Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for musculoskeletal pathology--a literature review

For more than two decades extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy has emerged as the standard therapy for calculi in the kidney and urinary tract, and biliary system. Application of extracorporeal shock waves in orthopaedics involves treatment of recalcitrant chronic pain of plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and calcifying tendonitis of the shoulder. This review explores current evidence-based issues related to its potential use as a treatment option for some musculoskeletal conditions.