | Milder, usually well tolerated – patients rarely require anesthesia |
| Treatment Duration | 5-15 minutes per session – fewer pulses required due to higher energy density | 10-20 minutes – more pulses required for a wide area |
| Number of Sessions | 3-5 sessions on average for calcific shoulder – faster results for calcified indications | 4-8 sessions on average – longer treatment cycle for chronic tendinopathies |
| Operating Costs | Higher: Regular maintenance, wear parts (focus heads), energy consumption, imaging if applicable | Lower: Low wear (applicators), simple maintenance, cost-effective operation |
| Space Requirements | Large: Larger devices on rolling carts | Small: Often portable, flexibly usable in various treatment rooms |
| Learning Curve | Steeper: Requires training for precise focusing and dosimetry | Shallower: Intuitive application, quickly ready for use after basic training |
| Effectiveness (Studies) | 57-87% complete calcium resorption in calcific shoulder; high energy density shows better results in deep calcifications. No clear superiority over RSWT for general tendinopathy | 60-80% success rate for superficial indications (plantar fasciitis, epicondylitis). Comparable pain reduction to FSWT for tendinopathy, but with low to very low quality of evidence |
| Ideal Practice Types |
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| Example Devices at CardioVibe | BTL-6000 FSWT – High-performance focused, 1-25 Hz |
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| Price Range & Leasing | €16,000–€25,000 purchase (depending on performance); leasing available | €5,000–€14,000 purchase; leasing varies depending on the term (accessible to all practice sizes) |
Which technology is right for your practice?
✓ Choose FOCUSED if:
- You are a specialist practice for complex orthopedic cases
- You are a doctor or naturopath
- You frequently treat calcific deposits (especially in the shoulder)
- Imaging procedures (ultrasound/X-ray) are available
- Patient safety through precision in the focus is a priority
- You work in high-volume centers with a corresponding budget
✓ Choose RADIAL if:
- You offer general physiotherapy and a wide range of indications
- Heel spurs & tennis elbow are among your common cases
- You prioritize cost-effectiveness and low operating costs
- You want to offer mobile/flexible therapies or home visits
- You want to add a new therapy option with a low learning curve
- There is a limited budget for purchase and maintenance
