Radial Pressure Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment method commonly used to address muscle tension, soft-tissue tightness, and chronic areas of discomfort. At our office, radial pressure shockwave may be incorporated as part of regular chiropractic care when clinically appropriate.
What Is Radial Pressure Shockwave Therapy?
Radial pressure shockwave therapy uses mechanical pressure waves delivered across the surface of the soft tissue. The energy disperses outward in a radial pattern, primarily affecting superficial muscles and connective tissues.
This form of shockwave therapy is commonly used to:
Radial shockwave is often utilized when muscles or surrounding soft tissues remain tight or reactive despite manual therapy and stretching.
What Is Radial Pressure Shockwave Therapy?
Radial pressure shockwave therapy uses mechanical pressure waves delivered across the surface of the soft tissue. The energy disperses outward in a radial pattern, primarily affecting superficial muscles and connective tissues.
This form of shockwave therapy is commonly used to:
- reduce muscle tightness
- improve local circulation
- address soft-tissue restrictions
- support recovery in areas of chronic tension
Radial shockwave is often utilized when muscles or surrounding soft tissues remain tight or reactive despite manual therapy and stretching.
What conditions can be effectively treated?
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Common Areas Treated With Radial Shockwave
Radial pressure shockwave may be used to support care for:
Treatment selection is based on examination findings and patient response. |
How Radial Shockwave Is Different From Focused Shockwave
Our office offers different forms of shockwave therapy depending on clinical need.
Radial pressure shockwave disperses energy across a broader surface area and primarily affects superficial soft tissue layers. It is commonly used for muscular tightness and general tissue restriction.
Focused shockwave therapy, offered as a separate optional service, delivers energy more precisely and at greater depth, allowing targeted treatment of specific tendon attachments and chronic injury sites.
Not every condition requires focused shockwave therapy. Dr. Li will determine which approach is most appropriate based on your condition and clinical presentation.
What to Expect During Treatment
Radial shockwave therapy is applied using a handheld applicator that is moved slowly over the affected area.
Treatment Frequency
Radial shockwave therapy is commonly performed once per visit or periodically, depending on treatment goals and patient response. It may be used in conjunction with:
Our office offers different forms of shockwave therapy depending on clinical need.
Radial pressure shockwave disperses energy across a broader surface area and primarily affects superficial soft tissue layers. It is commonly used for muscular tightness and general tissue restriction.
Focused shockwave therapy, offered as a separate optional service, delivers energy more precisely and at greater depth, allowing targeted treatment of specific tendon attachments and chronic injury sites.
Not every condition requires focused shockwave therapy. Dr. Li will determine which approach is most appropriate based on your condition and clinical presentation.
What to Expect During Treatment
Radial shockwave therapy is applied using a handheld applicator that is moved slowly over the affected area.
- Treatment time: typically 5–10 minutes per area
- Sensation: tapping or pressure-like pulses
- Discomfort: usually mild to moderate and well tolerated
- Patients often experience temporary soreness similar to post-exercise muscle tenderness.
Treatment Frequency
Radial shockwave therapy is commonly performed once per visit or periodically, depending on treatment goals and patient response. It may be used in conjunction with:
- chiropractic adjustments
- manual therapy
- stretching and corrective exercises
How does it work?
When you experience chronic pain, your body no longer recognizes that there is an injury to that area. As a result, it shuts down the healing process and you feel no relief. Shockwave works by penetrating deep through your soft tissue, causing a microtrauma or new inflammatory condition to the treated area. Once this occurs, it then triggers your body's natural healing response once again. The energy emitted also causes the cells in the soft tissue to release certain bio-chemicals that intensify the body's natural healing process. These bio-chemicals allow for the building of an array of new microscopic blood vessels in the soft tissue.
How is it performed?
The system is a machine with an applicator that looks like an ultrasound. It is administered once a week for a series of 4 to 5 treatments. Each treatment takes approximately 5 minutes depending on the size and number of areas treated.
All treatments are performed by experienced professionals. The physician applies the applicator to the area and administers the ballistic waves by moving over the affected area in a very slow, circular motion. During the treatment, there may be some minor discomfort. Painful areas are helpful in isolating the truly injured areas.
All treatments are performed by experienced professionals. The physician applies the applicator to the area and administers the ballistic waves by moving over the affected area in a very slow, circular motion. During the treatment, there may be some minor discomfort. Painful areas are helpful in isolating the truly injured areas.
Is there any side effects?
There have been very few side effects reported. In rare cases, skin bruising may occur. Patients may also feel soreness in the area for a day or two afterward, similar to a strenuous workout. A day or two after the treatment you may feel a slight discomfort like a bruise, but that is normal and is a sign the treatment is working.