Physical and biological effects of pressure waves

Radial pressure waves generate oscillations in tissue which lead to improved microcirculation and increased metabolic activity.³¹ Despite the multitude of successful treatment outcomes, hardly any scientific research has been conducted so far to investigate the precise biological effects of radial pressure waves.

Interestingly, despite the physical differences and the resulting different application areas (superficial or deep target areas), the stimulation effects and therapeutic mechanisms seem to present certain similarities. Radial pressure waves are ideal for the treatment of superficial pain, for example. In the therapy of myofascial pain syndromes, radial pressure waves are indispensable for smoothing muscles and/or fascia before or after focused shock wave application.

Similarities in the effects of focused shock waves and radial pressure waves can beexplained in terms of mechanotransduction as the underlying mechanism in both cases. Whereas, when focused shock waves are applied, their short wavelength makes it possible for the effects of the stimulation pulse to be specifically exerted either superficially or at depth, with radial pressure waves this can – since they cannot be focused – be achieved only at the surface, with the effect at depth diminishing radially.

Shock waves vs pressure waves

Shock waves and pressure waves differ not only with regard to their physical properties and mode of generation, but also in terms of the magnitude of the standard parameters used and the therapeutic tissue penetration depths achieved. The main differences are summarized in Fig. 18.

Local painful spots, chronic enthesopathies and deep trigger points should be treated with focused shock waves.³²

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