What is the difference between ESWT and FSWT in Shockwave?

ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy) is a general term for extracorporeal shockwave therapy. FSWT (focused shockwave therapy) is a type of ESWT, which focuses energy at a specific point, using high energy density, and is suitable for localized, deep problems.

When people buying shockwave machines ask “What’s the difference between ESWT and FSWT?”, they actually mean the difference between the two main types of ESWT: radial shockwave (RSWT or rESWT) and focused shockwave (FSWT or fESWT).

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Comparison of core differences:

FinenessRadial Shock wave Therapy (RSWT/rESWT)Focused Shock Wave Therapy (FSWT/fESWT)
WaveformDispersion wave (dispersion towards the point of contact)Convergence wave (jujiaoyu specific focus)
DepthShallow, about 3- 4 cm, over 4cm. Effect: Rapid declineRange depth, range 2-12cm (range 2-30cm)
Area of ​​actionA large-scale surface, a shallow surface problem that fits wellDetailed focus on a small area, suitable for local deep problems
Capacity Densitylow end, maximum strength low endIncreased height, maximum strength
PermeabilityUnauthorizedAdjustable depth and strength
Reproductive PrincipleAir movement principleTelephone principle (electromagnetic field communication)
Wave SpeedApproximately 10 m/s (the speed of sound does not reach the speed of sound)Approximately 1500 m/s (supersonic speed)
Feeling of PainPain during treatment (maximum strength on the surface of the skin)Painlessness (skin surface painlessness)
Applicable CircumstancesChronic superficial surface problems (like ball elbow, superficial plantar fasciitis)Deep tissue problems (as in the skin, ischial area, and bone basin) and acute cases
Treatment OrderNormal demand 3-10thNormal demand 2-5th

ESWT: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

ESWT encapsulates four types of shock waves: focused shock waves, defocused shock waves, radial pressure waves, and planar shock waves.

  • Focused Shock Wave Therapy (FSWT) focuses high energy onto a specific focal point, penetrating up to 12cm deep. Its small and precise target area makes it suitable for deep tissue injuries, bone diseases, and soft tissue calcification.
  • Defocused Shock Wave Therapy (DSWT) delivers energy to a larger surface area, suitable for treating acute and chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and wound healing.
  • Radial Pressure Wave Therapy (RSWT) uses lower energy waves, below the speed of sound, with a shallow penetration depth of approximately 3- 4 cm. Its larger target area makes it suitable for diffuse problems, such as muscle diseases, trigger point pain, and myofascial pain.
  • Planar Shock Wave Therapy (PSWT) is a complementary form of focused therapy in ESWT devices. Used in conjunction with focused therapy sources for orthopedic indications, planar shockwaves are typically used for large-area myofascial syndromes near the superficial skin, targeting different depths than traditional focused shockwaves.

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