Around 50 million Americans live with chronic pain. To address chronic pain and other health problems, medical professionals rely on acoustic wave therapy or shockwave therapy.
Both treatment options are types of pulse wave therapies. They use low-intensity acoustic waves to treat conditions and injuries. They also have other medical and cosmetic benefits.
To help our customers understand acoustic wave therapy vs. shockwave therapy, we offer this shockwave therapy guide. We’ll explore how both therapies work.
What Is Acoustic Wave Therapy?
So, what is acoustic wave therapy? Acoustic wave therapy is a type of pulse wave therapy that treats light and superficial injuries. Common injuries that acoustic wave therapy can treat include tennis elbow, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis.
Therapists use a special device to aim low-intensity sound waves at the injured area. The sound waves promote the body’s own natural healing process.
Low-intensity waves generally cannot penetrate deep into the muscle. This is because the waves have a limited energy emission and slower impulse rate than shockwave therapy.
Acoustic wave therapy is completely safe and has no risk of side effects. Patients often notice health improvements within a few days of beginning treatment. The form of therapy is increasingly being used to treat stretch marks and other cosmetic issues.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Now, we’ll explore what is shockwave therapy. The form of pulse wave therapy can treat facial pain, back pain, tendinitis, and other injuries and conditions.
The FDA-approved treatment is also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy. It delivers shock waves to the injured areas of the body. The waves promote healing and reduce pain.
Treatments reply on a special shockwave therapy machine that transmits energy to an applicator that generates shockwaves. The device is fully adjustable, and your physiotherapist can change the pressure and frequency of the waves as needed.
Shockwave therapy is especially helpful for treating lingering pain from a past injury. Treatments for tendinitis often result in success rates of 60 to 80%. Sometimes, the body’s healing process isn’t enough to relieve certain types of discomfort, especially in areas of the body that experience low blood flow.
Which Option Is Right for Me?
Are you are seeking cosmetic treatments or a form of therapy to address chronic pain? Trust your physiotherapist or a trusted medical professional to advise you one way or the other. If you are seeking relief from significant pain from a longstanding injury, only shockwave therapy can provide relief.
Learn More About Acoustic Wave Therapy vs. Shockwave Therapy
While both therapies rely on pulse waves, there are distinct differences between acoustic wave therapy vs. shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy continues to be an effective and safe treatment for a wide range of injuries. Oceanus America offers a wide range of shock therapy products for medical and in-home use. We aim to make everyday wellness a part of your daily life. Contact our office to learn more.