Please visit our Learn More About Shock Wave page to find resources on this therapy to study for yourself. We will provide an abbreviated explanation of the technology here.

CLICK HERE to view the STORZ MEDICAL Physics & Technology Brochure

FOCUSED SHOCK WAVES
Essentially, there are three main generation principles for focused shock waves:

  • Electrohydraulic (Ellipsoid or “spark plug”) Principle: an electrode is submerged in a water-filled ellipsoid reflector housing. A high voltage is applied generating a shockwave between the tips of the electrode. The shockwave is reflected by the surface of the ellipsoid, thus focusing it into the tissue. 
  • Piezoelectric Principle: piezoelectric crystals are mounted on the inside of a water-filled sphere. A high voltage current is applied to the crystals causing them to contract and expand which generates a shockwave. The placement of the crystals and shape of the sphere automatically focus the shockwave into the tissue.
  • Electromagnetic Principle: an electric current passes through a coil which generates a magnetic field. This field produces a shockwave via the conductive membrane in surrounding water. The shockwave is then focused with an acoustic lens into the tissue.

The STORZ MEDICAL DUOLITH® utilizes the electromagnetic shock wave generation method. Some disadvantages to using electrohydraulic and piezoelectric include varying focal size (even during treatment sessions), short lifespan of electrodes, and high maintenance costs. We believe that electromagnetic is the most economical and patient-friendly method.

Advantages of the electromagnetic principle include:

  • The entire shock wave is focused

  • Energy delivery is precisely controlled

  • Focal size is constant and can be adjusted through the geometry of the lenses

  • High total energy per shock wave

  • Long lifespan on hand piece (avg. 1 million pulses)

RADIAL SHOCK WAVES
Radial Shock Waves a.k.a. Pressure Waves are generated pneumatically via a tube and projectile located inside the hand piece.  The wave is released into the tissue and radiates within, affecting a larger area than a focused shock wave does, yet not penetrating as deeply as a focused shock wave. Because of this, we have found that radial shock wave therapy is especially beneficial for treating superficial injuries and areas that benefit from deep-tissue stimulation such as muscles and backs. 

Advantages of Radial Shock Wave Therapy include:

  • Quieter equipment; should not spook the patient

  • More portable equipment

  • Less painful treatment; depending on the patient, anesthesia/sedation is not required

  • Covers a larger area than focused shock waves; especially beneficial for muscle and large tissue areas

  • Less expensive than focused shock wave therapy

  • Long lifespan on hand piece (avg. 1 million pulses) with maintenance performed by user

Biological Results of Focused & Radial Shock Waves include:

  • Tissue regeneration via stem cell activation and migration

  • Improved blood circulation initiating healing in treated area

  • Long-term stimulation of metabolism

  • Pain relief in only a few treatment sessions

  • Changes in cell membrane permeability

  • Growth factor (VEGF, etc.) promotion

  • Mitochondrial changes

  • Neurotransmitter dilution (Substance P)

  • Nitric Oxygen (NO) promotion

  • Free radical liberation

Important: A period of analgesia exists following ESWT treatments. Please be careful to ensure the underlying musculoskeletal disorders have improved enough before allowing patient to participate in excessive activities.

A proposed cascade of biological mechanism of extracorporeal shock waves in musculoskeletal tissues. Source: ISMST Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1

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USA FDA notice: Some equipment listed here is not approved by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for human use. Inquire regarding details.