Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Laser Therapy – Differences, Synergies, and Expert Knowledge

In the seminar, the differences and mechanisms of action of shock wave therapy were explained as well as the Benefits of a combination indicated with laser therapy for an even faster healing. In addition, Alexander Ablass illustrated why a solid training the therapists is crucial for optimal results. Also discussed were the Diversity of device systems and how different quality standards affect efficacy. Last but not least, there was an outlook on the latest EMS medical technology devices for shock wave therapy and high-power laser as well as information on upcoming workshops.

Differences between shockwave therapy and laser therapy

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Shock wave therapy and laser therapy work in different ways to support the healing process. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) uses mechanical pressure waves that are directed into the tissue from the outside. These shock waves—which are either acoustically generated (in focused technology) or mechanically generated (in radial technology)—create tiny mechanical stresses and microstimulations in the treated tissue, triggering the body’s self-healing response.

Laser therapy

In contrast, laser therapy uses concentrated light to achieve biological effects at the cellular level. Lasers deliver photothermal and, above all, photochemical impulses: their photons penetrate tissue and stimulate the cells' mitochondria, which triggers a cascade of cellular activations (photobiomodulation).

Common Goals, Different Paths

Both methods ultimately pursue a common goal: to accelerate healing and relieve pain. However, they do so through different mechanisms of action. Shockwave therapy initiates controlled stimulation and revitalization of the tissue, whereas laser therapy acts as a gentle catalyst for cellular processes.

Synergies: Combining Shock Waves and Lasers for Faster Healing

A central topic of the seminar was the question of how shock wave therapy and laser therapy combine to achieve even better treatment results. The good news: Shock waves and lasers complement each other exceptionally well.
In sports medicine and rehabilitation, it has been shown that the combined use of these two technologies can lead to greater pain relief and faster healing. If the injured tissue is pretreated with laser therapy at a wavelength of 904 nm or 905 nm, the patient’s perception of pain during shock wave therapy is significantly reduced. This allows the therapist to deliver more energy to the tissue during the subsequent shockwave treatment, which further accelerates the healing process. Scientific studies¹ have shown that the correct combination of the two procedures – e.g. in plantar fasciitis – delivers significantly better results than either therapy alone.
¹ Prof. Dr. Ch. Schmitz 2021

Training: Why Expertise Makes All the Difference

High-end technologies such as shockwave and laser therapy can only reach their full potential if they properly applied become. A recurring point in the seminar was therefore the importance of the correct Education and user experience. Both Alexander Ablass and Prof. Schmitz emphasized that the choice of optimal treatment parameters and the proper handling The devices determine the success of the treatment. But that’s not all—every person is unique, and so are their physical sensations. In shock wave therapy, there is rarely a standard setting for a specific condition. Therefore, it is very difficult to specify treatment parameters for ESWT treatments. It is important to view the person as a whole, to identify the cause rather than merely treating symptoms, and to adjust the parameters based on the patient’s current daily condition. A sustainable problem-solving It begins, therefore, with a thorough and comprehensive medical history, benefits enormously from the therapist’s experience in using the equipment as well as their empathy, and is by no means limited to the proper follow-up care of the patient!

Devices and quality: Impact on efficacy

Last but not least, the seminar highlighted the importance of high-quality Therapeutic devices received. Modern high-end shockwave devices such as the Swiss DolorClast® from EMS meet the highest quality standards and are specially developed for effective pain therapy. In addition, the The Swiss DolorClast High Power Laser was introduced; its high energy density enables rapid pain relief and effective reduction of inflammation.

CONCLUSION – Leverage innovations – and continue training!

The seminar made it clear that shock wave therapy and laser treatments have become indispensable in modern physical therapy and sports medicine. Both therapies offer effective ways to treat pain and accelerate healing—especially when they are strategically combined and administered by well-trained therapists. Solid expertise, high-quality technology, and a holistic treatment approach are crucial to the success of the therapy. Therapists who want to keep their knowledge up to date can benefit enormously from such continuing education courses.

Next Professional Development Opportunity

Through the MTR Academy, we offer regular continuing education opportunities in areas such as shock wave and laser therapy, among others.