Summary
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a novel therapeutic modality and its use
in promoting connective tissue repair and analgesic effect has been advocated in the
literature. It is convenient, cost-effective, and has negligible complications; it
therefore bypasses many of the problems associated with surgical interventions. This
paper reviews the proposed mechanisms of action in promoting tissue repair and regeneration
as well as analysing its efficacy providing an analgesic effect in clinical applications.
Further research will be required to not only identify the underlying mechanisms more
precisely, but will also be critical for ensuring consistency across the literature
so that the most beneficial treatment protocol can be developed. Extracorporeal shockwave
therapy stands as a promising alternative modality in promoting tissue repair.
Keywords
Shockwave - mechanisms - healing