What You Need to Know
Shockwave therapy has transformed modern rehabilitation. But one question patients at ActivAxion Clinic in Montreal often ask is: “What’s the difference between radial and focused shockwave therapy?” In this post, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about radial vs focused shockwave, including how they work, which conditions they treat, and which option might be right for your recovery.
Understanding Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy
When comparing focus shockwave vs radial shockwave, the key distinction lies in the energy delivery and treatment depth.
- Radial shockwave therapy disperses low- to medium-energy pressure waves across a broader area, ideal for superficial injuries.
- Focused shockwave therapy concentrates high-energy acoustic waves deeply into targeted tissue areas, offering pinpoint treatment for chronic pain and deep tissue damage.
At ActivAxion’s Shockwave Therapy Services in Montreal, we only offer Radial Pressurewave Therapy tailored to your pain management and injury recovery goals. Based on the last 5 years experience, here is what we’ve noticed;
Radial seems to do both (cellular/biological response on cartilage and connective tissue. For calcium deposits, only focused shockwave will get to them. Focused shockwave is largely overrated for clinics. Cartilage injuries can be helped with radial pressure wave once all of the function around the joint in question is cleared. In the end, it wasn’t worth spending 70,000-80,000 on a focused shockwave device as Radial has helped us achieve the necessary results for our patients.
Watch This Expert Video About Radial vs Focused Shockwave
RADIAL vs. FOCUSED Shock Waves? The Science Behind the Technology by Univ. Prof. Dr. med. C. Schmitz 2025
“In this video, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Christoph Schmitz, MD PhD, and head of the Basic Science Department at LMU Munich, breaks down the science behind focused and radial shock waves therapy. Drawing from his vast research and numerous studies, Prof. Schmitz explains the fundamental distinctions between the two therapies, how they work at a molecular level, and why high-energy delivery is essential for effective treatments.”
How Does Radial Shockwave Therapy Work?
To understand the full comparison of radial vs focused shockwave, it’s important to answer: How does radial shockwave therapy work?
Radial shockwave therapy uses a pneumatically generated pulse that travels radially from the point of contact on the skin. This disperses mechanical energy into the superficial tissues, stimulating:
- Increased blood flow
- Collagen production
- Reduced inflammation
- Natural tissue regeneration
Radial shock waves are particularly effective for:
We often recommend it for more surface-level musculoskeletal issues at our Montreal clinic’s shockwave therapy center.
What Is Focused Shockwave Therapy?
In the debate of focus shockwave vs radial shockwave, focused therapy stands out for precision.
Focused shockwaves are generated using piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or electrohydraulic technology. These waves are directed into deep tissue at specific depths—perfect for hard-to-reach structures and chronic pain conditions.
Conditions commonly treated include:
- Deep muscle injuries
- Calcific shoulder tendinitis
- Bone non-unions
- Myofascial pain syndrome
“Focused shockwaves can reach depths of up to 12 cm, making them effective for deep-lying musculoskeletal structures.”
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5797059/
At ActivAxion Shockwave Therapy, we only use Radial Shockwave Therapy for customize treatment plans based on your injury depth and pain sensitivity.
Radial vs Focused Shockwave: Which Is Right for You?
Making the right choice between radial and focused shockwave therapy depends on several factors, including the location, severity, and chronicity of your injury.
Radial vs Focused Shockwave Comparison Chart:
| Criteria | Radial Shockwave | Focused Shockwave |
| Depth | Superficial (0–3 cm) | Deep tissue (up to 12 cm) |
| Energy level | Low to medium | High |
| Best for | Tendinopathies, muscle pain | Bone, joints, chronic injuries |
| Sensation | Feels like vibration/tapping | More intense, precise pulses |
“Focused shockwaves provide greater energy density and localization, suitable for calcified and chronic lesions.”
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566462/
If you’re still unsure, our team at ActivAxion in Montreal offers consultations to determine the ideal therapy plan for your unique pain profile.
Combined Radial and Focused Shockwave Therapy for Better Results
In many cases, combining radial and focused shockwave therapy can enhance outcomes. By leveraging both waveforms, therapists can target multiple tissue layers—addressing both the surface-level and deep-tissue sources of pain.
This dual approach may:
- Accelerates healing
- Reduces chronic inflammation
- Increases range of motion
Our Montreal therapists are trained in custom protocols that integrate various therapies and techniques, offering a full-spectrum solution through our Montreal shockwave services.
Real Results from Montreal’s Experts in Shockwave Therapy
Patients at ActivAxion consistently report improved function and pain reduction after both radial and focused shockwave therapy. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from sports injuries or dealing with persistent lower back pain, our experts use the latest evidence-based techniques to accelerate recovery.
What I’ve learned from working with both radial and focused shockwave therapy is that choosing the appropriate type of energy closely parallels the principles of medication prescribing. In fact, the “Five Rights” of medication administration can be thoughtfully applied to shockwave therapy:
- Right Patient: Shockwave therapy should be used for the correct clinical indications, with careful screening to defer treatment in patients who have contraindications, ensuring their safety.
- Right Treatment (analogous to “Right Drug”): While shockwave therapies aren’t drugs, selecting the appropriate modality—radial or focused—and applying the correct technique is just as crucial as prescribing the right medication.
- Right Dose: Administering the correct intensity and number of pulses is vital. Too much energy may cause harm, while too little may yield suboptimal results.
- Right Route: Just as medications must be given via the correct route, shockwave therapy must be delivered using the appropriate method—radial or focused—based on the condition being treated.
- Right Time: Timing matters. Therapy should be provided in alignment with both clinical guidelines and individualized patient needs to maximize outcomes.
Check out our patient success stories and book an evaluation at our shockwave therapy clinic in Montreal.
FAQ: Radial vs Focused Shockwave
Is radial shockwave therapy painful?
Most patients describe it as an intense tapping sensation. It’s tolerable and typically less painful than focused therapy.
How many sessions do I need?
Depending on your condition, most patients see results after 3–6 sessions. Your therapist will recommend a tailored plan.
Can I do both therapies together?
Yes. At ActivAxion, we often combine radial and focused shockwave therapy for maximum healing benefits.
What is the best type of shockwave therapy?
There is no single “best” type of shockwave therapy—both radial and focused modalities have their place, depending on the condition being treated. The greatest factor in achieving positive results is not the device itself, but working with a qualified shockwave therapy provider. A skilled practitioner will perform a thorough evaluation of your condition and design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Get Pain Relief Now with Shockwave Therapy
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Conclusion:
Choosing Between Focus Shockwave vs Radial Shockwave
Whether you’re considering radial vs focused shockwave for a sports injury, chronic pain, or post-operative rehab, it’s essential to understand how each works and which will be most effective for your specific needs.
At ActivAxion Montreal, our licensed therapists and medical staff use both focus shockwave vs radial shockwave techniques based on evidence-based guidelines and your personalized assessment.
Don’t let pain slow you down—experience the healing power of shockwave therapy today.