Focused vs Radial Shockwave Therapy: Which Is Right for You?
- My Family Podiatry
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Understanding Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain. But did you know there are two types of shockwave therapy—focused and radial—each designed for different tissue depths and conditions?
At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we use both focused and radial EMS Dolorclast systems to tailor treatment for your specific injury. Understanding the difference helps explain why we achieve faster results for heel pain, Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, knee pain, and more.
The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy
Both focused and radial shockwave therapies use physical energy waves to stimulate tissue regeneration. The difference lies in how deeply and precisely the energy is delivered.
Radial Shockwave Therapy
Dispersion pattern: Broad and shallow (up to 4–5 cm deep)
Best for: Larger soft tissue areas and superficial muscle-tendon junctions
Common uses: Calf tightness, mid-Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and forefoot bursitis
Radial shockwave feels more like a hard massage, it can be felt on the skin as the shockwave is applied. It is often used to treat muscle tension, chronic overload, and pain spread across wider regions.
Focused Shockwave Therapy
Dispersion pattern: Precise and deep (up to 12 cm deep)
Best for: Pinpoint tendon insertions, bone interfaces, and deeper pain
Common uses: Achilles tendon insertion, heel spurs, patellar tendinopathy, hip bursitis, and chronic plantar fasciitis
Focused shockwave is quieter but more intense. It allows us to target specific tissue at depth without affecting surrounding areas.
How We Combine Both for Better Results
Many clinics offer only one type of shockwave. At My Family Podiatry, we use both to treat the entire kinetic chain effectively.
For example:
In Achilles tendinopathy, we use radial shockwave through the calf to reduce muscular tension, followed by focused shockwave at the tendon insertion to address tendon damage at the insertion on the bone.
For heel pain, radial shockwave can be used through the middle of the foot and calf while focused shockwave targets the heel bone attachment for long-term relief.
This dual approach promotes faster healing, reduces recurrence, and improves patient outcomes.
What to Expect During Treatment
Each session lasts around 10–15 minutes. Most patients describe the sensation as uncomfortable but tolerable. There is no downtime, and you can return to normal activity immediately.
Most conditions require 3–6 sessions spaced one week apart. We review your progress at each visit and adjust treatment as needed.
Why We Use EMS Dolorclast Technology
Our clinic exclusively uses EMS Dolorclast shockwave devices, recognised worldwide as the gold standard for both focused and radial treatments. These systems deliver consistent, high-energy pulses and allow us to precisely control intensity and frequency for the best possible results.
Conditions That Benefit from Each Type
Condition | Best Type | Rationale |
Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) | Focused + Radial | Radial used through the midfoot fascia and muscle, focused targets heel attachment |
Achilles Tendinopathy | Both | Radial for calf, focused for tendon insertion |
Shin Splints | Either | Both radial and focused can be very effective in managing shin splints |
Hip Bursitis | Focused | Targets deep trochanteric region |
Knee Osteoarthritis | Focused | Improves microcirculation around joint, can improve pain and function |
Forefoot Bursitis / Neuromas | Focused | Localised tissue repair and pain reduction |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do focused and radial shockwave feel different?
Yes. Radial feels like a hard massage and is noisier, while focused feels deeper and more localised.
Is one better than the other?
Neither is better overall. Each has specific advantages depending on the condition.
How do I know which one I need?
Your podiatrist will assess your symptoms and decide whether focused, radial, or a combination is best.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes. It is non-invasive, requires no anaesthetic, and has minimal side effects.
Book Your Shockwave Assessment Today
If you are living with heel pain, shin splints, or tendon discomfort, shockwave therapy may be the solution. At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we use focused and radial EMS Dolorclast shockwave therapy to help you move pain-free again.
Call 07 3088 6116 or book online to begin your recovery today.
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