16 May 2019 Shock waves are mechanical waves (similar to ultrasound) that have a higher frequency and density of energy. When used in human medicine, they come from an external device and are concentrated on a target in the body, the area to be treated. Shock waves spread in the human body according to the laws of acoustics. Since most body tissues have acoustic properties similar to water, pressure waves spread through the body without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. Calcifications in the tendons or calculi in the kidneys and ureter are broken into small pieces by the shock waves, because their acoustic properties are different from water. Extracorporeal lithotripsy , widely used in the treatment of kidney stones, is currently a new form of treatment for soft tissue pain near the bones. It is used in orthopaedics and physical and rehabilitation medicine . The following are often difficult problems to solve: Acute, chronic pain of the soft tissue of the locomotive system; Non-consolidation of bone fractures. The advantage of extracorporeal lithotripsy lies in the fact that it is non-invasive and painless . There is no injury to the skin. The main uses of extracorporeal lithotripsy in orthopaedics and physical and rehabilitation medicine include: Shoulder - rotator cuff calcification (frozen shoulder); Elbow - epicondylan tendinitis (tennis elbow) and epitrochlean tendinitis (golfer's elbow); Foot - heel spur with or without calcification, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon disease; Other uses - slow bone healing after fractures, chronic bursitis, pseudoarthrosis, patellar tendinitis, insertion tendinitis. Extracorporeal lithotripsy can in many cases (about 70%) eliminate the need for surgery often in a single session. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
