Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

Cause, clinical and ultrasound findings

• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used in Achilles tendinosis and in refractory tendinopathies and enthesopathies (plantar fasciitis, greater trochanteric insertion overload and lateral epicondylitis).

• It is also used in calcific tendonitis, most commonly in the shoulder but also in other locations.

Equipment and drugs

Commercially available shock wave apparatus are available. Ultrasound guidance is often incorporated into the hardware.