In urology where SW were first utilized (ESWL) as a destructive force, SWT is now utilized as a regenerative and restorative modality redefining andrology, addressing the issue of erectile dysfunction and is showing very promising results [53–59]. Other investigations include the utility of SWT in dystonia and spasticity [135–140], diabetic neuropathy [141, 142], knee osteoarthritis [143–145], low back pain syndromes [146], uterine fibroids [147], and possible intervention in Langerhans islet beta-cell regeneration in type-1 diabetes mellitus [148], among other emerging indications. The potential clinical utility of SWT is vast and more vigorous research, clinical exploration and collaboration is required to provide firm support for its use and to receive the recognition and funding from both the public and private healthcare sectors.
Fig. 7. a Intracorporeal shockwave (SW) treatment of the heart: Holfeld et al. [64], Dept. of Cardiac Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria. b Specialised intracorporeal SW (electrohydraulic) applicator designed for open heart interventions.
Conclusion
With over 3 decades of utility since its inception into medicine, SWT has continued to extend its utility over multiple disciplines and has continued to be widely investigated by researchers globally. No two devices will produce the exact same stimulus, and this fact will have an influence and impact on clinical efficacy and outcomes. Therefore, the selection of appropriate technology, and the employment of effective assessment and application techniques is a pertinent fact for clinical success. The safety, noninvasive nature, and systemic neutrality of SWT makes it a unique interventional modality, and the expansion of its utility may provide a more sanative approach for the management of multiple pathologies. The increased utility of SWT has the potential to improve the quality of life and productivity across the lifespan, while reducing the burdens of global healthcare costs.
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