The Usage of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine

Abstract

Since its first appearance in the 1980s, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has expanded beyond the treatment of gallbladder stone. As a novel treatment in the field of rehabilitation, ESWT stands out because while being non-invasive, it is also comparable to traditional treatments in areas such as orthopedic rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation and spasm relief. The goal of ESWT is to stimulate healing of the target tissue itself by improving circulation, reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Although its biological mechanism is not fully understood, ESWT have shown potential beyond one's expectation out of a physical therapy device and will be applicable to more areas in the future. This article took a look at the utilization of ESWT in physical therapy and some of its recent advancement.