Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a modern, non-invasive treatment method designed to support natural healing processes. Targeted, high-energy shock waves, delivered to the affected tissue via a handpiece, activate regenerative processes—without the need for medication, injections, or surgery.

Shock wave therapy is successfully used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. These include tendon disorders (tendinopathies) such as heel spurs, calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and Achilles tendon problems, as well as orthopedic and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis, or delayed bone healing (pseudoarthrosis). Shock wave therapy also yields good results for myofascial conditions such as trigger points, chronic muscle tension, cervical syndrome, or low back pain.

Yes. Heel spurs (plantar fasciitis) are one of the most common indications for shock wave therapy. A heel spur is a bony protrusion on the heel bone that is associated with pain on the sole of the foot or in the area where the heel meets the foot. Shock wave therapy can help reduce pain, improve blood flow, and stimulate the natural healing processes in the affected tissue. It is considered a proven, non-invasive treatment option for persistent heel pain.

Calcific tendinitis (tendinosis calcarea) is a condition affecting the shoulder tendons in which calcium deposits form in the tendon tissue. These deposits can cause pain and significantly limit shoulder mobility. Shock wave therapy can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote the regeneration of the affected tissue. It has established itself as an effective, non-invasive treatment option for calcific tendinopathy.

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful irritation of the tendon insertions on the outside of the elbow, often caused by repetitive strain on the wrist and forearm. Those affected often experience pain when gripping or lifting objects. Shock wave therapy can help reduce pain, improve blood flow, and promote the regeneration of the irritated tendon tissue.

Yes. Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the tendon insertions on the inner side of the elbow. The symptoms are often caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the forearm muscles and are not limited to golfers. Shockwave therapy can help relieve pain, promote blood flow, and support the regeneration of the affected tendon tissue.

Achillodynia refers to pain and irritation in the area of the Achilles tendon. These symptoms are often caused by overuse, athletic activities, or recurring improper loading of the tendon. Shock wave therapy can promote blood flow, stimulate regenerative processes, and help relieve pain. This can support the healing of tendon tissue and improve the function of the Achilles tendon.

Before treatment, a thorough examination is first conducted to determine the cause of the symptoms and precisely locate the affected area. A contact gel is then applied to the skin to ensure optimal transmission of the shock waves into the tissue. Using a special handpiece, high-energy shock waves are then precisely directed into the tissue to be treated. The intensity and number of pulses are adjusted individually depending on the condition and treatment goal. A session usually lasts between 5 and 15 minutes.

To achieve optimal results, several sessions spaced a few days to a few weeks apart are often necessary. The exact number depends on the individual diagnosis and treatment goal and is determined in consultation with the treating specialist.

Yes. Since shock wave therapy is noninvasive and does not require any downtime, patients can usually resume their normal activities immediately after treatment. This makes shock wave therapy particularly appealing to working professionals and athletes.

Radial shock wave therapy uses ballistic technology and is characterized by broad, even energy distribution. The shock waves penetrate up to about 4 cm deep into the tissue and are particularly suitable for superficial tendon and fascia issues, myofascial trigger points, and large muscle groups. Focused shock wave therapy is based on piezoelectric technology, in which approximately 1,000 piezo crystals precisely concentrate their energy at a defined focal point. With a penetration depth of up to 8 cm, it is particularly suitable for deep-seated pathologies, tendon insertion issues, delayed bone healing, and pseudoarthrosis. The key to treatment success is not whether radial or focused therapy is used, but rather the selection of the appropriate form and intensity of energy for the specific condition.

Shock wave therapy is considered a well-tolerated and low-risk procedure. However, as with any medical treatment, temporary side effects may occur, including mild pain or tenderness after treatment, temporary redness or swelling in the treatment area, small skin hemorrhages or bruises (hematomas), a temporary increase in symptoms in the first few days after treatment, as well as, in rare cases, irritation of nerves or soft tissues. Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own within a few hours or days.

Yes. The effectiveness of ESWT has been demonstrated by numerous scientific studies and systematic reviews. Randomized controlled trials have shown significant improvements in pain and function, particularly for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, and calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Devices in the EMS DolorClast® series are among the most extensively studied shock wave systems worldwide—34 of the 62 randomized controlled ESWT studies in the PEDro database were conducted using DolorClast® devices.

Shock wave therapy is used in orthopedics, physical therapy, and sports medicine, as well as in professional and competitive sports. The treatment has also become established in veterinary medicine. In addition, there are other areas of application, such as the treatment of erectile dysfunction (fESWT), cellulite (rESWT), chronic wounds, and lymphatic disorders.

Shock wave therapy promotes several biological mechanisms: It reduces substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain transmission, inhibits neurogenic inflammatory processes, stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells for tissue repair, promotes the formation of new small blood vessels (angiogenesis), and supports the regeneration of tendons, muscles, bones, and cartilage.

Yes. Cold therapy combined with compression is an effective complementary treatment to support the healing process—especially for sports injuries or after knee or ankle surgery. Lumark combines targeted cold therapy with individually adjustable compression for rapid initial treatment and reliable follow-up care. The anatomically shaped cooling wraps for the knee and ankle are medically approved, reusable, and can be used without external devices or electricity.

Using our practice finder, you can search throughout Austria for certified providers of EMS DolorClast® shock wave therapy near you. Are you a doctor, physical therapist, or healthcare professional interested in testing a shock wave device? Contact us directly via our contact form to request a demo.