Clinical Guide RPW Shockwave Therapy

11 Radial Pressure Waves
Radial pressure waves are pulses generated by compressed air. The compressed air is used to drive a projectile in a cylinder, located inside the
hand piece, to a shock transmitter. The kinetic energy generated by the motion and weight of the projectile, converts into acoustic energy when
the projectile hits the shock transmitter. The acoustic pulses then spread into the underlying tissue, treating a larger area than the focused
shockwave shown on the previous page. The highest energy level of the pressure waves will be at the tip of the transmitter (max 0, 63 mJ/mm²
at 5 Bar) right on the skin over the treatment point and 4 Bar on the Mobile RPW. The energy level will then gradually decrease as the penetration
depth increases. The penetration depths are normally 0-6 cm (0-2.3”).
Apart from providing focused shockwaves, a treatment with radial pressure waves needs no additional pre examinations or treatments such as
ultrasound imaging, local anesthesia, MRT or X-ray. With a correct handling, RPW is an excellent non invasive treatment method with very few
negative side effects, for indications that normally are very difficult to treat. For these indications we now know that radial pressure waves is a
treatment method that reduces pain as well as improves function and quality of life.