Shockwave Therapy vs. Ultrasound Therapy

If you’ve recently sustained an injury or are experiencing chronic pain, your doctor may have brought up the option of shockwave therapy or ultrasound therapy. In many ways, these non-invasive therapies are very similar, however, they’re administered in different ways and can treat different injuries and disorders.
Our experts at the medcom group explain the pros and cons of each, as well as which one may be right for you.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to promote tissue healing and reduce pain. Also called EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation technology), this type of electrotherapy treatment sends shockwaves into injured tissues, which stimulates an increase in blood flow and growth hormones to heal the affected area.
There are two types of shockwave therapy: focused and radial. Focused shockwave therapy sends waves deep into a small area. This technique can be beneficial in treating bone diseases.
Radial shockwave therapy, on the other hand, spreads the waves over a broader area, which can be helpful for trigger points.

What Can Be Treated with Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave can aid in the healing of a variety of injured tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It can be used to treat:

• Knee pain
• Foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis
• Leg pain, such as hamstring injuries
• Elbow pain
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain

What Is Ultrasound Therapy?

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to generate heat within the damaged tissue. This heat leads to increased blood flow and greater flexibility, which aid in the healing process through a boost of vital nutrients.

There are two types of ultrasound therapy: thermal and mechanical.

Thermal ultrasound therapy warms the skin and muscles, which alleviates pain and stimulates repair. Mechanical ultrasound uses mechanical vibrations to break up deposits like kidney stones or break down scar tissue.

What Can Be Treated with Ultrasound Therapy?

Ultrasound can be used for many different issues, including:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Arthritis of the joints
• Bone fractures
• Bone cancer
• Tenditnitis

Differences Between Shockwave and Ultrasound Therapy

When comparing shockwave therapy vs. ultrasound therapy, there are some key differences to consider. Shockwave therapy works very well for the recovery of injuries, while ultrasound can be effective in treating chronic, long-term pain.

Another distinction is that shockwave therapy is only administered by a medical professional, such as a sports medicine physician or athletic trainer.

Ultrasound therapy, on the other hand, is more accessible. There are ultrasound devices a person can use at home, and beauty technicians also use ultrasound devices for facials and other procedures. Ultrasound can also be used to treat neurological disorders.

Which Should I Choose?

When deciding which therapy to undergo, it’s best to talk through the options with your doctor and listen to their recommendation. When you speak with them, be sure to ask about the possibility of performing the therapy at home, on your own. If you do, a wearable option such as the sam® Sport/Pro 2.0 can be a great option.

If you want recommendations on other electrotherapy devices, contact our knowledgeable team at the medcom group to learn about other equipment that could be right for you.