Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

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Medicine uses waves generated extraneously through pressure that are then transmitted to a medium. This is called extracorporeal shockwave therapy. In orthopedics these shockwaves are employed to erode calcifications on tendons (tennis/golfer elbow, heel spur) and joints (calcified shoulder). They are also used to stimulate bone neoformation in cases of decelerated bone healing as well as in the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and shortened fascia (Dupuytren’s contracture).

Shockwaves, usually applied to so-called trigger points, can also help in cases of persistent, painful muscle tension (especially in the shoulders and neck).