Introduction

If traditional treatments haven’t provided the relief you need for an injury that’s taking forever to heal properly, it might be time to explore some new therapies that are generating a buzz in the medical world.

Two treatments gaining traction are pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and shockwave therapy. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ? Continue reading to know.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that utilises acoustic waves (sound waves) to promote healing in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It has become a popular option for managing chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions.

How Does a Shockwave Work?

According to a study, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) utilises shockwaves to trigger a cascade of cellular responses within tissues. These responses include pain reduction, improved blood flow (vascularisation), increased protein production (biosynthesis), cell multiplication (proliferation), and protection of nerves and cartilage (neuro and chondroprotection). ESWT also breaks down calcium deposits in musculoskeletal structures. The combined effect is tissue regeneration and pain relief, ultimately improving the injured area’s function.  This evidence positions ESWT as a promising regenerative medicine technique with many applications in musculoskeletal injury treatment.

What are The Two Types of Shockwave Therapy?

1. Focused shockwave therapy

This method delivers high-energy, targeted pulses to a specific area, ideal for deep-tissue injuries.

2. Radial shockwave therapy

This approach uses lower-energy waves radiating outwards, which is suitable for treating broader areas or superficial injuries.

What Does Shockwave Therapy Do?

Shockwave therapy is used to treat many conditions. Some of them are:

• Tendinopathies

This common condition causes inflammation and pain in a tendon. According to a research study, shockwave therapy can be particularly beneficial for chronic tendonitis that hasn’t responded well to other treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, or medication. Examples include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and Achilles tendonitis.

• Chronic Lower Back Pain

The evidence suggests that shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic lower back pain, especially in the short term.

• Plantar Fasciitis

This painful condition affects the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot. Shockwave therapy helps stimulate healing and reduce pain in the heel and arch of the foot. A study involving 79 patients with plantar fasciitis showed shockwave therapy to be a promising treatment.  75.3% of patients reported being pain-free after a year, with nearly all (99.7%) experiencing some improvement.  The treatment was safe, with no complications reported, and the benefits lasted long-term with a low recurrence rate of only 5%. These results suggest shockwave therapy as a valuable option for managing plantar fasciitis pain.

• Erectile Dysfunction

According to studies, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) improves erectile function and penile hemodynamics in men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction without adverse effects.

How Painful Is Shockwave?

Shockwave therapy is often considered a painful procedure due to its name. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. 

Here’s a breakdown of what patients can typically expect:

• Generally Uncomfortable, Not Highly Painful

Most patients describe shockwave therapy as uncomfortable rather than intensely painful. The sensation is often likened to a deep tissue massage or tapping on the treated area.

• Individual Tolerance Varies

Pain perception is subjective, and what one person finds tolerable might be uncomfortable for another. Factors like the patient’s pain tolerance, the location of treatment (areas closer to bone tend to be more sensitive), and the intensity settings of the device can all influence the level of discomfort experienced.

When Should You Not Use Shockwave Therapy?

While shockwave therapy offers numerous benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. For example:

• People with specific medical conditions like uncontrolled bleeding disorders, infections in the area being treated, or osteoporosis may not be good candidates. The intense shockwaves could exacerbate or make these conditions worse. 
• Pregnant women are also typically recommended to avoid shockwave therapy, as there is limited research on whether it could negatively impact the developing fetus.  
• The shockwaves can also interfere with the proper functioning of implantable medical devices like pacemakers or defibrillators. So, for safety reasons, those with such devices usually cannot undergo shockwave treatments. 
• Areas with active cancerous tumours or lesions are another contraindication, as the effects of the shockwaves on active cancer cells are not well understood.

Is Shockwave Therapy the Same as PEMF Therapy?

While both shockwave therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF therapy) address pain and promote healing in musculoskeletal conditions, they differ greatly in their approach. 

Here are the key differences: 

1. Technology

Shockwave therapy uses strong sound waves to give a forceful massage to the area that hurts. It’s like giving that spot a firm push to wake it up and get it healing. This deep pushing works well for long-lasting tendons, ligaments, and bone pain.

PEMF therapy is gentler. It uses low-energy electromagnetic waves that lightly pulse through your body. Instead of a hard push, it’s more like gently rocking your cells to reduce inflammation and kick-start healing. 

2. Application

The strong shockwaves are best for stubborn injuries deep under the skin, like chronic tendon problems. But the PEMF helps with a wider range of issues – pain, swelling, wounds, even boosting bone strength – whether close to the surface or deeper down.

3. Effects

Shockwave is an intense targeted punch, while PEMF is a gentler overall full-body wave treatment. The shockwave focuses on deeper pain spots, while PEMF has more versatility.

Deciding Between the Two

Consider Shockwave Therapy if:

• You have chronic pain in tendons, ligaments, or bones that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
• You need a targeted approach to stimulate deep tissue repair.

Consider PEMF Therapy if:

• You’re looking for a broader approach to address pain inflammation and promote healing.
• You prefer a more comfortable treatment option.
• You have concerns about potential discomfort associated with shockwave therapy.

Side Effects of Shockwave vs. PEMF Therapy

Both shockwave therapy and PEMF therapy boast impressive safety profiles, but it’s essential to be aware of side effects:

Shockwave Therapy

• Temporary Discomfort

The most common side effect is temporary discomfort or soreness at the treatment site. This usually subsides within a few days.

• Skin Bruising

In some cases, minor bruising might occur at the treatment area.

• Rare Side Effects

More serious side effects like nerve damage or bleeding are uncommon but can occur.

PEMF Therapy

• Minimal to No Side Effects

PEMF therapy is generally well-tolerated, with minimal to no reported side effects.

In rare cases, some individuals might experience mild, temporary discomfort, such as tingling or a heating sensation during treatment.

Where Can You Receive These Therapies?

You can receive PEMF and shockwave therapy at clinics or medical facilities, where trained professionals will administer the treatments. However, at-home devices are more convenient and cost-effective.

For PEMF therapy at home, PEMF BioMats from Recovery Systems are highly recommended. These high-quality mats combine pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) with other healing modalities like negative ion generation, far infrared rays, heat and red light therapy. With multiple size options to fit your needs, the BioMat allows you to experience the benefits of PEMF conveniently at home on your own schedule.

For shockwave therapy one of the top options available online for shockwave therapy is the Ed Equalizer Shockwave Therapy Device. 

Conclusion

PEMF therapy uses gentle electromagnetic fields for various conditions, while shockwave therapy utilises forceful soundwaves targeted at stubborn musculoskeletal injuries. PEMF is generally considered more comfortable with fewer side effects, while shockwave can cause some discomfort during treatment. The choice depends on the specific condition and the patient’s preferences regarding treatment intensity. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the most suitable option.

People Also Ask

What is the Difference Between PEMF and EMF?

EMF stands for electromagnetic fields. This general term covers all the different types of electromagnetic radiation out there – everything from extremely low-frequency waves to ultraviolet light from the sun. EMFs are generated by all sorts of sources like power lines, electronics, and even the sun itself.

PEMF, on the other hand, refers specifically to pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. With PEMF, devices create low-frequency electromagnetic fields in a controlled way for therapeutic purposes. The key differences are that PEMF uses very low frequencies, typically in the extremely low-frequency range, and it applies these fields in short, focused pulses targeted to certain areas of the body.

So, while EMFs are just any kind of electromagnetic radiation occurring naturally or from man-made sources, PEMF is an intentional medical application of low-frequency pulsed fields designed to promote healing and impact cellular function in specific ways.

What is the Difference Between EMTT and PEMF?

Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) and PEMF utilise magnetic fields for therapeutic purposes but differ in their application and intensity. EMTT is stronger than PEMF, with a higher penetration depth at both the cellular and nerve levels. This allows EMTT to address a broader range of medical conditions than PEMF, which primarily targets muscle-related issues.

EMTT’s higher magnetic field strength (> 10 mT) result in a more potent “effective transduction power,” distinguishing it from the general forms of magnetic field therapy provided by PEMF.