Evidence library

ESWT Research Hub

Clinical summaries of ESWT research translated into practical takeaways for MSK clinicians.

Emerging evidenceMeta-Analysis2026Spine

Strong evidenceSystematic review2024

Plantar fasciopathy · Radial / Focused

Population: Adults with chronic plantar heel pain
Main outcome: Pain (NRS/VAS) and function at follow-up
Clinical takeaway: ESWT is generally associated with improvements in pain and function in chronic plantar fasciopathy when integrated with a structured rehabilitation pathway.

Moderate evidenceMeta-analysis2023

Lateral epicondylalgia · Focused / Radial

Population: Adults with chronic lateral elbow pain
Main outcome: Pain and grip-related function
Clinical takeaway: Evidence supports ESWT as one option within a multimodal plan; effect sizes vary by device and protocol.

Strong evidenceRCT and reviews2024

Calcific shoulder tendinopathy · Focused

Population: Adults with symptomatic rotator-cuff calcifications
Main outcome: Pain, function, and calcific deposit changes
Clinical takeaway: Focused ESWT is one of the better-supported indications for shockwave therapy in MSK practice.

Moderate evidenceSystematic review2024

Achilles tendinopathy · Radial / Focused

Population: Adults with mid-portion or insertional Achilles pain
Main outcome: VISA-A and pain measures
Clinical takeaway: ESWT may add benefit when combined with progressive loading, particularly in chronic cases.

Emerging evidenceEmerging RCTs2024

Knee osteoarthritis · Radial / Focused

Population: Adults with mild-to-moderate knee OA
Main outcome: Pain (WOMAC/NRS) and function
Clinical takeaway: Emerging evidence suggests potential symptomatic benefit; further high-quality trials are needed.