Shockwave Therapy

What to know about
extracorporeal
shockwave therapy
 What is it?
 How it works
 How effective is it?
 Devices
 Side effects
 Insurance
 FAQ
 Summary
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses shock
waves to help with healing, pain reduction, and
repair processes. It is a noninvasive treatment
option for various conditions that affect the
musculoskeletal system.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses a device to produce shock

waves and transmit them to a certain area of the body. These pressure waves
result in a biological effect within the body, promoting certain processes and
helping to reduce pain.
ESWT treatment requires multiple doses and sessions. With appropriate use,
it generally does not lead to severe complications. Still, there is a risk of side
effects, and doctors do not recommend it in certain cases.
This article will address what ESWT is, how it works, side effects, limitations,
effectiveness, and other common questions.
What is extracorporeal shockwave

therapy?
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ESWT is a noninvasive therapy that uses shock waves to help promote

healing and reduce pain. It is a treatment option for various conditions
affecting the following:
 muscles
 tissues
 joints
 bones
 other parts of the musculoskeletal system
ESWT developed out ofTrusted Source extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy,

another type of shock wave therapy doctors use to break up kidney stones.
How does extracorporeal

shockwave therapy work?
ESWT uses a device to apply short, high energy sound waves to specific
areas of the body. Intensity levels and types of shock waves depend on a
person’s treatment.
When these pressure waves pass through the body’s tissues, they cause a
biological response that promotes healing, repair, and pain relief. However,
researchers do not yet fully understand exactly how these therapeutic effects
occur.
ESWT takes time to work and tends to involve multiple sessions over time. A
single session can involve hundreds or thousands of shock waves.
Healthcare professionals use ESWT to help treat various musculoskeletal

conditions, such as:
 tendinopathies
 tendonitis
 osteoarthritis
 low back pain
 nerve entrapments
 fractures
 delayed bone healing
 osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis
How effective is extracorporeal

shockwave therapy?
According to a 2023 reviewTrusted Source, health experts consider ESWT an
effective treatment. However, its effectiveness can depend on a person’s
condition, the protocols healthcare professionals use, and other factors.
For example, a 2018 studyTrusted Source found that ESWT lowered pain
intensity and improved quality of life and function in patients with plantar
fasciitis and other tendon issues. Meanwhile, other researchTrusted
Source suggests that ESWT has been less effective in treating femoral head
necrosis than other bone conditions.
Devices
Multiple devices can administer shock waves. Some produce focal shock
waves, while others produce radial waves.
Focal shock waves have a higher intensity that can reachTrusted

Source areas deep within the tissue. A special generator produces them, and
a lens focuses and sends them into the body.
Meanwhile, radial shock waves have a lower intensity. Radial

devices createTrusted Source shock waves by using compressed air to move
a projectile quickly. The projectile then transfers its energy to the applicator,
which transmits the shock wave through the skin. The intensity is greatest at
the applicator and then decreases as it moves deeper into the body.
Side effects and limitations

Health expertsTrusted Source generally consider ESWT safe for most people
with correct use. Improper use, inappropriate doses, and other factors may
increase the chances of experiencing side effects.
Some of the typical side effects a person experiences may include:
 minor or moderate pain or discomfort

 skin discoloration
 mild bruising
 tingling
 numbness
 swelling
 nerve irritation
 dizziness
 inflammation
 throbbing
However, health experts do not recommend ESWT in certain cases. In some

situations, high energy doses are inadvisable, though low energy doses may
be more suitable.
ESWT, or specifically high energy ESWT, may be inappropriate whenTrusted

Source a person has:
 a serious infection
 complete tendon rupture
 bleeding or blood clotting disorders
 cancerous tissue in the treatment area
 cancer that has spread
 multiple myeloma
 lymphoma
It may also be inappropriate for pregnant people.
In addition, high energy ESWT is unsuitable when certain structures, such as

a growth, a plate, or the spine, are present in the treatment area.
Does insurance cover costs?

Insurance may not cover ESWT costs. Doctors may not consider it a
medically necessary treatment.
Someone can check with their insurance provider to see if ESWT meets their
coverage criteria.
Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to common questions about ESWT.
What does extracorporeal shockwave therapy do?

ESWT uses shock waves to help reduce pain and encourage healing or repair
in the treatment area. It is an option for people with certain musculoskeletal
conditions.
What are the negative side effects of shockwave

therapy?
With appropriate use, side effects are not usually severe. Still, they may
include pain, swelling, skin discoloration, bruising, tingling, numbness, nerve
irritation, or dizziness.
How painful is shockwave therapy?
A person may experience pain or discomfort during ESWT treatment itself.

However, a doctor can adjust doses according to pain levels.
Who should not receive shockwave therapy?
A doctor can decide whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for a person.
Generally, the technique is inadvisable for people who are pregnant or have a
severe infection, a serious blood clot disorder, certain injuries, or certain
structures in the treatment area. It may also be unsuitable for those with
certain cancers.
Low energy doses may sometimes be more suitable over high energy ESWT.
Summary
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a noninvasive treatment option
for certain musculoskeletal disorders. This therapy uses shock waves to help
promote healing, pain reduction, and repair in the treatment area. The type of
shock waves and level of intensity vary according to individual treatment.
Doctors generally consider the technique effective, although its effectiveness

depends on the condition and other factors. It is unsuitable in certain cases.
Some side effects a person can experience may include pain, skin
discoloration, tingling, and bruising.

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What to know about

 How effective is it?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses a device to produce shock

What is extracorporeal shockwave

ESWT is a noninvasive therapy that uses shock waves to help promote

ESWT developed out ofTrusted Source extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy,

How does extracorporeal

Healthcare professionals use ESWT to help treat various musculoskeletal

How effective is extracorporeal

Focal shock waves have a higher intensity that can reachTrusted

Meanwhile, radial shock waves have a lower intensity. Radial

Side effects and limitations

Some of the typical side effects a person experiences may include:

 minor or moderate pain or discomfort

However, health experts do not recommend ESWT in certain cases. In some

ESWT, or specifically high energy ESWT, may be inappropriate whenTrusted

It may also be inappropriate for pregnant people.

In addition, high energy ESWT is unsuitable when certain structures, such as

Does insurance cover costs?

Frequently asked questions

What does extracorporeal shockwave therapy do?

What are the negative side effects of shockwave

How painful is shockwave therapy?

A person may experience pain or discomfort during ESWT treatment itself.

Who should not receive shockwave therapy?

A doctor can decide whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for a person.

Doctors generally consider the technique effective, although its effectiveness

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