ARE ALL SOUNDWAVES THE SAME?
Some clinicians falsely assume that shockwave equipment is similar to therapeutic ultrasound (US) since they both utilize soundwaves. It should be noted that therapeutic ultrasound uses a lower intensity sound wave (20 to 1000 mW/cm 2 ) that is delivered at a higher frequency (0.7 to 3.3 MHz.). 11 Therapeutic US waves look like this:
Image obtained from reference 10 in the bibliography.
Continuous US creates thermal effects in tissue by alternating compression and rarefaction of sound waves within tissue. Maximum energy absorption in soft tissue occurs from 2 to 5 cm and intensity decreases as the waves penetrate deeper. 11 Hopefully this review will provide some clarity for readers that are looking to better understand how ESWT can help various conditions as well as which device is best suited for a given practice setting.
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