ABSTRACT
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) provides a non-invasive option to treat chronic soft-tissue conditions that have notoriously been difficult to treat. This chapter focuses on providing information regarding the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and its efficacy for key musculoskeletal areas. ESWT is a non-invasive procedure whereby shock waves are passed through the skin to the targeted area using a handheld probe attached to either a portable or freestanding device. The exact mechanism of action on tissues of ESWT is unknown. Treatment by ESWT can be used prior to invasive procedures such as surgical debridement. Resolution of calcification was significantly greater in high-energy ESWT than in placebo, whereas results for low-energy ESWT were inconclusive. A scientific study on rabbit patellar tendons demonstrated that ESWT increases collagen synthesis and collagen crosslinking during early healing of tendons. This theoretical laboratory-based finding has been translated into clinical practice with good satisfaction rates in treating patellar tendinopathy using ESWT.
