What it is
Regulatory status: device-based therapy; clearance and indications depend on the exact device and jurisdiction
Mechanism evidence: human
At a glance
What it is, why people use it, the evidence, and what to know before trying it.
Why people use it
- Pain and function in selected tendinopathies
- Proactive joint rejuvenation
Evidence at a glance
ESWT has evidence for some diagnosed tendinopathies, with mixed effects by site and calcification status. Evidence does not establish broad multi-joint treatment of asymptomatic tissue as proactive rejuvenation.
Confidence: moderate
Practice safety
Situations where this practice may need modification or professional guidance.
Treatment can cause pain, bruising, swelling and skin irritation. Avoid treatment over infection, malignancy, open growth plates, major neurovascular structures or bleeding risk without specialist guidance; correct diagnosis and targeting matter.
Forms and variants
This review does not automatically apply to:
- radial pressure-wave therapy
- Sofwave ultrasound skin treatment
- StemWave-branded devices without confirmed waveform
Seen in protocols
Public protocols that include Focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Open one to see the full context and source.