Abstract

Since its inception with lithotripsy over 3 decades ago, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a globally used treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. ESWT is a non-invasive anabolic modality promoting neovascularization and angiogenesis by inducing the body’s own secretion of growth factors and inflammatory mediators. Using machine-based energy via acoustic waves, ESWT facilitates bone and connective tissue metabolism and homeostasis with multiple therapeutic applications. ESWT provides analgesia via denervation and reinnervation of sensory nerves and disruption of C-Fibers. It has demonstrated safety and efficacy in a wide range of upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions involving soft tissue, tendon, and bone. Given the universal increased incidence of musculoskeletal pain, physicians are seeking minimally invasive and cost-effective tools. Along with the emergence of orthobiologic injections, shockwave is gaining popularity by leveraging the body’s inherent ability to self-heal. This article provides a narrative review of ESWT for chronic musculoskeletal injuries and its potential as a biologic tool.

Keywords:Shockwave therapy; Orthobiologic tool; Musculoskeletal injuries; Acoustic waves